Abstract: A tube extracting apparatus is provided for extracting tubes from structures, such as condensers, evaporators, and the like. The apparatus is compact and relatively lightweight and thus easy to maneuver in confined spaces to extract a tube. The apparatus generally comprises a housing assembly housing a reciprocative pull shaft to which is connected a gripping assembly for gripping the tube. A retention assembly is provided for momentarily retaining a portion of the gripping assembly in place during the initial reciprocative movement to ensure the gripping assembly securely grips the tube, and a unidirectional check assembly is provided to prevent the tube from being pushed back into the structure during the reciprocating movement.