an improved pipe guiding apparatus for vertically aligning pipe section joints in a derrick having a worktable and an elevator for vertically suspending at least one pipe section above the worktable . the apparatus is comprised of a rotary axle for horizontal attachment in the derrick , a frame attached to the rotary axle , a power cylinder for rotating the rotary axle , a pair of guide jaws pivotally attached to the forward end of the frame , a cylinder for moving the guide jaws between open and closed positions attached thereto and control for remotely operating the power cylinder for rotating the axle and the cylinder for moving the guide jaws so that that frame can be selectively moved to a position whereby the guide jaws are adjacent a vertically suspended pipe section and the guide jaws thereafter closed on the pipe section .