Jackscrew vs. Leadscrew — What's the Difference?

A jackscrew, or screw jack, is a type of jack that is operated by turning a leadscrew. It is commonly used to lift moderately and heavy weights, such as vehicles; to raise and lower the horizontal stabilizers of aircraft; and as adjustable supports for heavy loads, such as the foundations of houses.

A leadscrew (or lead screw), also known as a power screw or translation screw, is a screw used as a linkage in a machine, to translate turning motion into linear motion. Because of the large area of sliding contact between their male and female members, screw threads have larger frictional energy losses compared to other linkages.

A jack operated by a screw. Also called screw jack.

A screw designed to translate turning motion into linear motion.

A jack (mechanical lifting device) which is operated by turning a leadscrew.

A leadscrew; a screw used to translate rotational into linear motion.

Screw-operated jack