Caldwell Model DLT DLT-1-20, Die Lifting Tong

Die Lifting Tong — Efficient, Solo-Operator Below-The-Hook Lifting for Constant-Sized Loads

The Caldwell Model DLT Die Lifting Tong is a below-the-hook support tong engineered for repeat pickups of constant-sized containers, boxes, crates, and dies in industrial and construction environments. Designed with a supporting grab-arm configuration, the feet of the tong slide beneath the load, maintaining a horizontal plane throughout the lift. This makes it an ideal solution for production floor operations, fabrication shops, and job sites where the same load geometry is handled repeatedly. The unit is available in multiple capacity configurations to suit a broad range of load weights.

Unlike friction or indentation-style tongs that depend on load surface characteristics or tight tolerances, the DLT's supporting design provides positive, gravity-assisted engagement beneath the load — requiring only dunnage clearance to insert and remove the tong feet. The Auto-Latch mechanism further sets this tong apart by enabling a single operator to position, engage, lift, transport, place, and disengage the load without a second person, reducing labor requirements and improving cycle times.

Key Features & Benefits

Auto-Latch Mechanism

The integrated Auto-Latch allows a single operator to complete the full lift cycle — positioning, engaging, lifting, moving, placing, and disengaging — without assistance. This eliminates the need for a dedicated spotter or second crew member, directly reducing labor costs on repetitive lifting tasks.

Broad Capacity Range

The DLT series covers a wide span of load capacities, with standard models available from 2,000 lbs. up through 3,800 lbs. and beyond. This flexibility allows contractors and facility operators to select the right tong for their specific load without over-engineering the lift setup.

Low-Headroom Design

The low-headroom design minimizes the vertical space required above the load during lifting operations, making the DLT well-suited for facilities with overhead obstructions or limited clearance under crane rails and hoists. This is critical in congested manufacturing or warehouse environments where headroom is at a premium.

ASME Standard Compliance

The DLT complies with ASME below-the-hook lifting device standards, ensuring the tong meets the safety and design requirements expected on regulated job sites and in facilities with rigorous lift planning protocols. Compliance documentation supports contractor safety programs and third-party inspections.

Supporting Arm Configuration

The grab arms are fitted with feet that support underneath the load, maintaining a horizontal plane throughout the lift. This design is specifically engineered for constant-sized materials, ensuring consistent, repeatable engagement every cycle without readjustment.

Single-Operator Efficiency

The combination of the Auto-Latch and supporting arm design allows one operator to handle the complete lift sequence independently. This directly impacts productivity on production floors and job sites where crew sizes are limited or where throughput depends on rapid, repeatable load handling.

Common Applications

Die Handling in Manufacturing

The DLT is specifically designed for lifting stamping dies and tooling of constant dimensions, providing secure support from beneath and enabling safe, efficient transport within press shops and fabrication facilities.

Box and Crate Lifting

Ideal for repeat pickups of boxed components, packaged equipment, or wooden crates where load dimensions remain consistent across multiple cycles, reducing setup time between lifts.

Container Transport

Used in distribution and staging areas to move heavy containers from storage to work areas, loading docks, or transport vehicles without the need for forklifts or additional personnel.

Ingot and Billet Handling

Applicable in foundry and metals processing environments where constant-sized ingots or billets require repeated lifting with consistent engagement geometry.

Square and Rectangular Load Lifts

The supporting foot design excels with square or rectangular loads that have a flat, stable bottom surface, ensuring level handling throughout the lift cycle.

Production Line Material Transfer

Supports high-cycle production environments where the same load must be picked up, moved, and set down repeatedly throughout a shift, maximizing throughput with minimal operator fatigue.

Compatible Materials

• Steel dies and tooling
• Wooden crates and boxes
• Metal containers and bins
• Constant-sized square and rectangular loads
• Ingots and billets
• Packaged equipment and components
• Dunnage-supported flat-bottomed loads

Product Documents

• Download Catalog

Application Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Load

1. Ensure the load is a constant-sized container, box, crate, or die with a stable, flat bottom.
2. Place dunnage (blocking material) beneath the load to provide sufficient clearance for the tong feet to be inserted and removed.
3. Confirm the load weight is within the rated capacity of the selected DLT model.

Step 2: Position the Tong

1. Lower the tong over the load using the overhead hoist or crane.
2. Align the grab arms so that the support feet are positioned to slide underneath the load on both sides.
3. Ensure the tong is centered on the load for balanced lifting.

Step 3: Engage and Latch

1. Allow the grab arms to engage beneath the load surface.
2. The Auto-Latch mechanism will automatically secure the arms in the engaged position — no manual latching or second operator required.
3. Verify the latch is fully engaged before initiating the lift.

Step 4: Lift and Transport

1. Raise the load smoothly using the hoist, maintaining control throughout the lift.
2. Transport the load to the desired location, keeping the load level at all times.

Step 5: Place and Disengage

1. Lower the load onto dunnage or the target surface.
2. Disengage the Auto-Latch mechanism to release the grab arms.
3. Withdraw the tong feet from beneath the load and raise the tong clear before moving to the next pickup.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the DLT Die Lifting Tong require two operators to use?
A: No. The Auto-Latch mechanism is specifically designed to allow a single operator to position, engage, lift, move, place, and disengage the load without assistance, making it efficient for solo operation on the production floor or job site.

Q: Does the load need to be the same size every time?
A: Yes. The DLT support tong is engineered for repeat pickups of constant-sized loads. The supporting foot design relies on consistent load dimensions to maintain a horizontal plane and ensure proper engagement on every lift cycle. For variable-sized loads, a different tong configuration should be considered.

Q: Is dunnage required when using the DLT?
A: Yes. Because the grab arms support the load from underneath, dunnage (blocking material) must be placed beneath the load to provide the clearance needed to insert and remove the tong feet during engagement and disengagement.

Q: Does the DLT comply with ASME standards?
A: Yes. The Model DLT is designed and manufactured to comply with ASME below-the-hook lifting device standards. All custom Caldwell lifting tongs are also designed to comply with ASME standards.

Q: Can the DLT be used in facilities with low overhead clearance?
A: Yes. The DLT features a low-headroom design that minimizes the vertical space required above the load during lifting operations, making it suitable for use in facilities with overhead obstructions, low ceilings, or limited clearance under crane rails and hoists.

Q: Are custom configurations available if the standard DLT models do not fit my application?
A: Yes. Caldwell offers custom-designed lifting tongs engineered to customer-provided specifications. All custom tongs are designed to comply with ASME standards and can be configured for unique load geometries, capacities, or environmental requirements. Contact Diamond Tool Store for more information on custom options.