Abstract: A device for lowering a load along a metal band (2) comprises a brake housing (4) accommodating a brake mechanism with at least one brake shoe (14, 16, 34, 36, 54, 56 74, 76) which acts on the metal band (2). The brake shoe (14, 16, 34, 36, 54, 56, 74, 76) is pressed against the metal band (2) by a force which depends on the mass or load. The load is suspended from a load wedge (17, 37, 57, 77) which, in the brake mechanism converts a pull substantially in the longitudinal direction of the metal band (2) to a pressure acting on the metal band (2) through said brake shoe (14, 16, 34, 36, 54, 56, 74, 76).