Abstract: A method and device for inserting radioactive radiation sources into applicators and for withdrawing the radiation source and depositing them in at least one shielded loading and/or storage station. To remove a radiation source from the loading and/or storage station a traction wire with a coupling effective in the direction of traction is advanced via a fork and a switch into the loading and/or storage station, coupled with the radiation source and withdrawn as far as a stop where it is uncoupled and the traction wire is withdrawn through the fork. To introduce the radiation source into the applicator, on the other hand, a thrust wire having a coupling effective only in the direction of thrust is brought via the fork up to the radiation source and, carrying the radiation source with it, is advanced via the switch into the applicator and withdrawn again leaving the source in the applicator.