Abstract: An apparatus for the retraction of worn flats from the cast iron flat bars of a carding machine. A retracting wedge is mounted on a spindle nut which is threadingly mounted on a threaded spindle and movable longitudinally thereof. The apparatus is provided further with supports and clamping devices for a flat bar, which supports and clamping device are arranged such that the flat bar mounted thereon extends parallel to mentioned spindle. Upon rotating the spindle the retracting wedge moves longitudinally along the flat bar whereby its knife edges separate the worn flat from the flat bar. The retracting wedge is operable in both longitudinal directions of the threaded spindle.