Abstract: A device for handling rods for oil-well drilling, said device having a motor (21) associated with a reduction gear (22), the motor being suspended from a hook (8) and rotating a hollow vertical shaft (20) about its axis, said shaft being connected to a drilling sludge inlet pipe, wherein around said shaft is disposed a jack which has a cylinder (26) integral with the shaft and an annular piston (24) which is rotated with the shaft and which can undergo translation movements parallel to said axis, said piston (24) inside the cylinder (26) is extended outside the cylinder by a tubular end piece (33) which has a screw thread at its lower portion so as to be able to screw onto a drilling rod, the device further including a set of retractable claws (42) and a set of shoes (44) which allow the first set of rods to be both supported and held motionless, said set of claws and of shoes being guided so that they come into contact with guide units (41B, 43 B) which are prevented from rotating and are connected to a hous