Abstract: An assembly for engaging the central bore of a narrow, standing heavyweight reel element, or the core thereof adjacent the opening of the bore, to facilitate the manual lifting and locking of such reel to an elevated shaft-alignment position for transfer of such reel onto a receptive horizontal shaft. The assembly comprises an elevated support member, a lever arm pivotally-attached thereto for vertical movement and including engagement means for locking the lever arm in raised position. The lever arm also has pivotally-attached thereto a depending swivel arm having a substantially-horizontal hub member for engaging the bore or core of the reel, supporting the reel in vertical position as the lever arm is raised and locked in shaft-alignment position and permitting the reel to be pushed onto the receptive shaft.