Abstract: A hand-operated tool is disclosed for handling a heavy plate while standing at a distance from the plate. The tool comprises a body with gripping members defining a notch for insertion of a plate. The gripping members have inner edges with stepped profiles, defining pairs of opposed gripping surfaces. The pairs of gripping surfaces are spaced apart at different widths for receiving plates of different thicknesses, a pairs close to the opening of the notch having a width greater than a pair farther from the opening of the notch. An elongate handle extends from the body, and a force may be applied to the handle to cause the opposed gripping surfaces frictionally and releasably retain the plate in the notch.