Devices and methods for handling workpieces, in particular workpieces in the form of processing products of a metal sheet processing operation, are described. The devices include one or more retention members that are movably supported by a retention member bearing and a transverse guide device. If the transverse guide device is moved relative to the retention member along a lifting axis out of a non-operative lifting position into an operative lifting position or out of an operative lifting position into a non-operative lifting position on a fixed retention member bearing, the retention member is thereby moved from a non-operative position into an operative position or out of an operative position into a non-operative position. In the operative position, the retention member can engage behind an edge of a workpiece, but cannot do so in the non-operative position. By means of a drive motor, the retention member moved into the operative position can be moved with a lifting movement along the lifting axis together with the retention member bearing and the transverse guide device which is moved into the operative lifting position.