Abstract: A device for lifting and handling objects, including cylindrical objects includes a lifting arm having a substantially vertical clamp portion and a substantially horizontal actuating portion provided with a lifting hook, a yoke having a substantially vertical clamp portion having ends and a substantially horizontal portion, the clamp portion of the lifting arm being, between its ends, pivotally connected to a free end of the substantially horizontal portion of the yoke, clamping jaws mounted on the clamp portions of the lifting arm and the yoke for engagement with diametrically opposite sides of an object to be lifted, a locking mechanism for releasably locking the lifting arm to the yoke in open position and a device for releasing the locking mechanism in downward swinging movement of the actuating portion of the lifting arm to allow the closing of the clamping jaws in order to grip the object to be lifted, the lifting hook being arranged for free movement in a slot provided in the actuating portion of the l