Abstract: Apparatus for twisting a wire end comprises a wire holder, a twisting means for selectively engaging the wire end, a drive means operable to rotate the twisting means, and an actuator means operable to move one of the wire holder and the twisting means toward the other to allow the twisting means to engage the wire end. The actuator means is operable to move the one away from the other while the drive means rotates the twisting means, thereby twisting the wire end about its axis.