Abstract: A tool is provided for both lifting manhole covers and smaller utility service box lids. An elongate arm has a handle at an upper end. A hook at the lower end is adapted to engage a notch in a manhole cover for pivoting the manhole cover out of position. A shaft in the lower end of the tool is provided with a tooth and a recess which are sized to engage a notch in a smaller utility service box lid. A fulcrum and a lever are rigidly secured to the shaft and the arm to both assist in freeing a tight lid from the associated hole and to allow the lid to be held entirely by the tool and lifted away from the hole with the tool only engaging one notch in the lid.