Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for use with a hydraulically operated tool comprises a valve body operatively and having a valve bore defining an axis. The valve body also defines a pressure port and a return port for connecting the valve bore to a source of hydraulic fluid, and a cross port communicating between the valve bore and the hydraulic tool. A tubular conduit has one end in communication with the valve bore and an opposite end in communication with the hydraulic tool. A selector member is moveable between a first position for defining a passage communicating between the cross port and the opposite end of the tubular conduit to provide a return path for hydraulic fluid between the pressure port and the return port, and a second position for closing off this passage.