An apparatus is provided for gripping nano-scale objects, wherein the apparatus includes a probe including a base portion and a terminal portion. First and second nanotubes are secured to the base portion of the probe, wherein each of the first and second nanotubes include a protruding portion which extends past the base portion and the terminal portion of the probe. First and second electrodes are formed on the base portion of the probe and electrically connected to the first and second nanotubes. A third electrode is disposed on the terminal portion of the probe. A control circuit applies a voltage to the first, second and third electrodes to close the protruding portions of the first and second nanotubes by charging the first and second nanotubes to a first polarity and charging the third electrode to a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.