Screw jacks are mechanical devices that use a screw to create an adjustable support post. This engagement is designed to either support or lift a load and essentially creates solid support in both residential and commercial construction.
They are often used for precise support in structural repair projects and can be used as temporary or permanent support. These versatile tools have been around for centuries, but have been refined with technology like thrust bearings to ease the load of heavy lifting and some provide a positive connection between the top and bottom plates resisting up lift.
The guide below will walk you through where and how screw jacks are used, some of their unique factors, and the various types. This will help you decide if screw jacks will work for your project, and what to consider when comparing them. If you want to skip all this, call Ellis Manufacturing, and our knowledgeable and friendly team will talk you through it: (800) 654-8311.
Common Applications
From complex military projects to a one-story ranch with sagging floors, these industrial-grade shores provide reliable lifting and supporting solutions across many industries. Ellis Manufacturing screw jacks handle large-scale infrastructure demands or small home repairs. For almost 75 years, we’ve been providing strength, precision, and durability.
Commercial Construction
For large commercial projects, our screw jacks offer high load capacities and exceptional lifting power, making them ideal for
- high-rise buildings,
- bridge construction,
- military needs,
- multi-story office spaces,
- medical spaces,
- shopping malls,
- stadiums, and other industrial applications.
Our commercial construction jacks are built to handle the toughest jobs, providing dependable support during complex and high-demand tasks.
Whether it’s ensuring structural stability or lifting heavy loads, Ellis Manufacturing high-capacity screw jacks are engineered to exceed expectations and keep your projects on schedule.
Residential Construction
Homeowners and contractors alike turn to Ellis Manufacturing for reliable solutions in foundation repair, floor leveling, and deck support. Our house leveling jacks are perfect for stabilizing sagging floors, lifting pier and beam foundations back into place, or providing additional support under decks and beams. With an emphasis on durability and ease of use, our house jacks help ensure that your residential projects are completed with precision and safety in mind.
Emergency Response
Ellis screw jacks are trusted by emergency responders for their quick, reliable deployment in crisis situations. Our heavy-duty screw jacks are ideal for disaster relief operations, helping teams stabilize structures and provide support in search and rescue missions. Designed for rapid use and maximum strength, these jacks help ensure that first responders can work safely and efficiently in the most critical environments.
Ellis Manufacturing provides custom solutions for unique or niche projects as well. Since we’re based in the US, we have quick delivery and fast turnaround with our exceptional customer service.
Important Differentiating Factors
Screw jacks are not all made the same, so it’s important to understand a few differentiating factors:
Load Capacity
Our load capacity is listed at maximum height, unlike our competitors. So other jacks list a load capacity that’s at minimum height, meaning the jack gets weaker as you lift it up from that minimum height.
Basically, if another jack claims to support 12,000 lbs and ours also says that, ours is 12,000 at the weakest point, whereas theirs might be 12,000 at its strongest point—and then it gets weaker from there.
- Failure Point: Our jacks have a two-and-a-half times safety factor built into our load capacities. For example, if our jack supports 20,000 lbs, then the failure point of that jack is 50,000 pounds because it's two and a half times what is listed as the safe load capacity. With a lot of other jacks, they just list the load capacity without a safety factor built in or mentioning the failure point.
Unmatched Lifting Power
Ellis Manufacturing’s screw jacks offer unbeatable mechanical lifting capacity, powered by our exclusive thrust bearing technology. It’s a game-changer in lifting solutions, significantly reducing the effort needed to lift heavy loads by 10 times.
Instead of raw metal-on-metal, you get a smooth, easy glide and superior lifting capabilities. This innovation makes our jacks the ideal solution for demanding construction projects or simple home repairs.
In fact, we are unmatched in this regard, making us the industry standard for lifting and supporting projects.
From heavy-duty commercial applications to DIY floor leveling, Ellis Manufacturing screw jacks are built to perform under pressure, ensuring your project stays on track with precision and ease.
Height Range and Adjustability
Another unique aspect is that Ellis Manufacturing screw jacks offer adjustments from a few inches to just over two feet of vertical travel. And, you can make these adjustments as often as you need them. Our jacks also have a huge range in size — everything from 3 inches off the ground to 14 feet 6 inches off the ground.
Our product line provides solutions to difficult problems. We provide a niche solution to heavy-duty shoring problems. We provide a wide range of screw jack type supports in various sizes and have the ability to manufacture custom shoring solutions if needed.
We also provide a very high quality with the load ratings that are not matched in the industry.
- Luke Holmboe, Vice President of Marketing
Screw Jack General Uses
Before we dive into the specific screw jacks, here are some general categories and what they’re known for:
- Heavy-duty: These are great to lift and support and are often used in taller or incredibly heavy projects. For example, at basement heights or multi-story buildings, these are almost always going to be the best option because you need a substantial amount of load capacity at that taller height versus a crawl space jack.
- Light-duty: Supporting or lifting and supporting smaller projects, like DIY single-story floor leveling, can be done with our light-duty steel shores. We offer both standard and lifting options depending on your needs. Note: multi-story or commercial projects will most likely need the heavy-duty shores.
- Supporting Only: Pick any one of our jacks, and it will provide support. You just need to know what height range you need and the amount of load you’ll be supporting, and our team will show you the best options.
- Lifting and Supporting: If you need to lift and support, the Steel Lifting Shore is the best 2-in-1 solution. We offer light-duty, heavy-duty, and smaller Stealth Shores for all your lifting needs. Anything that lifts also has our patented thrust bearing technology.
- Steel: Ellis Manufacturing Steel Shores are the industry standard. We offer a wide range with huge load capacities, the ability to lift and support or just support, and options for tight and small spaces.
- Lumber: If you need to reinforce a structure, a lumber shore (Screw Jack) is an adaptable choice. If you have access to job cut lumber, our 4x4” or 6x6” screw jacks are a great versatile option because you can make them any height you need.
- Hydraulic: If you need additional lifting power, we offer a 12-ton and 20-ton bottle jack that can be used in conjunction with any jack we sell.
- Tight Spaces: For vertically tight spaces, we have created the Stealth Lifting Jack, and for horizontally tight spaces, we have our powerhouse Mini Jack.
- Permanent Shoring: Unlike the competition, all of our jacks can be used as a permanent solution. Our locking mechanism is easily unlocked for future adjustments, a unique feature in the industry.
Browse our range of screw jacks, and call us (800-654-8311) or text us (405-528-4671) with any questions at all or for custom solutions.
Specific Screw Jack Types
Steel Lifting Shores
Our Steel Shores are light-duty and heavy-duty floor jacks capable of supporting up to 80,000 lbs, making them a safe and reliable choice for house leveling and structural support. These jacks are designed for durability and long-term use, featuring:
- Patented thrust bearings that minimize friction, making adjustments easier under load.
- A fully assembled, one-piece design that prevents components from separating.
- A built-in safety lock ensures secure, long-term shoring applications.
Screw Jacks Using Lumber
For those preferring a versatile and dependable option, Ellis Manufacturing offers screw jacks using lumber. These jacks are designed to fit nominal 4x4” and 6x6” job cut lumber posts and are ideal for residential, commercial, and emergency shoring scenarios.
These screw jacks have a box end that's welded to the top of it, and a screw that gives it adjustment on the bottom with a base plate below that. Most often just called “screw jacks,” you use them vertically to make any size shore with 6” of height adjustment. Basically you slide a piece of lumber down into the box end that's on the top of it.
- 4x4” jacks support up to 15,000 lbs, making them suitable for many residential applications.
- 6x6” jacks hold up to 30,000 lbs, making them a great choice for commercial concrete construction and structural repair.
Standard Steel Shores
Ellis Manufacturing Light-Duty Steel Shores are perfect for simple foundation support projects requiring dependability without the thrust bearing technology.
Available in seven different adjustable heights, these shores are designed for versatility in residential and commercial applications. Each model boasts a safe load capacity ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 lbs, making them suitable for supporting foundations or reinforcing beams in crawl spaces and attics.
Choose from our various options here →Mini Screw Jack
For house leveling projects requiring a compact and powerful solution, the Ellis Manufacturing Mini Jack is a short support jack available in two sizes: the MJ-3 with a minimum height of 6.5 inches and the MJ-6 with a minimum height of 9.5 inches. Both models offer a robust, safe load capacity of 15,000 lbs, making them perfect for where space is limited.
Mini Jack Video: Learn how to use it →Stealth Lifting Shore
With 11 height options and a max width of 3.5”, these also have lifting capabilities that make them 10x easier with our patented thrust bearing nut assembly. Designed to be both strong and narrow, Stealth Jacks are made to fit and be sealed inside a standard 2x4-framed wall and range in support from 3,000 to 20,000 lbs.
Select a size here →Hydraulic Bottle Jack
Our Hydraulic Bottle Jacks are a great complement to screw jacks for additional lifting power. If you need more support and some hydraulic assistance, they are efficient and powerful. We offer two options: a 12-ton and a 20-ton.
Select a size here →Need help selecting the right jack for your sagging floors? Call us at (800) 654-8311 for advice.
Important Considerations
Weight Capacity
Each screw jack has a specific weight capacity and this is important to consider not only for safety but also the longevity of the product and correct operation. Ellis Manufacturing offers a wide range of load ratings, even up to as high as 80,000 lbs. Make sure to consider your needs and consult with a structural engineer if you’re unsure.
Spacing/Placement
Overloaded beams or too much spacing between piers is a reason to use screw jacks. If the span between piers is too large or the beam is not large enough to support the load across that distance, you’ll want to put something in the middle to make up for that. If all you need to do is support, either our Light-Duty Standard Steel Shores, Mini Screw Jacks, or Screw Jacks using lumber are the perfect solution.
If you need to lift as well as support, we have four options with varying adjustment ranges:
- Light Duty Lifting Steel Shore
- Heavy Duty Lifting Steel Shore
- Stealth Lifting Shore
- Ultra Duty Lifting Shore
Footers
You will need something to set the jack or base plate on. Basically, you want to create a larger surface area so the shore doesn’t sink. Digging a 2' x 2' x 2' hole, putting rebar in, and pouring concrete is a solid footer. This will serve as the base for the plate, which is then anchored down. You might use a pre-cast concrete block or use gravel instead of concrete.
Keep in mind that building codes differ from city to city. Digging a 2' x2' x 2' hole and packing it with crushed gravel then placing an Ellis Screw Jack and Base Plate Extension may be another good option.
Known for durability and being a trusted leader for almost 75 years, Ellis Manufacturing screw jacks exceed industry standards, ensure easy weight adjustments, and provide long-term reliability to fix sagging floors.
How to Use Screw Jacks and Steel Shores
| STEEL SHORES | LUMBER SHORES |
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Quality Control
To ensure the reliability of our screw jacks, we rigorously test each type of jack. This includes load testing, stress testing, and real-world simulations to confirm that every design meets the highest standards of performance and safety.
American-Made Craftsmanship
We keep our sourcing and crafting right here in the United States as much as possible. This helps with quality control as well as quicker delivery and overall response times. By using American-made components, we ensure superior craftsmanship and support local manufacturers.
Since Ellis has domestic fabrication capacity, you have the opportunity to create custom shoring solutions for your unique project as well as get them delivered on time, quickly, and with the best customer service around.
- Luke Holmboe, Vice President of Marketing.
FAQs
What maintenance is required for my screw jack?
No maintenance is required. If it’s been sitting a while, lubricate the bearings via the small hole in the nut—especially if you will be making an adjustment.
What should I do if my screw jack isn’t lifting properly?
IIf your screw jack isn't lifting as expected, it may be due to improper installation, lack of lubrication, or excessive load. Check the jack’s load rating and ensure the threads are clean and well-lubricated. If issues persist, please contact our customer support team for troubleshooting and further assistance.
Are Ellis Manufacturing screw jacks suitable for both commercial and residential use?
Yes, Ellis screw jacks are designed for a wide range of applications, from heavy-duty commercial construction to residential projects like foundation repair and floor leveling. We offer a variety of models to meet the specific needs of each type of project.
How can I get guidance on which screw jack to choose?
Our team is available to help you choose the right screw jack for your specific project. Whether you need help with a large commercial application or a home repair, we provide expert advice to ensure you make the right selection.
Do I need a heavy-duty or a light-duty shore?
Always consult with a professional if you’re unsure, but a good rule of thumb is that if you have to lift (vs. just support) sagging beams, have more than one story, or are dealing with a commercial building, you will need heavy-duty screw jacks.
Unsurpassed Quality
With almost 75 years of experience in the construction equipment industry, Ellis Manufacturing has built a reputation for trust and integrity. Our exceptional customer support makes sure you get what you need, when you need it.
We’re committed to solving the toughest problems and providing solutions that you can count on. We also offer custom solutions for your projects; call us for more information.
Your Partner for Reliable Lifting Solutions
Order online or call us for unequaled high-performance shoring and formwork solutions: (800) 654-8311. Our screw jacks are built to last and are trusted across industries, from construction to emergency response.
Disclaimer: The information provided in these articles is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional engineering advice. Every project has unique requirements and complexities. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a qualified professional engineer to guide you through the specific nuances of your individual project and ensure its safety and compliance. These articles do not offer engineering guidance.