We use this coupled with an overhead hoist to lift 4x8 sheets of steel onto our plasma table.The item is a bit heavy and the lever requires two hands to engage the magnet. Maybe it's just stiff because it's new.Easily lifts 500 lb sheets with no slippage. I prefer the magnet over an edge type clamp because I can grab the center of the panel, lift it up a couple of feet then pivot the sheet to the horizontal position to lay on the table.A very versitle tool at a reasonable price.