Abstract: A lifting device suited for use in lifting and handling heavy slabs, sheets of material, or panels generally includes a frame comprising side-plates, the upper ends of which are rigidly secured together by cross-members. The lower portion of one side-plate is angled downwardly and away from the other side-plate. A carriage is arranged between the lower portion of the one side-plate and a movable jaw for vertical movement with respect to the frame. The movable jaw is mounted for horizontal sliding movement on the cross-members between the side-plates. The carriage is suspended from a tension-member, which is guided for vertical movement by the cross-members and has its upper end secured to (or formed as) a lifting lug. When the lifting device is placed over, for example, a slab to be lifted, the carriage is raised by lifting the tension-member, and the slab is clamped sufficiently tightly to be lifted.