Abstract: A drill rod changing apparatus is disclosed including a support assembly connected to a drilling rig for supporting a plurality of drill rods. Connected to the support assembly is a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a drill rod along the longitudinal axis of a drill string. Movement of the drill rod along the longitudinal axis of the drill string is assisted by a gripping assembly which engages a drill rod integrated with the lifting mechanism. The gripping assembly further assists in threading or unthreading adjacent coupling connections to the drill rod by preventing rotation of the drill rod while an adjacent connection is unthreaded. The apparatus further enables rotation of a gripped drill rod from a first position at the drill string to a second storage position.