a handler for drill rods a drill rod support thereof a method of operation for the handler and a drill rig employing the handler and the drill rod support is provided the drill rod support includes a socket configured to receive a portion of a length of a drill rod and a clamping device disposed within the socket and movable between clamping and release positions with respect to the drill rod application_number US 201314650977 A description referring now to fig1 where there is illustrated a drill rig 10 for support by a vehicle not shown and comprising a mast 12 which can be pivoted between an upright operative position as shown in the drawings and a horizontal position not shown in which it lies along a substantially central axis of the vehicle to facilitate transportation optionally the drill rig 10 can be configured so that it can be transported by a vehicle and then left in a stationary position when de coupled from the vehicle the drill mast 12 supports a drill head 14 which in use drives the drill string not illustrated rotationally via a drive motor accommodated in the drill head 14 as well as driving the drill string into and out of a bore hole via a feed system the drill rig 10 comprises a drill rod handling means which is intended to.