Abstract: A head case accommodates an axially movable suction nozzle that holds an electric component on a chip by suction at its center. At least four jaws, which are disposed around the center axis of the suction nozzle and adapted to move parallel to the bottom plate of the head case through guide slots radially extending with respect to the same axis, are attached to the bottom plate. Two each of the facing jaws on both sides of the axis are coupled together by means of links and always urged toward the suction nozzle by springs. While expanding rods actuated by pistons open the jaws, the suction nozzle picks up the electric component on a chip by suction. When released on completion of the pick-up, the jaws urged by the springs move an equal distance toward the axis of the suction nozzle parallel to the surface of the bottom plate to squarely hold the four sides of the electric component on a chip, with its center thus held in alignment with the axis of the suction nozzle.