Abstract: A placement and removal apparatus for use in insertion and withdrawal of a well point and the like includes a vertical support column and a gripping carriage that may be moved vertically along the support column. The gripping carriage includes a carriage frame with first upper and second lower clamp assemblies vertically spaced apart and disposed on the carriage frame. Each clamp assembly may be rotated independently about a common vertical axis of rotation. Opposed jaws associated with the clamp assemblies have a well point engaging surface and may be moved to engage about a surface of a well point disposed threbetween so that the gripping carriage may apply vertical and rotational forces to the well point.