The location of these holes can only be determined at the completion of the mold design, after the location for all necessary heating and cooling channels and mounting holes and the shape of the mold part are finalized.

It is usually best to provide the handling holes as close as possible above the center of gravity (CG) of the heavy part while avoiding an area which is already occupied by holes, channels, etc.. It is important that these holes do not weaken the cross section of the mold part by reducing its wall thickness or by creating stress risers, which are unavoidable with tapped holes.

It is sometimes impossible to reconcile both above-mentioned conditions, and a compromise will be required. The compromise may be that the lifting hole is not exactly above the CG, and the part may not hang squarely when handled, or it may be that two or three holes are provided in such a way that a chain can be utilized to connect two or three eye bolts, with the hoist attached to the center point, to provide an approximate location above the CG.. Usually, plates will be handled and lifted from more than one side. There must be lifting holes on all edges to accornmodate lifting of the plate.