What Are Ratchet Jacks?

Ratchet jacks are mechanical devices that use a ratcheting handle to raise or lower a load. The operator moves the handle back and forth, incrementally advancing a lifting pawl that drives the lifting mechanism. These jacks are:

• Self-contained (no external pump or power source needed)

• Capable of vertical and horizontal operation

• Equipped with a safety ratchet system to prevent accidental load drop

• Made from durable, high-strength materials

Enerpac Ratchet Jacks (including models formerly branded by Simplex) are available in multiple tonnages and are often preferred in remote or hazardous locations where simple, dependable tools are required.

Where and How Are They Used?

Enerpac Ratchet Jacks are commonly used for lifting, pushing, pulling, and aligning heavy loads in field or industrial settings. Applications include:

• Rail maintenance and track alignment

• Lifting structural steel during erection

• Bridge bearing adjustment and positioning

• Heavy equipment repositioning or installation

• Pipe and tank installation alignment

• Leveling foundation beams and frames

Ratchet jacks can be used vertically (lifting) or horizontally (pushing or pulling), and the user simply selects the ratchet direction using a selector lever or reversible mechanism.

Accessories and System Components

While ratchet jacks are self-contained, several accessories enhance performance:

• Base plates for uneven or soft ground

• Extension posts or blocks to increase reach

• Jack bars or lever handles for extended leverage

• Safety wedges or chocks to secure lifted loads

• Carrying handles or straps for easier transport

• Protective boots or covers for use in muddy or corrosive environments

No external pump or hoses are required, making these some of the most user-friendly lifting tools available.

Industries in the USA That Use Ratchet Jacks

Enerpac Ratchet Jacks are relied on across multiple industries where power tools aren’t always feasible:

• Rail & Transportation – For rail car lifting, switch point adjustment, and tie installation

• Construction – Structural alignment, beam lifting, temporary bracing

• Utilities & Infrastructure – Utility pole installation and support, power station maintenance

• Oil & Gas – Rigging and pipe alignment where spark-free tools are required

• Shipbuilding – Positioning and aligning parts of ship hulls or heavy machinery

• Heavy Industry & Fabrication – Where portability and reliability matter most

Because they require no hydraulic fluid, power cords, or air compressors, ratchet jacks are a go-to tool in remote, rugged, or power-restricted sites.

Why Choose Enerpac Ratchet Jacks?

Enerpac’s mechanical ratchet jacks are built for serious field work, offering:

• Tough steel construction with long-lasting components

• Low maintenance—no hydraulics to leak or fail

• Compact and portable designs

• Safe lifting and lowering via ratcheting pawl system

• Adaptable to vertical or horizontal use

Backed by decades of field use under the Simplex name and now supported by Enerpac’s global distribution, these jacks combine legacy engineering with modern safety and reliability.

Interesting Facts

• Enerpac ratchet jacks are often used in rail emergencies, where portable lifting is required without power.

• Their manual operation allows precise millimeter-level adjustments—ideal for structural alignment.

• Ratchet jacks are frequently used in confined spaces where hydraulic equipment can’t fit.

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