The present invention is a lifting apparatus that includes a master wedge bar, a slave wedge bar, a cam lug and a handle. The master wedge bar and slave wedge bar are configured to be placed in a drilled core in an object to be lifted. The cam lug is pivotally coupled to the master wedge bar and drivingly engages with the slave wedge bar such that upward force applied to a lift end of the cam lug drives the slave wedge downward. The master wedge bar and the slave wedge bar generate an outward force upon the core wall of the object upon the downward movement of the slave wedge bar relative to the master wedge bar such that the apparatus engages the core wall and secures itself in it by friction. A handle is configured to disengage the apparatus from the core wall when lifted upward.