Abstract: In a device for gripping and lifting tamping tools or for holding raised tamping tools in a tamping machine, the individual tamping tools rods are clamped in abutments (2) by slideable clamping members (3). In the device for lifting tamping tools, a controllable working cylinder (6), connected to each abutment (2), raises and lowers the abutment (2). An additional non-controllable cylinder (5) is connected to the clamping member (3) which has cylinder chambers which are connected to a non-pressurized tank of working fluid. This cylinder (5) opposes the movement of the abutment (2) because of the volume displaced from the cylinder chambers. At the initiation of the lifting stroke, the clamping member (3) is pulled tightly into the abutment and thus the tamping tool rod is clamped and lifted along therewith. At the beginning of the lowering motion of the abutment (2), the clamping member is disengaged by the action of the cylinder (5), thus releasing the tamping tool (4).