Description
Forged Steel Manhole Cover Lifting Tool in 26, 30 and 36 Inch Lengths
Product Overview
Cast iron manhole covers weigh 85 to 300 pounds. Prying them open with a screwdriver or pry bar bends the tool and damages the rim. The Reed manhole cover hook is a forged high-carbon steel manhole hook that slips into standard pickholes and lifts covers with controlled leverage. It comes in three lengths: the 26-inch MH26 at 3.3 lbs, the 30-inch MH30 with a 90-degree rocker head, and the 36-inch MH36 for maximum reach. Choose the length from the size menu above.
Key Features and Benefits
- Forged 5/8-inch hex high-carbon steel with grain alignment that resists bending under heavy prying loads.
- Powder-coated finish bonds to the steel and outlasts painted finishes in wet and outdoor conditions.
- 1/2-inch wide hook point fits standard manhole cover pickholes and rim notches without binding.
- Same-plane handle and hook on the MH26 and MH36 let the carbon steel manhole hook lay completely flat for truck or toolbox storage. The MH30's 90-degree rocker head offsets the hook for a different prying angle on stuck or corroded covers.
- Three lengths, 26 to 36 inches at 3.3 to 4.3 lbs, so crews can match hook length to the heaviest cover on their route.
- Handle fits large hands with room for work gloves.
- Made in the USA by Reed Manufacturing (Erie, PA), building pipe tools and utility equipment since 1896.
How to Use a Reed Manhole Hook
Every Reed manhole hook follows a simple insert-and-pry technique. Insert the 1/2-inch hook point into the pickhole or notch cast into the cover's rim. Raise the handle end to slip the hook under the cover edge. Once the hook catches, lift one side of the cover far enough to create a gap, then slide the cover sideways off the frame.
For covers without a pickhole, wedge the hook point under the rim gap between cover and frame. The same-plane MH26 and MH36 give a low approach angle that works well for this technique. The MH30's rocker head changes the prying angle for covers that have settled or corroded into the frame. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs.
Specifications
| Specification | MH26 | MH30 | MH36 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item Code | 02301 | 02302 | 02303 |
| Length | 26 in. (650 mm) | 30 in. (760 mm) | 36 in. (900 mm) |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | 4.0 lbs (1.8 kg) | 4.3 lbs (2.0 kg) |
| Handle to Hook | Same plane (hook and handle in line) | 90-degree rocker head | Same plane (hook and handle in line) |
| Material | Forged 5/8 in. hex high carbon steel | ||
| Hook Point Width | 1/2 in. | ||
| Finish | Powder coated | ||
| Manufacturer | Reed Manufacturing | ||
| Country of Origin | USA (Reed Manufacturing, Erie, PA) | ||
Choose Your Reed Manhole Hook Size
There are three Reed manhole hook models in the MH series. Each carbon steel manhole hook is forged from 5/8-inch hex stock with a powder-coated finish, made in the USA. All three are available on this page.
| Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
| MH26 (02301) | 26 in. (650 mm), 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). Same-plane handle and hook. Lightest and most compact for standard covers and tight truck storage. |
| MH30 (02302) | 30 in. (760 mm), 4.0 lbs (1.8 kg). 90-degree rocker head offsets the hook for a different prying angle on stuck or corroded covers. |
| MH36 (02303) | 36 in. (900 mm), 4.3 lbs (2.0 kg). Same-plane handle and hook. Longest reach for maximum leverage or taller operators. |
Applications
The Reed manhole cover hook handles any flush-mounted access cover with a pickhole or rim notch. Municipal water and sewer crews rely on this heavy-duty manhole cover hook across road, sidewalk, and utility right-of-way locations. It is also a manhole cover lifting tool for industrial and facility maintenance settings.
- Cast iron manhole covers in streets, intersections, and utility corridors.
- Stormwater catch basin lids and drainage grate covers.
- Valve box covers for water mains, gas lines, and irrigation systems.
- Septic tank access lids and sewer cleanout covers.
- Utility vault covers for electrical, telecom, and fiber access points.
- Floor drains and trench drain grates in warehouses, treatment plants, and commercial buildings.
Buy Reed Manhole Cover Hooks Online from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company is an authorized Reed Manufacturing supplier. The Reed manhole cover hook in all three lengths ships across Canada and the USA. Free shipping on orders over $199. For returns or warranty questions, email info@cleanflow.ca.
Browse the Reed Manhole Parts collection for the full lineup of Reed manhole tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size manhole cover hook do I need?
Match hook length to cover weight. Standard residential and sidewalk covers (85-150 lbs) lift with the 26-inch MH26. Heavier commercial covers or lids sealed by road work need the 30-inch MH30 or 36-inch MH36 for more leverage. Start with the MH26 if most of your route is standard covers.
How to open a manhole cover with a hook?
Slide the hook point into the pickhole, raise the handle to catch under the rim, lift one side, and push the cover sideways off the frame. Covers over 200 lbs are safer with two hooks on opposite sides and two people lifting. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs.
What is the difference between the Reed MH26 vs MH30 vs MH36?
All three use the same 5/8-inch hex high-carbon steel. The MH26 (3.3 lbs) is the most compact for standard covers. The MH30 changes the prying angle for stuck lids. The MH36 gives maximum leverage for heavy commercial covers. Most crews start with the MH26 and add sizes as needed.
What is the best manhole cover hook for utility crews?
The Reed MH26 handles most standard-weight cast iron covers and stores flat on a service truck. Crews covering large areas benefit from carrying two sizes so the right hook is always on the truck. Match hook length to the heaviest cover on your regular route.
What is the difference between manhole hook handle styles?
Same-plane hooks (MH26 and MH36) lay flat for storage and pull straight up over the cover. The MH30's offset head changes the prying angle for covers that have settled or corroded into the frame. Same-plane suits routine access. The offset head saves effort on problem lids.
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