A device for lifting an object

A device suitable for lifting an object having one or more straps around it comprises a front plate 10 having an outer major surface 12 and an inner major surface 14, and a handle 16 useable to hold the front plate. Also provided is a rear plate 18 having an outer major surface 20 and an inner major surface 22. The plates are brought together into a closed position, clamping the strap of the object in between them. Fixing means 24 are mounted on one or both plates and are operable to clamp the two plates together in the closed position. The fixing means may comprise a screw 32. One or both of the inner major surface of the front plate 14 and the inner major surface of the rear plate 22 comprise a friction region having raised projections (64, fig. 5). The friction region may comprise a ridged, corrugated or roughened surface.