A frusto-conical thread protector on the pin end portion of a sucker rod is removed by a cylindrical housing axially surrounding, at one end portion, the thread protector and the adjacent end portion of the sucker rod. Stop means diametrically mounted on the periphery of the tubular housing at the sucker rod end portion projects inwardly of the housing wall in confronting relation to abut the large diameter open end of the thread protector for removing the thread protector from the sucker rod in response to a plunger axially projecting into the housing opposite the sucker rod and forcibly moved longitudinally to pierce the wall at the small end of the thread protector and axially abut the adjacent end of the sucker rod and separate the thread protector from the sucker rod.