A capping chuck for a bottle capping machine is capable of applying a pre-defined torque to a cap and reducing top load during application. The capping chuck includes a drive gear mechanically connected to a clutch. The clutch controls the torque transmitted to a gripper head through a driveshaft. The gripper head secures the cap to the bottle, and includes a substantially continuous perimeter wall surrounding a plunger that moves under load in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the driveshaft. The extent of movement can be controlled by a resistance element such as, for example, a spring. An engagement device affects the contact the drive gear has with the bull gear of the capping mechanism. The engagement device can rotate the capping chuck relative to the bull gear to ensure positive engagement of the drive gear with the bull gear. The engagement device can include a slotted opening and an adjustment screw.