Problems in using manual screw lifts
Oct 24 , 2025
The handwheel driven worm gear screw jack is simple and convenient, making it a good choice for applications where power supply installation is difficult. Worm gear screw lifts are self-locking and are very convenient for fine-tuning equipment where speed and precision are not critical and no electrical connections are required, simply cranking a handwheel or handle can move tons of material.
Customers often ask whether a lead screw jack 's handwheel will struggle when driving heavy loads. The answer is yes. While the worm gear drive structure of a screw lift can reduce speed and increase torque, allowing it to move large objects with minimal force, human power is limited. While increasing the lever arm can minimize output torque, there's no better solution.
When choosing a handwheel-driven screw lift, especially for customers with high travel requirements, they often complain about slow lifting speeds. Worm gear lead screw jacks can be self-locking, but transmission efficiency is low. To increase speed, the lead screw can be made into a double or triple lead. Multiple leads can increase the lead screw's lifting speed, but they lack self-locking properties. For equipment that requires load retention, a brake device must be considered.
Lead screw jacks can be driven by various motors, connected via matching flanges or couplings. For equipment with limited access to a power source, a handwheel or crank can also be used. Manual lead screw jacks have certain drawbacks when used with large travels and heavy loads. Therefore, manual lead screw jacks are more suitable for equipment that requires less speed and fine-tuning.
