An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode. The electrode joining apparatus includes an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the electrodes. The electrode joining apparatus can include an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device. A retractable spacer can be movably connected to the electrode joining apparatus, the retractable spacer configured to selectively move into the axial passage. The retractable spacer can be used to form a gap between the free electrode and the fixed electrode before the joining process is initiated. Electrode joining apparatus can also include a spacer drive mechanism coupled to the retractable spacer, the spacer drive mechanism configured to selectively move the retractable spacer into the axial passage.