This paper describes a field-verified model that predicts weight transfer effects for three common techniques—axial vibration tools (AVTs), non-rotating protectors (NRPs) and pipe rocking from the surface (top drive oscillations). Friction has a large effect on drilling horizontal wells, especially while slide drilling. This paper discusses the use of as-drilled well data to assess the individual and collective effects of these drag-reduction methods. Prior to drilling the wells, these methods can be used in torque and drag engineering software models to more accurately predict challenges and feasible lateral lengths. Using these modeling techniques, it is demonstrated through several case histories that operators can effectively plan horizontal wells with longer lateral lengths; in other words, it can be analyzed if drilling the well is technically possible and economically feasible.

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