We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Strand Jack?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,898
Share

A strand jack is a heavy-duty piece of machinery used to lift and lower heavy loads. It performs a similar function to a standard crane, but is much smaller. Despite its smaller size and footprint, the strand jack is capable of lifting a much heavier load than the average crane. With their high lifting capacity and strength, strand jacks are often used to pull or lift exceptionally heavy loads, such as pre-fabricated buildings or large bridge sections. A large jack was even used to erect the famous Millennium Wheel, or London Eye, on the banks of the river Thames.

Each strand jack consists of a steel tube filled with hydraulic fluid. A steel cable, or series of cables, runs through the center of the tube. The unit's operating system controls a set of metal feet or clamps within the tube. Using this operating system, users can instruct the metal feet to clamp onto the cable at different locations within the tube. These feet can climb or descend the cable to lift or lower the item, or simply clamp down on the cables to hold the object at a set location.

While a basic lifting project may require the use of a single strand jack, a larger project may require the combined lifting power of dozens or even hundreds of units. When used together in this manner, the strand jacks must be controlled by a central switchboard. Specialty computer software helps to ensure the jacks operate as one to lift or lower the object safely.

One of the primary advantages to using a strand jack is its very high lifting capacity. These devices allow contractors to lift or erect items in a single section, which can save time and money on large building projects. The jack also raises the bar in terms of building height or size, making things possible that would not be possible with a standard crane.

Another advantages to the strand jack is its small size and footprint. For example, a standard unit may weigh just one-tenth as much as a crane and take up one-tenth of the space. This allows the strand jack to operate in very small or difficult-to-access areas where a crane may not be able to reach. It also means that the strand jack is easy to transport, and reduces time and labor needed to setup and operate the device. One potential drawback to these devices is their relative newness compared to traditional cranes, which may deter some contractors.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-strand-jack.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.