Abstract: The apparatus comprises a deflector roll over which the strip travels positioned above a downcoiler, an endless belt traveling just above the strip over the deflector roll, and two movable persuader rolls positioned within the belt loop. One roll is positioned beyond the deflector roll and, when depressed, wraps the lower flight of the belt and the leading end of the strip around an arc of the deflector roll so as to direct the strip end into the coiler entry. The other roll is positioned before the deflector roll and, when depressed, wraps the lower flight of the belt and the strip end around an arc of the persuader roll and up over the deflector roll so as to direct the strip end over the coiler entry.