Abstract: A spindle for gripping and closing a mounting member which includes a housing having a spindle assembly mounted therein including a first rotary member capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis and a second rotary member disposed about the first rotary member in coaxial relation and being capable of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The first rotary member has a gripping portion for gripping the mounting member and the second rotary member has a thrust surface and a contacting portion for contacting the mounting member. A radial bearing in the housing supports the second rotary member, and a fluid thrust bearing supports the thrust surface of the second rotary member. One of the first and second rotary members is capable of axial movement relative to the other rotary member and has an engagement surface engageable for causing axial movement of the axially moveable rotary member.