The device has two stops (13) which are arranged in the path of motion of the front edge (12) of a metal sheet (11). The sheet can be linked by a coupler (22,23) to a device (14) which can move parallel to this path. The coupler is arranged above or below the sheet in the area of the stops, and can be guided across its path. It can also be guided at right angles to and from the sheet surface by a lifting device (24), and has an adhering element which makes a frictional connection with the sheet. The element may be a suction bowl or an electromagnet.
