Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for closing a spring collet upon a work piece in a lathe or similar machine tool, in which neither the work piece nor the collet is moved in the longitudinal or axial direction.The collet closer has a nosepiece assembly within which an axially movable sleeve is provided. Movement of the sleeve causes the collet to open or close, in a radial direction, without axial dislocation of either collet or work piece.The nosepiece assembly contains a hydraulic circuit which actuates the movable sleeve in response to movements of a draw bar.