Disclosed is an apparatus for connecting to a tube or a rod in a longitudinal axial direction of the tube or rod. The tube or rod is used in the assembly of a tube or rod string. The apparatus comprises an engagement member adapted to engage with an engagement 5 portion located at an end of the tube or rod. The apparatus also comprises an abutment member associated with the engagement member. The abutment member is adapted to abut an abutment portion of the tube or rod. The apparatus is adapted such that, when the engagement member is engaged with the engagement portion and the abutment member abuts the abutment portion, the abutment member can apply a locking force to the abutment 0 portion in the axial direction of the tube or rod, being a force that secures the engagement member to the engagement portion such that the tube or rod can be lifted and moved.