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A Helium Lift Mechanism is a device that offers a certain amount of lift, using helium, a method of containment, and a method of control.

The term "Helium Lift Mechanism" (abbreviated "HLM") was used by Josh Levine in March, 2003, when describing a concept for vertical lift on the surface of the Earth. The fundamental concept is that in which a mechanism is created to provide a specified amount of lift, using helium, depending on the amount of weight needed to be lifted.

A cheap, lightweight, and readily available form of helium containment is available to the average consumer in the form of lightweight "economy" garbage bags (ideally .75 - .9 mil thickness). A string will be necessary to control the helium lift mechanism, and connect it to the mass being lifted. Garbage bag HLMs were first developed, and have been successfully utilized on various occasions by artist Josh Levine, initially for use as a component of the first Long Distance String Art project.

1 m³ of helium will lift 1 kg. On average, a "235 lb." tank of helium (the largest size you can rent), will provide enough helium to lift about 9 lb. at sea level. The current (2006) average rental cost of a tank this size is about $35. The weight of the garbage bags and string would need to be subtracted from the total amount of lift, to determine the remaining lift available. Outside factors can add or subtract from the amount of lift and/or control over the mechanism, such as wind and humidity.