Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus (2) and a method, for holding in position adjacent facing ends of tube sections for preferably joining them by welding. The apparatus has an elongated element (8) insertable between the adjacent facing ends, first and second jaw devices (10, 12) movable with respect to each other along the elongated element (8) and each (10, 12) having a contact portion (14) for contacting the tube portions, and clamping means (62) for clamping the tube sections with the jaw devices (10, 12) to hold in position the facing ends.