A fluid pressure operated device for picking up and dropping articles, comprising a first tubular member having a pressure supply connection at one end to the bore thereof, a sleeve engaged over said first tubular member, said sleeve having a longitudinally elongated slot on each side of the wall thereof, a pin extending through said first tubular member and slidably engaging said slots on respective sides of said sleeve member, a pressure release opening in said first tubular member closed by said sleeve in an operative position but being operable by said slot when said slot is moved to a position overlying said opening, a piston in sliding sealing engagement within the interior of said sleeve below said first tubular member, first and second article gripping means disposed below said piston and being movably mounted on said sleeve adjacent the lower end thereof, each gripper member being displaceable by movement of said piston due to actuation of pressure in said first tubular member, the displacement of said gripper members being controlled by the pressure acting on said piston, and spring means for returning said gripper members to a non-actuated position.