Drywall Jack

A drywall jack props and supports drywall sheet panels during ceiling installations.

Description:

The drywall jack is an engineering control that may help reduce overhead work during drywall ceiling installations.
A FastCap drywall jack uses a single, spring-locked telescoping pole. The T-JAK® uses a steel shaft, an inner threaded rod and a quick tilt knob that locks into place for precision adjustments. 

A drywall jack uses a single, spring-locked telescoping pole.  

FastCap® makes a group of jacks called the 3rd Hand Family.  The 3rd Hand HD (figure 1) consist of a pole that telescopes from 57 to 144 inches (12 feet) and has a load capacity up to 150 pounds. 


 

Figure 1. FastCap® 3rd Hand HD supporting a sheet of drywall panel. (Photo courtesy of FastCap, LLC.)

The T-JAK® Drywall Tool (Figure 2) features a steel shaft,  a threaded steel rod and a quick-tilt knob.  The  T-JAK® tool slides from 53 inches to 108 inches supporting  objects weighing up to 400 pounds.  By tilting the quick release knob, the threaded rod can be raised to the desired supporting height. The knob will automatically drop and lock into place, engaging the thread. Final precision adjustments can be made by turning the quick release knob. Available accessories include extensions in 1 to 3 foot lengths  and drywall support brackets.


Figure 2. T-JAK® Drywall Tool TJ-104D (Photo courtesy of T-JAK® Support Tools)

Risks Addressed:

Overhead work can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as shoulder muscle strains; tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons; or rotator cuff tears, which is a rupture of a shoulder tendon. The drywall jack can help reduce overhead holding by supporting drywall during installation.

How Risks are Reduced:

A drywall jack reduces overhead work because it supports the drywall being installed, allowing easier installation and increases the installer’s ability to take breaks during installation.

Safety and health experts believe drywall jacks will help reduce exposure to overhead work since the material is held in position by the jack.

Effects on Productivity:

A drywall jack may increase productivity by allowing more drywalls to be installed due to the ease of positioning and holding the drywalls.

Additional Considerations:

While drywall jacks reduce several risks, improper use of the jacks could be harmful.  It is critical to operate the jacks according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

Contributors:

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; Julianne Keenan, SPT; and Benjamin Tucker, SPT– Eastern Washington University
Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training

Hazards Addressed:

Availability

FastCap, LLC.
To obtain information, visit 3rd Hand HD or contact 1-888-443-3748 info@fastcap.com

T-JAK® Support Tools
To obtain information, visit TJ-104 D or contact 1-800-662-3557 info@tjak.com

Return on Investment

To find out the potential return on investment (ROI) for this solution, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator.

 “Click to Begin", then “Load an Example” and select "Installing 8'x12' Drywall Ceiling Panels Using an 'Assistive' Tool" or "Installing 8'x12' Drywall Ceiling Panels Using an 'Assistive' Tool".