Abstract: Apparatus for removing and installing hot refractory bricks, particularly in the checkerwork structures of the regenerators employed in glass melting furnaces, the apparatus having a manually operable, selectively actuatable claw mechanism mounted on one end of an elongated support member for gripping and moving the bricks individually at a remote location. The claw mechanism is operated by a power cylinder mounted on the other end of the elongated support member, the cylinder being manually controlled by an operator who also manipulates the support member to move a grasped brick to a desired position. A cooling medium, such as air or the like, may be employed for cooling the claw mechanism.