In order to join threads on an open-end friction spinning device with two friction spinning elements (100, 101) driven in the same direction and forming a suction-type tapered gap, the threads fed into the tapered gap are rotated to form a bundle of threads (31). The latter is transported, in the longitudinal direction of the tapered gap, so that it partly emerges from the latter, is then collected there and transferred to a coiling device. An auxiliary transport device (6) is provided for transporting the bundle of threads (31) from the thread-forming region to the withdrawal side of the friction spinning elements (100, 101). In addition, a gripping device is provided for collecting the bundle of threads (31) emerging from the tapered gap (102) of the friction spinning elements and for transferring the thread which is formed to a withdrawal system. |