Abstract: Apparatus for safely lifting a roll of material having a horizontal eye is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a tong having horizontally relatively movable lifting legs which each include lifting decks to engage the roll's eye. Sliding members are provided to yieldingly address the roll ends and to move horizontally and vertically during closing of the lifting leg under the control of a dampening means. Additionally, the sliding members are maintained stationary with the roll during movement of the tong to engage the eye with the lifting decks to avoid scraping of the roll ends. A spring means is provided to return the sliding member to its rest position following the release of the displaced rolls.