Abstract: Apparatus for grasping the exterior surface of a tubular member to facilitate removal thereof from within a well is characterized by a substantially hollow, elongated housing having first and second flapper members pivotally mounted within the housing for movement relative to the axis thereof from an open to a grasping position. In the grasping position the flapper members are disposed substantially perpendicularly to the interior surface of the housing. Each of the flappers is provided with a cutout portion which registers to define an opening therebetween, the opening between said flapper members having a dimension less than the outer diameter of a tubular member to be retrieved. The edges of the flapper members defining the opening are provided with means for graspingly engaging a tubular member.