Abstract: A universal handling head which includes a lifting and/or a guiding head, for a pipe racker for handling pipe in a drilling derrick comprises a housing member and latch assembly having at least one latching finger. A latch assembly is engaged with the housing member to allow a latched finger to be placed in a left hand and right hand position with respect to the housing member. In one embodiment, the latch finger and latch assembly is rotated in the housing member in order to close on the pipe from both the left or the right sides. In another embodiment, the latch assembly has two latching fingers, a right and left latching finger, each of which may be translated as a unit by translating the latching assembly with respect to the housing member. The reversability of the latch finger by automated means allows the latch assembly to be positioned in such a manner as to facilitate closely spread pipe in a pipe racker.