Bevel gear jacks use the same trapezoidal or acme screws used in machined screw jacks to move the load. However, bevel gear jacks use bevel gears inside the housing instead of worm gearing. Bevel gears are more efficient than worm gearing，and they have lower ratios that result in higher speeds and travel rates. Typically, bevel gear jacks maintain self-locking characteristics while providing higher travel speeds.

Another benefit of bevel gear jacks is their I/O shaft flexibility. They are available in single shaft, two shaft and three shaft configurations. In two and three shaft configurations the jack offers right angle characteristics with the ability to divide input power or torque, sending it equally in different directions. Flexibility in shaft configuration makes bevel gear jacks ideal for multiple jack configurations and can eliminate the need for stand-alone right angle gearboxes used in many worm gear jack systems.

Bevel gear jacks are well suited for light and moderate duty cycle applications and they are priced slightly above worm gear or machined screw jacks because of their greater efficiency, flexibility and speed characteristics. While a bit more expensive, bevel gear jacks reduce the number of required components in multiple jack systems, which helps balance the difference in price.