Process and device for threading elongated metal workpieces, especially tubes, into a drawing apparatus

A process and a device for threading elongated tubes into a drawing apparatus for cross-sectional reduction in at least one drawing step by means of at least two successive drawing units that grasp the workpiece at the outer circumference with revolving driving chains which, after the drawing point formed at the start of the tube is threaded in, draw the workpiece continuously through a drawing ring which is arranged in front of each drawing unit. The device includes at least two chain-type drawing machines 1, 2, 3 which are arranged one behind the other with driving chains, 1a to 3a and 1b to 3b, which move apart radially and with a gripper 8 arranged behind every chain-type drawing machine 1, 2, 3 for grasping the drawing point 6 which is formed at the beginning of the tube. The gripper 8 is swivelable from a rest position laterally to and outside of the drawing line into a work position in which the gripper 8 is movable in the drawing direction between the driving chains, 1a to 3a and 1b to 3b, which are moved apart.