Scissor Grabs

Scissor grabs lift packs of bricks, blocks, kerbs, slabs and pavers by gripping them from the sides, so you can unload, stack and place materials without pallets or slings. As the crane takes the weight, the scissor action squeezes the jaws onto the load, so there are no hydraulics, hoses or power to worry about. Hang one from a crane hook, or use it on your forklift with our forklift scissor grab yoke.

Scissor grab SWL Span Best for
Brick pack scissor grab (Type 1311) 1500kg to 2000kg 600 to 1080mm Packs of bricks, blocks and pavers up to five layers
Block and slab scissor grab (Type 889) 2000kg 600 to 910mm One or two layers of blocks, slabs and kerbs
Double layer kerb grab (Type 610A) 1500kg 600 to 910mm Single or double layers of kerbs and blocks
Single kerb grab (Type 2474) 300kg 300 to 1000mm Single kerbs and slabs in yards and depots
HB kerb lifter (Type 2469) 100kg 125 to 150mm One standard HB kerb at a time
Concrete lego block lifter (Type 608) 2500kg 400 to 850mm Solid concrete lego blocks

Every grab is made in the UK, UKCA marked and supplied with a Certificate of Conformity and a 1-year warranty. Prices depend on the model and jaw options, so request a quote and tell us what you lift and whether it's going on a crane or a forklift.

Lifting whole pallets instead? See our pallet crane forks. For slung loads on a forklift, see our forklift lifting jibs, or browse everything on our forklift attachments page.

Not sure which grab you need? Read how to choose a scissor grab.
Skip to results list
7 items

How to Choose a Scissor Grab

Four checks get you to the right grab.

What you lift and how it's packed

Packs of bricks and pavers up to five layers suit the Type 1311. One or two layers of blocks, slabs or kerbs suit the Type 889 or 610A. For single kerbs and slabs, use the Type 2474, or the Type 2469 for one standard HB kerb. Solid concrete lego blocks need the Type 608.

Span and free height

The span is the range the jaws open and close across, and the free height is the tallest load that fits under the frame. Measure the width and height of your largest load and check both sit inside the grab's range.

Safe working load, plus the grab

Your crane or forklift carries the grab as well as the load. The larger grabs weigh 200kg to 320kg, so add that to the load when you check your machine's capacity.

Crane or forklift

Every grab hangs from a crane hook. To use one on a forklift, add the forklift scissor grab yoke, which slides onto forks up to 165mm wide and is rated at 2500kg.

Where Scissor Grabs Are Used

Builders' merchants use them to unload and split brick packs without pallets. Groundworkers and highways contractors lay kerbs and slabs with them, and precast yards move blocks, including the concrete lego blocks used for walls and storage bays.

Using a Scissor Grab Safely

  • Check the load sits square and central in the jaws before you lift
  • Stay within the grab's safe working load and your machine's capacity with the grab fitted
  • Use a safety net on packs that could shed bricks, and keep people out of the area under the load
  • Keep hands clear of the jaws while the grab closes
  • Scissor grabs are lifting accessories under LOLER, so they need a thorough examination at least every six months unless your examination scheme says otherwise

Our guide on how to choose a scissor grab goes into more detail.

Scissor Grab FAQs

How does a scissor grab work?

As the crane takes the weight, the lifting point pulls two arms together like a pair of scissors, which squeezes the jaws onto the load. The heavier the load, the harder the grip. Most models have an automatic lock that holds the jaws open between lifts.

Can I use a scissor grab on a forklift?

Yes, with the forklift scissor grab yoke. It slides onto your forks and gives the grab a lifting point, and one person can fit it.

Do scissor grabs need power or hydraulics?

No. They are fully mechanical, so there are no hoses, batteries or wiring to maintain.

Which grab do I need for kerbs?

For one or two layers of kerbs, use the double layer kerb grab. For single kerbs and slabs, use the single kerb grab, or the HB kerb lifter for one standard HB kerb at a time.

How long does delivery take?

Scissor grabs are made to order in the UK, so we confirm the lead time with your quote.

Related Lifting Attachments

View all forklift attachments