Abstract: The device permits of grasping, centering automatically and aligning the longitudinal axis of a long body in particular of a pen body according to the working axis (B) or corresponding to the following operation carried out on a machine tool which is preferably automatic. It comprises a toggle lifting mechanism (6, 7, 8, 9) provided with grasping jaws (8', 9') for the long body, jaws made angled by which grasping the long body they determine the movement of translation until they bring the longitudinal axis (A) of the grasped body into the exact position of centering and alignment with the working axis (B) or corresponding to the following operation. A piston operated pneumatically or in another manner permits moving the lever mechanism closing it on the long body opposing a spring (12).