Apparatus for releasably engaging an elongated member that is releasably connected to the top nozzle of a nuclear reactor fuel assembly. The top nozzle has an adapter plate disposed at its lower end having at least one passageway therethrough through which the elongated member is disposed. The elongated member has a releasable latching structure at one end that is able to be engaged by the apparatus, having at least one latching member movable between a latched position in which the latching member is able to engage said adapter plate and secure the absorber rod in a stationary relationship with respect to the adapter plate and an unlatched position in which the latching member is able to disengage from said adapter plate so that the elongated member be removed from the fuel assembly. The apparatus comprises a hollow releasing member for moving the latching member of the latching structure between its latched position and its unlatched position, an engaging member connected to the releasing member and extending downwardly through the hollow portion of the releasing member, and an actuating member extending downwardly through the hollow portion of the releasing member and coacting with the engaging member to releasably engage the latching structure.