The present invention relates to a gripping lifter (1) intended for handling metal coils, being provided with two lifting arms (2; 2a, 2b), coupled at the upper ends (14) to one or more support arms (3) substantially in horizontal plane. The lower ends (13) of the lifting arms are provided with detectors (4; 4A, 4B) of the coil centre hole and projecting parts (7; 7a, 7b). On the inner sides (21) of the lifting arms, gravity-operated detectors (8; 8a, 8b) of the metal coil sides are provided, the projecting parts being on the lower parts (7; 7B) rotatably carried to be turnable, and the under edge thereof being provided with a limiting part (15) of the turning motion of the projecting part, and on the upper part (7; 7A) thereof being attached a lever mechanism (12) to be used mechanically.