Abstract: Apparatus for assisting an operator in doffing a yarn package from a textile winder, the yarn being wound on a hollow tube; the hollow tube in turn being mounted on and rotatively locked on a winding mandrel of the winder and having an end portion of the tube extending axially outwardly of the end of the winding mandrel. The apparatus comprises an abutting member for insertion within the extending tube end portion for abutment against the winding mandrel end and a series of gripping members concentric with the abutting member and actuatable for expanding radially outwardly into gripping engagement with the inside surface of the tube end portion.