Overview
Barron Equipment carries the Caldwell Model CREM permanent lifting magnet — a self-contained magnetic lifting device with simple lever operation for fast, reliable attachment and release on ferrous metal loads. The CREM uses powerful permanent magnets to generate a strong magnetic holding force that grips steel plates, bars, rounds, and other solid ferrous materials without any external power source. There are no electrical connections, batteries, or air lines to manage — making this one of the most straightforward and cost effective below-the-hook lifting tools available.
The Model CREM is the workhorse of the Caldwell permanent lifting magnet line. Where other models add features like rare earth construction, test load functions, or vertical lift capability, the CREM focuses on simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. A single lever controls the magnetic field, and a built-in safety lock prevents accidental release during lifting. For facilities that handle ferrous metal daily and want the fastest possible attachment method without rigging, the CREM delivers dependable performance shift after shift.
How It Works
Operating the Model CREM is a two-step process. The operator positions the magnet flat on the ferrous metal load, then moves the lever to the "on" position. The safety lock engages automatically to hold the lever in place and prevent accidental release while the load is suspended. When the load reaches its destination, the operator releases the safety lock, moves the lever to the "off" position, and the magnetic field disengages for clean load release.
This lever-actuated design eliminates the complexity of electrical controls, pendant switches, or radio transmitters. Any crane or hoist operator can learn to use the CREM in minutes with minimal training, and there are no consumables, batteries, or power cords to replace over the life of the magnet.
Features and Benefits
- Simple lever operation with built-in safety lock prevents accidental load release during lifting
- Powerful permanent magnet construction — no electricity, batteries, or compressed air required
- Holding power is not affected by power outages, electrical failures, or battery life
- Lifts both flat and round ferrous metal loads including steel plates, bars, rounds, and forgings
- Completely self-contained — nothing to plug in, charge, or connect
- Compact, portable design for shop use, field work, and maintenance applications
- Minimal training required — intuitive lever on/off operation
- No consumable parts in the magnetic circuit — long service life with low maintenance
- Complies with ASME standards for below-the-hook lifting devices
When to Choose Permanent Over Electromagnetic
Permanent lifting magnets like the Model CREM are the right choice when simplicity, portability, and independence from electrical power are priorities. Because the CREM generates its holding force from permanent magnets rather than an electrical coil, there is no risk of load drop from power failure, tripped breakers, or disconnected power cords. This inherent safety advantage makes permanent magnets the preferred option for field work, outdoor lifting, maintenance tasks, and any application where reliable power at the crane hook is not guaranteed.
For heavier loads or applications that require electrically controlled on/off cycling at high speed, Barron carries Caldwell Model RELM round electromagnetic lifting magnets with capacities up to 13,000 lbs. Electromagnetic lifters offer higher maximum capacities and the ability to fully demagnetize the load on release, but they require 115V AC power at the point of use.
Applications
The Caldwell Model CREM serves machine shops, metal fabrication facilities, steel service centers, maintenance departments, and construction crews that handle ferrous metal with overhead cranes, jib arms, or hoists. Common applications include picking steel plates from inventory for positioning on work tables and cutting machines, loading bar stock and rounds into processing equipment, moving forgings and die castings between production stages, transferring cut parts between workstations in fabrication and finishing, handling steel components during field installation and maintenance, and any operation where fast, no-rigging magnetic pick-and-place improves material flow.
Selection Assistance
Choosing the right permanent lifting magnet starts with your heaviest typical load, the material type and surface condition, and whether you need to lift flat material, round stock, or both. The Model CREM handles both profiles, but capacity ratings are based on clean, smooth, flat low carbon steel with full magnet face contact. Rough surfaces, thin materials, air gaps, and alloy steels all reduce effective holding force — so always select a magnet rated above your actual load weight.
Barron carries the full Caldwell lifting magnet line. For applications that require higher force-to-weight ratio, vertical lifting capability, or a test load safety feature, see the Caldwell Model VL Rare Earth Lifting Magnet. For loads that are non-ferrous or where magnetic attachment is not practical, Barron offers ANVER vacuum lifters and Caldwell UNIVAC vacuum lifting systems.
Contact Barron Equipment to request a quote or discuss a permanent lifting magnet for your operation.