Abstract: An apparatus is for installing support for a surface of a mine passage, such as a mine roof, using an object, such as a roof bolt. The apparatus includes a driver adapted to advance toward the surface for driving the object into the surface. A gripper includes first and second arms for gripping the object in a deployed position, such as upper and lower arms. The arms are linked such that engagement by one of the arms with the driver during advance causes the arms to retract towards each other (downwardly, for example, in the case of the upper arm, and upwardly, for example, in the case of the lower arm). Related methods are also disclosed.