man with drill
A ratchet is a tool that lifts a heavy piece of equipment, vehicle, or other item on the principle of applying force in small incremental processes. The ratchet jack is a type of jack, a lever-based machine, that uses a ratcheting method of lifting the load. Ratcheting jacks come in many different forms and are used in many industries.
Different ratcheting jacks use various forms of engineering to lift a lot of weight from a relatively cramped position. A “jack and ratchet” configuration may include technology where the movement of a screw rotates a screw and lifts the load steadily. Many of the ratchet designs need a separate steel bar to operate them.
In many cases, a ratchet jack has a small “reverse lever” that determines whether the jack will raise or lower a load when the operator pushes down on the steel leveling arm. Those who operate the output simply flip this switch to reverse the direction of the load. Ratcheting jack manufacturers often include the reverse lever near the base of the jack for easy location.
The best ratcheting jacks are made from heavy-duty, hot-forged steel or alloy steel. Heat treated components generally perform better under pressure and extensive testing provides more operational safety for these types of devices. With this type of construction, some turnstiles can hold and handle up to 20 tons of material.
A ratchet with a larger base will generally provide more stability for setting large loads. Some ratcheting designs are also made specifically for operators to use in small areas. Depending on their design and purpose, ratcheting jacks can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to well over a thousand dollars each.
Ratcheting jacks are often used in many different fields, including a wide variety of construction industries, as well as heavy lifting operations such as mining. Metal fabrication shops or other in-house facilities may include ratcheting jacks in a tool kit to move tools, equipment, or property. A retail warehouse or other storage facility may also have ratcheting jacks on hand.
The jack and pawl design represents some of the latest technology for safe and robust lifting. Many of these projects meet OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for a safe workplace. Workers should always use all precautions outlined in user manuals to give themselves the best chance of operating turnstiles safely and contribute to an accident-free workplace.