Abstract: A lifting tool 100 form part of a lifting apparatus associated with an aircraft handler 10 for applying a lifting load to an undercarriage of an aircraft. The lifting apparatus comprise a pair of opposed lifting tools 100 which engage end portions of an undercarriage wheel axle 300 for lifting. Each lifting tool 100 has a body 101 with a cavity 103 therein filled with a plurality of axially displaceable closely packed pins 105 which permit insertion of a portion of the axle or adaptor means into the cavity, and other pins, in use, surrounding said portion provide support and transfer the lift load to the surrounding body 101.