NCCER Rigging Practice Exam

For lifting operations, you need a jack that can generate a lot of force with smooth, steady control. Hydraulic jacks achieve this by using fluid pressure to multiply the force you apply. When you pump, fluid pressure acts on a piston with a larger area, lifting heavy loads with relatively little manual effort. This makes them ideal for rigging tasks where a lift must be controlled, monitored for alignment, and often performed with cribbing and other safety measures in place.

Screw jacks rely on turning a screw to raise the load, which is slower and more manual—unfavorable for heavy, frequent lifts. Bottle jacks are also hydraulic, but their design gives a shorter stroke and lower stability for larger lifts, so they’re typically used for lighter or quick lifts rather than longer, controlled rigging lifts. Chain jacks aren’t a standard choice for lifting in rigging compared to hydraulic options.

So, a hydraulic jack is the most suitable and commonly used for lifting operations.