Abstract: An adjustable tool holder is configured for interchangeable use with a variety of tools provided with different connection elements. The connection elements include at least a first connection element configured for a first manner of connection with the tool holder and a second connection element configured for a second manner of connection with the tool holder. The tool holder includes a distally extending tool support operable to detachably support each of the tools. The tool support includes a first tool connector configured to releasably connect with the first connection element in the first manner of connection. The tool support includes a second tool connector configured to releasably connect with the second connection element in the second manner of connection.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a component mounting system comprising an electric component module having a placement bolt; a holding case for accommodating the component module; and an extraction device for pulling the component module out of the holding case, said extraction device having an opening for placing the extraction device onto the placement bolt of the component module.

Abstract: A method to add a joint of pipe to a conductor string includes securing the conductor string with a spider, grasping an upper end of the joint of pipe with a segmented-ring elevator, engaging a plurality of slips of the elevator with an outer profile of the joint of pipe, raising the grasped joint of pipe from non-vertical to vertical, positioning the vertical joint of pipe atop the secured conductor string, attaching the joint of pipe to the conductor string, releasing the conductor string from the spider, and retaining the joint of pipe and the conductor string with the segmented-ring elevator.

Abstract: A compact and portable hydraulic apparatus for extracting and installing a tight fitting vehicle component may include a main hydraulic cylinder having an open proximal end, a cover attached to the open proximal end of the main hydraulic cylinder, a grip holder attached to the main hydraulic cylinder, a plurality of grip members affixed to the grip holder and spaced from the main hydraulic cylinder, and an actuating member statically mated to the main hydraulic cylinder. In this manner, the actuating member is capable of being engaged with an existing shaft of an existing pulley. Advantageously, the actuating member is axially reciprocated through the open proximal end of the main hydraulic cylinder, relative to a stationary position of the grip holder and the grip member respectively.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight hitch-coupling tool is designed to lift, move, and align a hitch-head assembly via two or more points/regions of contact with a hitch ball. When a user moves a hitch-head assembly via the hitch-coupling tool of the present invention, the assembly's mass is evenly distributed through the center of the head of the tool allowing a user to easily maneuver large hitch-head assemblies with one hand.

Abstract: A transmission lift arm to facilitate the safe lifting and/or lowering of a transmission from or into a transmission jack. The transmission lift arm is provided in pairs and each is adapted for attachment to a transmission bell housing utilizing threaded rods secured thereto. The lift arms may be adjustably spaced apart on the lift arm of a lift truck to accommodate various spacings is the bell housing holes into which the threaded rods are placed and secured. The transmission arms may also be provided in a variety of sizes to mount to different lift bar sizes and/or to have different size threaded rods to accommodate a wide range of motor vehicle transmissions. In alternate embodiments, transmission lift arms having an adjustable opening may be used to accommodate different lift bar dimensions.

Abstract: A handling device useful for lifting and handling pipes includes as set of jaws for grasping a surface of the pipe. An upper jaw extends along an exterior pipe surface and a lower jaw extends along an interior pipe surface. A sidewall of the pipe is positioned within a gap between the upper and lower jaws. A handle attached to the set of jaws is used to angle the jaws relative to the side of the pipe, thereby causing the upper jaw to contact the exterior pipe surface, and the lower jaw to contact the interior pipe surface. A mechanical advantage is created that selectively secures the jaws to the pipe and allows handling of the device while maintaining control of the pipe. The upper and lower jaws may be at fixed orientations relative to each other, and the handling device may have few or no moving parts.

Abstract: A grill panel removal tool includes a handle that has a first end and a second end. A mount is coupled to the second end of the handle and the mount has a first side and a second side. A pair of holding members extends forwardly from the mount. Each holding member has a proximal end relative to the mount that is attached to the mount. Each of the holding members extends outwardly from the mount away from the handle. Each of the holding members has a curved medial section positioned between a distal section relative to the mount and a proximal section extending from the mount. The holding members engage and lift a grill panel that has spaced parallel bars.

Abstract: A tension bar for an edge lift anchor for a concrete panel, the tension bar being shaped to provide a central portion to lie adjacent a head portion of the anchor and legs extending from each end of the central portion, an inner side of each leg being profiled to lock into the surrounding concrete, the profiling being formed by a series of longitudinally spaced formations each of generally saw-toothed shape with a leading edge of each formation facing towards the head portion such that on application of tensile load to the tension bar, the leg will lock into the concrete with a generally compressive loading being applied to the concrete in the zone between the two legs.

Abstract: A merchandising grapple is disclosed for removing retail items such as beverage cans, bottles, boxes, and the like from shipping containers in groups and placing them in groups on display shelves within a retail establishment. The grapple has spaced features that receive and hold the items in groups of several items and may have a handle for gripping the grapple and a slip joint for adjusting a width of the grapple. A method includes stocking display shelves by removing items in groups from shipping containers and placing them in groups on display shelves.

Abstract: A gripping utensil kit comprising a set of gripping utensils, where the set of gripping utensils includes at least one clamp to manipulate a piece of material; and a case to contain the set of gripping utensils, wherein the case enables a user to transport and store the set of gripping utensils so the set of gripping utensils are readily available for the user. The gripping utensil kit may include a forceps, a blunt tip clamp and a serrated tip clamp.

Abstract: A lift stub with an elongated shaft member that has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A lift eye element is spaced laterally by a lateral distance from the longitudinal axis, a first distance from the proximal end, and a second distance from the distal end. The lift eye element pivotally mounts a clevis member to the elongated shaft member for rotation about a clevis axis that extends generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft member. The clevis has a throat that is adapted to receiving a lifting hook therein. A foot portion extends from the distal end towards the proximal end for a third distance, which is approximately less than the second distance. A spur element projects generally laterally of the elongated shaft member adjacent the distal end and generally laterally opposed to the lift eye element.

Abstract: A hose handling apparatus for gripping, advancing, and maneuvering a high pressure hose is provided. The hose handling apparatus comprises a support member comprising a first end, a middle section, and a second end, a generally cylindrical handle detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the first end of the support member forming a rigid connection with the support member to provide grip to a user's hand, a first generally cylindrical curvilinear gripping element detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the middle section of the support member, and a second generally cylindrical curvilinear gripping element detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the second end of the support member. The support member is angled at the middle section. The handle and the gripping elements form a parallel configuration which is perpendicular to a planar surface of the support member. The gripping elements grip the hose positioned between them firmly.

Abstract: An end effector for a transport robot arm for a wafer wet cleaning system has an arm with a chuck at an end of the arm to support a wafer. The chuck also includes a cavity to spray a bottom surface of the wafer with a cleaning fluid. At least two branches extend from the chuck away from the arm with a roller at the end of each branch to hold the wafer. A spray bar is coupled to the arm. The spray bar is configured to hold and spray a top surface of the wafer with the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a post-pulling device for the extraction of T-shaped posts and a method of using the same. The post-pulling device according to the present invention includes: an I-beam body; a pull chain, where said pull chain is permanently attached to a first end of the I-beam body; and a post insertion opening near a second end of the I-beam body, where said opening allows for the insertion of a T-shaped posted. The pull chain may be welded to the I-beam body. In one particular embodiment, the I-beam body may include two beveled sidewalls and the opening may be a T-shaped opening.

Abstract: A retro-fit lift device for a front load refuse collection vehicle including a base having a rear surface, a trunnion receiving portion defining a channel, and a pin member movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The rear surface of the base is configured to receive a cross-beam of the front load refuse collection vehicle. The trunnion receiving portion is connected to the base member. At least a portion of the pin member extends into the channel in the extended position. A method of picking up a rear load collection container having a trunnion with a front load refuse collection vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to self-orienting object-grasping devices that facilitate grasping and raising of objects by individuals. Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to self-orienting golf-flagpole-retrieving devices that are affixed to flagpoles to allow a golf player to raise the flagpole, using a golf club or similar object, to a height convenient for grasping the flagpole by a golf player.

Abstract: An adapter device (26) for use in automated handling equipment (10) includes an adapter support (30) that is adapted for automated movement. One or more support members (32) are rigidly securable to the adapter support (30) in a plurality of different positions relative to the adapter support (30) to provide a variety of adapter device (26) configurations for objects of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The present invention related to gripping means for use with a unit (2) to be inserted into and held relative a pipeline (1), where the gripping means (3) comprises at least to gripping elements (300) arranged around the circumference of the main body (10) and formed with an outer surface (301) for contact with the internal wall of a pipeline. The outer surface of one gripping element in at least a part has a form giving two separate contact sections between the gripping element and an internal wall of a pipeline seen in a circumferential direction in an extended state of the gripping element.

Abstract: A pallet pulling device includes a puller bar and a crossbar secured in a T-configuration. The crossbar plane is below the puller bar plane so the crossbar serves as a hook to exert pulling force on a plank of a pallet. The crossbar extends under the edge of a stringer of the pallet to prevent disengagement of the pulling device from the pallet when pulling force is applied. A hole is located on the flat puller bar; an outside weld opposes an inside weld, whereas both welds are adjacent to a top weld that is in opposition to the location of the hole.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gripper comprising a frame to which is connected a mobile subassembly including a fixed end and a mobile end respectively secured to a fixed arm and a mobile arm, and an actuator supported on the fixed arm for moving the mobile arm and end relative to the fixed arm and end, along a first degree of freedom, in translation or rotation, and a balancing module introducing an additional degree of freedom, in translation or rotation, which is offset outwards of the assembly formed by the mobile subassembly and the frame.

Abstract: A tool comprising a handle, a shaft, and a pair of spaced-apart projections for use in removing the propeller from a watercraft. The projections are generally arranged at a distal end of the shaft so as to extend therefrom in a generally perpendicular direction. The projections may be placed over the rim of a propeller hub, rim of an exhaust port, or the lower portion of the trailing edge of the propeller blade generally close to the hub. The tool is then rotated to pinch the object placed therein between the two projections. The user can then utilize the handle and the shaft to have a lever arm with which they can use the pinch point as a grip on the propeller and manually prevent the propeller from rotating while attempting to rotate a nut holding the propeller to the watercraft with their other hand.

Abstract: A novel bottle tote for manually toting bottles at least includes the following: a tote frame member; a tote ring member connected to a first end of the tote frame member; a tote handle member connected to a second end of the tote frame member; and a tote elbow member formed from a bend in the tote frame member between the tote ring member and the tote handle member; wherein the tote elbow member and a portion of the tote ring member are adapted to grip an inserted bottleneck of a bottle to be toted, and the tote handle member is adapted to receive a manual lifting force which is transmitted through the tote frame member, the tote elbow member and the tote ring member to the bottleneck of the bottle.

Abstract: A multi-modal container handling system includes a tool presentation platform mounted to a multi-axis robot. The platform has a number of mechanically locking collets for handling either empty or full containers, and a number of multi-jawed grippers telescopically mounted to the platform for handling empty containers. Both the collets and grippers may be used for moving empty containers, with the collets being used exclusively for inserting full containers into a shipping rack.

Abstract: A cylinder tote for carrying a compressed gas cylinder of the type having a flangeless neck and a valve assembly mounted atop thereof includes a handle member having a first end and an open-ended opposite end, a yoke member having a second end and an open-ended third end, the third end including a pair of legs adapted to support the valve assembly, and an intermediate member disposed between and connecting the first end of the handle member and the second end of the yoke member wherein, when the yoke member is disposed on and engages the valve assembly disposed atop the compressed gas cylinder, the cylinder tote may be used to transport the compressed gas cylinder.

Abstract: A lifting device ergonomically and safely lifts an object having an elongated aperture. The lifting device includes a lifting member having a first end with a handle portion for gripping by a user and a second end with an object-engaging portion for securely engaging the elongated aperture. A stabilizing member coupled to the lifting member adjacent the object-engaging portion is structured to stabilize the object while moving it. A panelboard employs one or more lifting devices which engage elongated apertures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a pistol grip for fire fighters hand-holding a hose comprising a transversal member medially and contiguously disposed of two matched engaging members. The present invention attaches to any hose location with a wrist rotation whereby a portion of hose is inserted into a transversal member and then other different adjacent hose portions are abuttably received by each of the two engaging members, respectively. The position of the present invention along the hose is changed by rotatably relieving the abut table contact with the hose by pivoting an obliquely disposed handle and then sliding along the hose to the new location thereon.

Abstract: An object engaging tool and method for using same for manipulating bottle shaped objects with a mechanical arm are described. A first and second contact surface of the object engaging tool engage the body of an object when positioned over the object while the object is resting upright. The position of the object engaging tool is changed generally downwardly so the weight of the object is transferred to the object engaging tool and is supported in cantilevered relation thereupon. The object is moved into position and placed on a resting surface whereupon the object engaging tool is disengaged when the weight of the object is transferred to the resting surface. The object engaging tool may further be positioned over the object when resting in a horizontal position and the object engaged and weight transferred to the object engaging tool by changing the position of the object engaging tool upwardly.

Abstract: An object engaging tool and method for using same for manipulating bottle shaped objects with a mechanical arm are described. A first and second contact surface of the object engaging tool engage the body of an object when positioned over the object while the object is resting upright. The position of the object engaging tool is changed generally downwardly so the weight of the object is transferred to the object engaging tool and is supported in cantilevered relation thereupon. The object is moved into position and placed on a resting surface whereupon the object engaging tool is disengaged when the weight of the object is transferred to the resting surface. The object engaging tool may further be positioned over the object when resting in a horizontal position and the object engaged and weight transferred to the object engaging tool by changing the position of the object engaging tool upwardly.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for manipulating manhole castings and the like having at least one pinch clamp with an inner leg and an outer leg opposing one another wherein the inner leg and the outer leg are engageable with the manhole casting. A foot of the pinch clamp is connected to at least one of the inner leg and the outer leg wherein the foot is wider than the width of the inner leg and the outer leg and is engageable with the manhole casting. A flexible support is pivotally connected to the pinch clamp and is connectable to a lifting device wherein the foot and the legs of the pinch clamp are engageable with the manhole casting when the flexible support is pulled taut. Preferably, the inner and outer legs are separate structures pivotally connected thereto. Alternatively, the inner and outer leg may be integrally fabricated from a one-piece structure. The flexible supports are connected to a connector which is connectable to a lifting device.

Abstract: An object engaging tool and method for using same for manipulating bottle shaped objects with a mechanical arm are described. A first and second contact surface of the object engaging tool engage the body of an object when positioned over the object while the object is resting upright. The position of the object engaging tool is changed generally downwardly so the weight of the object is transferred to the object engaging tool and is supported in cantilevered relation thereupon. The object is moved into position and placed on a resting surface whereupon the object engaging tool is disengaged when the weight of the object is transferred to the resting surface. The object engaging tool may further be positioned over the object when resting in a horizontal position and the object engaged and weight transferred to the object engaging tool by changing the position of the object engaging tool upwardly.

Abstract: A hand tool for gripping and moving building materials includes a linkage having a grip at a first end. A plate having a gripping face is pivotally attached to a second end of the linkage. A generally U-shaped bracket is pivotally attached to the linkage adjacent to the plate and extends beyond the second end of the linkage so that a gripping face thereof is disposed generally opposite the plate gripping face. Upon inserting a building material between the plate and bracket gripping faces and lifting the linkage upwardly, the plate and bracket pivot so that the gripping faces firmly contact and grip opposite sides of the building material for transport.

Abstract: A carry tool including a frame being V-shaped at an obtuse angle having a first end, a second end and a vertex portion and three fingers including a first finger, a second finger and a third finger, each finger having a first end connected to the same side of said frame, the first finger connected proximate the first end of the frame, the second finger connected to the frame proximate to the vertex portion, the third finger connected to the frame proximate the second end, each finger substantially parallel to another finger.

Abstract: A hose gripper for use by firefighters is disclosed. The hose gripper includes a handle attached to a hook having a cradle at one end thereof. A heavy, pressurized fire hose rests in the cradle, which is more easily moved by the fire fighter.

Abstract: A manual post puller mechanism having a lever extendable for increasing the amount of leverage applied for pulling the post from the ground, the lever being securable within a base and serving as a handle graspable by the operator for carrying the mechanism between locations. A chain extends downwardly from a chain engaging front portion of the lever which includes slots that allow the position of the chain to be adjusted so as to vary the amount of leverage applied to the post. A post holder mechanism carried at the bottom of the chain engages the post and defines an enclosed generally rectangular opening that receives the post. A pair of pivot plates coupled with the lever generally hinder an operator's fingers from being pinched during post pulling operations.

Abstract: A bracket for engagement with an object of a substantially rigid sheet-like material has a V- or U-shaped body portion that is produced from a spring material. The body portion has two shanks, and in each shank there is a recess. Each recess is open to an edge of the shank. The recesses have opposing abutment surfaces, and one of the abutment surfaces is on a flap extending from the shank. One or more tips project from any of the abutment surfaces to establish a point contact with sheet material to hold it. When the opposing abutment surfaces are in line with each other, a look-through region between the abutment surfaces increases when the shanks are moved relative to one another against the spring bias to enable positioning the material therebetween.

Abstract: A drum handling tool is provided by a lever having a plurality of gripping cradles. Each gripping cradle has a plurality of gripping elements disposed relative to one another to allow positioning of the gripping elements in impinging contact with both major surfaces of a cylindrical rim section to provide at least two, spaced areas of contact between the gripping cradle and each major surface of the section. The spacing of the gripping elements of each gripping cradle is different from the spacing for the gripping elements of the remaining gripping cradles allowing each gripping cradle to be used with cylindrical rim sections different widths and circumferences.

Abstract: Apparatus are shown for handling molded leadframes comprising, in combination, a gripper portion for grasping a molded leadframe from atop a first magazine holding a first plurality of molded leadframes and for releasing the molded leadframe when placed atop a second plurality of molded leadframes in a second magazine, and a mover portion coupled to the gripper portion for moving the gripper portion back and forth in a substantially semicircular motion between the first and second magazines. The mover portion includes a linking member coupled to the gripper portion, a first member rotatably coupled at a first end thereof to the linking member, a second member rotatably coupled at a first end thereof to the linking member, and a driver portion rotatably coupled to an opposite end of each of the first and second members for moving the gripper portion in a back and forth, substantially semicircular motion between the first and second magazines.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting cylindrical tanks of the type used by welders is disclosed. The lifting device comprises an elongated lifting arm having a bracket pivotally secured to a midpoint of the arm. Both ends of a chain are secured to the bracket and the chain is dimensioned so that, with the bracket in abutment against the side of the tank, the chain extends around the tank. An abutment member is secured to a lower first end of the lifting arm so that, as the second upper end of the lifting arm is lifted, the tank is mechanically locked between the chain, bracket and the abutment member. A lifting cart having a hoist assembly for lifting the lifting arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container lifter (2), suited for lifting and moving 5-gallon water bottles (4) by the neck (6), includes a U-shaped collar (14) with proximal and distal portions (16, 18), a side brace (28) extending from the distal portion of the collar and a handle (34) extending from the proximal portion of the collar. A horizontally-oriented container can be removed from a delivery truck and placed in a generally vertical orientation. To do so, the collar is slid sideways onto the neck of the bottle, the handle is pulled horizontally so the collar engages the neck ring, and the bottle is pulled from the truck. Once free from the truck, the bottle swings down to a generally, but not completely, vertical orientation at which the proximal portion of the collar and the side brace engage the neck. The container lifter can also be used to lift and move generally vertically-oriented bottles with the proximal portion of the collar and the side brace engaging the neck.

Abstract: A device for manually moving or displacing sections or sheet metal includes at least one hand lever which has at one end a handle and at the other end a gripping arm connected in an articulated joint to the hand lever so as to be capable of swivelling about a transverse axis. The hand lever further has an abutment located opposite the gripping arm. Frictionally engaging tensioning elements for limiting the free swivelling capability of the gripping arm relative to the hand lever are integrated in the articulated joint between the gripping and the hand lever.

Abstract: An apparatus to elevate a generally horizontally elongated member comprising a generally horizontally lengthwise extending cradle to sidewardly receive a portion of the member into the cradle, to be supported in the cradle, the cradle having opposite ends; a part associated with the cradle and forming a projection above the portion of the member received in the cradle, the part closer to one end of the cradle than to the other end of the cradle to block upward tilting of the member at one end of the cradle.

Abstract: A panel carrying apparatus further comprises a handle having a gripping portion disposed at a first end thereof. A plurality of interconnected wall members are coupled to a second end of the handle. The interconnected wall members define a rectangular channel that extends in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the handle, and can be removably attached to a workpiece intended to be carried. The interconnected wall members further comprise three wall members connected in a rectangular U-shape having a width dimension sufficient to permit a standard-sized stud to be engaged therein. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of set screws are used to attach the interconnected wall members to the workpiece.

Abstract: A handle for a tool such as a lobby dustpan is provided. The handle is preferably mounted on a vertical shaft of the tool. The handle may be placed in either a locked position or an unlocked position. In the locked position the handle is rigidly connected to the shaft. In the unlocked position the handle moves freely with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A carrier for a large truck wheel hub and drum combination defines a pair of spaced sleeves which engage two of the ten wheel-mounting lugs extending from the hub, enabling it to be carried with ease by two men. The metal sleeves are fixed to a pair of hinged legs which together define a collapsible V-shaped spanner bar, spanning across the front face of the wheel hub. A pair of collapsible gripping bars extend forwardly from the legs alongside the hub, providing handgrips, permitting the hub to be evenly balanced on the carrier between two men, who can very easily maneuver the wheel hub back onto, or off of, a truck axle mount, a job which currently is one to dread. In a variation that enables one man to do the job unassisted, the V-shaped spanner bar is replaced with a straight length that spans only two lugs and is connected to a gooseneck, engageable by a cherry picker. With the weight relieved by the cherry picker, the man can maneuver the hub without a helper.

Abstract: A differential hoist fixture is adapted to secure to the flange of a differential case to provide for the lifting thereof, as in rear axle differentials used in large over the road trucks, mining equipment, and other large industrial wheeled vehicles. The fixture includes two parallel jaws, with one including a clamping bolt therethrough, and a lifting arm at right angles to the two jaws. The clamping bolt may be inwardly angled in the jaw opening, so that as the differential is lifted, the tendency for the flange to slip from the jaw opening will tend to cock the clamping bolt outward, thus applying further clamping force. The opposite jaw may include inwardly angled teeth on the inner surface, facing the clamping bolt, for greater security. The attachment to the lifting arm may be adjustable, by a plurality of bolt holes or an elongated slot for the lifting bolt.

Abstract: A grip for lifting and carrying gas cylinders, comprising a hoop which is circular and a handle attached to the hoop, wherein the diameter of the circle formed by the hoop is slightly larger than the diameter of the gas cylinders to be lifted and carried. In a preferred embodiment: the hoop and the handle are made from steel, and the handle is attached to the hoop by welding; the hoop is flat in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the circle formed by the hoop, so that the hoop forms a short cylinder, the axis of which passes through the center of the circle; the hoop is formed from a flat strip, which is bent to form the short cylinder; and the circle formed by the hoop is incomplete on the side where it is attached to the handle, the steel strip from which the hoop is formed being bent outward to attach it to the handle.

Abstract: Apparatus for loosening and moving cylindrical containers, such as barrels, having edge flanges. The apparatus includes a shaft-like handle having two gripping elements at one end thereof, whereby the gripping elements are connected to the handle in such a way that there is a space which fits over the edge flange of the container. One of the two gripping elements, intended for being fitted on the inner side of the flange when in use, has a gripping edge facing the space between the two gripping elements. The gripping edge is curved in accordance with the internal curvature of the flange and preferably extends over a circumference of about 5 or more degrees.

Abstract: An attachment for removing pavement that can be removably mounted on the lift arms of a vehicle such as a tractor loader that includes a main frame having front and rear sides. An elongated penetrating member is mounted to extend cantilever from the front side of the main frame and an angular adjusting means is provided for orientating the penetrating member to any desired angular position from below to above horizontal. A holding member in the form of a pair of stub beams is mounted to also extend from the front side of the main frame in vertically spaced relation above the penetrating member to define a pavement receiving space therebetween into which the pavement can slide during removal. A hitch means is provided on the main frame for mounting the attachment on the lift arms of a tractor loader.

Abstract: A boiler tube gripper including a pair of pivotally connected members each of which is generally hook-shaped and provided with a generally semi-cylindrical inner surface to form a cylindrical opening when the pivotal members are pivoted to a closed position in encircling relation to a boiler tube or pipe with a lift element connected to one of the pivotal members at the periphery thereof to tilt the closed gripper which causes the diametrically opposed upper and lower edges of the closed gripper to engage the adjacent and remote surfaces of a boiler tube or pipe being gripped while being lifted and handled. The free ends of the pivotal members have a pin securing them in closed position with the pin being tethered to retain it in accessible position with the tether also serving to effectively release the pivotal members by pivoting one of the members toward open position.