EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8) pertaining to (i) the Amended and Restated 1996 Equity Participation
Plan of Varco International, Inc. (No. 333-38064), (ii) the D.O.S. Ltd. 1993
Stock Option Plan (No. 333-05237), (iii) the Tuboscope Vetco International Inc.
401(k) Thrift Savings Plan (No. 333-43385), (iv) the Tuboscope Inc. Employee
Qualified Stock Purchase Plan (No. 333-56039) (v) the Tuboscope Inc. Deferred
Compensation Plan (No. 333-56041) and (v) the Varco 1980 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, the Varco International, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan and the Varco
International, Inc. 1994 Directors' Stock Option Plan (No. 333-38066) of Varco
International, Inc. of our report dated January 26, 2001 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of Varco International, Inc.
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.

                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas
March 8, 2001