Abstract: This pipe joint retaining device has a cylindrical ring concentrically and coaxially engaging a first pipe inserted into an open bell at the end of a second pipe axially aligned with the first pipe. The ring has spaced pairs of flanges extending outwardly and each carrying a pivotable locking lever turnable between open and closed positions. At one end of each lever is a locking screw terminating in a sharp edge to dig into the first pipe when the 10 screw is tightened to turn the lever to closed position. Tapered domed plugs are carried by the ring with one plug disposed between the flanges of each pair thereof in a tapered bore thereat. The plug has a sharp edge which pierces the first pipe when the locking screw is tightened to force the lever into closed position. Each lever has an undercut forward section which cantilevers over the open bell; and a holding screw carried by the forward section of the lever contacts the bell to hold it in place on the first pipe.