An apparatus (10) and method is disclosed for connecting a pipe (12) and a test plug (28) comprising a carriage assembly (14) positioned on a base (16) that is capable of horizontal and vertical movement relative to base (16). Opposed pairs of fluid operated cylinders (56) are provided on opposite sides of carriage assembly (14) that support carriage assembly (14) on base (16) for relative vertical movement. A fluid control system associated with the cylinders (56) is selectively operated in two modes, an open pressure balanced float mode to permit relatively free lateral movement between the pipe (12) and test plug (28) for axial alignment, and a closed torque mode provided during make-up, for immediately detecting from an increase in fluid pressure in the cylinders (56) any excessive torque or misalignment of test plug (28) and pipe (12) resulting in a vertical deflection of the carriage assembly (14) thereby indicating when thread damage may be occurring. A change in fluid pressure in cylinders (56 ) which results from the vertical deflection of carriage assembly (14) is immediately registered or monitored by pressure monitors (118) to permit an operator to monitor the torque occurring during make-up.