Abstract: The present invention involves a hand-held capping device for surgical needles designed to minimize the risk of accidental needle punctures, characterized by a conical, rimmed shield tapering to a tubular section, a socket being formed at the juncture of the shield with the tubular section in a configuration to receive and grip the hub portion of a conventional surgical needle assembly. The device may include mechanisms to effect needle assembly ejection and/or accommodate assemblies of varying needle length.