Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating the nuclear fuel elements originally arranged in a square pattern into a truss of tightly packed elements comprises a vertical quiver of pyramidal shape having lateral surfaces converging downwardly and a rectangular cross-section. Two opposite faces of the quiver are formed with projections of downwardly increasing amplitude for rearranging the elements in a triangular pattern when they are lowered into the quiver. Dividing walls perpendicular to those faces which are provided with projections separate and guide rows of elements at the top part of the quiver. A grid at the top of the quiver comprises compartments for introducing elements and consists of several fractions which may be moved apart from each other and brought together along a direction parallel to the dividing wall.