Overview
Barron Equipment carries the Caldwell Model PNL permanent lifting magnet — a self-contained, rare earth magnetic lifter with an on/off handle for fast, controlled attachment and release on ferrous metal loads. The PNL uses rare earth magnet technology to generate strong holding force in a compact, lightweight body with no external power source required. There are no electrical connections, no batteries, and no air lines — making this one of the simplest and most portable magnetic lifting tools available for shop and field use.
The Model PNL handles both flat and round ferrous metal materials and is designed for use with overhead cranes, jib cranes, hoists, and manual lifting applications where quick magnetic pick-and-place speeds up material movement without rigging.
Features and Benefits
- Rare earth magnet design for high holding force in a compact, lightweight package
- On/off handle provides full operator control over magnetic engagement and release
- Lifts both flat and round ferrous metal loads — steel plates, bars, rounds, and cylindrical stock
- Completely self-contained — no electricity, batteries, or compressed air needed
- Holding power is not affected by power outages or battery life
- Portable and easy to deploy in the shop or in the field
- Complies with ASME standards for below-the-hook lifting devices
Part of the Caldwell Permanent Lifting Magnet Line
The Model PNL is part of Caldwell's family of permanent lifting magnets available through Barron Equipment. For applications that also require vertical lifting capability, a built-in test load feature, custom pole shoe support, or heat resistance up to 180°F, see the Caldwell Model VL Rare Earth Lifting Magnet — which offers additional features built on the same rare earth magnet technology. For general-purpose permanent magnetic lifting with simple lever operation, Barron also carries the Caldwell Model CREM.
Applications
The Model PNL is a practical choice for machine shops, fabrication facilities, maintenance departments, and field crews that need a quick, portable way to grip and move ferrous metal without hooks, chains, or slings. Common applications include picking steel plates and flat bar from inventory stacks, loading round stock into lathes and machining centers, transferring cut pieces between workstations, positioning material for welding and assembly, and any task where a single operator needs to move ferrous metal quickly and safely.
Selection Assistance
Selecting the right permanent lifting magnet depends on your load weight, material type, surface condition, and whether you need flat-only or flat-and-round capability. The Model PNL covers both flat and round loads in a rare earth configuration. Capacity ratings are based on clean, smooth, flat low carbon steel — actual holding force decreases with thinner material, rougher surfaces, air gaps, and alloy steels.
Barron Equipment carries the full Caldwell lifting magnet line, including electromagnetic models with capacities up to 13,000 lbs. for heavier loads. For non-ferrous materials, Barron offers ANVER vacuum lifters and Caldwell UNIVAC vacuum lifting systems as alternative below-the-hook solutions.
Contact Barron Equipment to request a quote or discuss the right lifting magnet for your application.

