What is a Ceiling Jack? | A Reliable Base for Safety in Concrete Slab Formwork

Ceiling Jack is a metallic, adjustable tool used to support ceiling formwork, concrete slabs, or beams during concrete pouring in reinforced concrete structures. This tool is also known as a ceiling plumb jack, metal supporting post, or formwork steel prop, and it is one of the essential safety elements in construction projects.

Components of a Standard Ceiling Jack

• Thread (Adjusting Screw): For precise height adjustment

• Lock Pin (Wedge): To secure the adjusted length

• Inner and Outer Tubes: Cylindrical telescopic system

• Base Plate: To evenly distribute pressure to the ground

• U-Head or Flat Head: To hold beam or ceiling formwork

Technical Specifications of a Standard Ceiling Jack

• Closed Length (Min): 1.8 m to 2 m

• Extended Length (Max): 3.2 m to 4 m

• Load Capacity: 1.5 to 2 tons (concentrated load)

• Tube Material: ST37 or ST52 steel

• Surface Finish: Hot-dip galvanized or powder-coated

Types of Ceiling Jacks in the Iranian Market

1. Cross-Head Ceiling Jack
   Equipped with a cross-shaped head for supporting beam and slab formwork.

2. Simple Ceiling Jack (U-Head)
   The most common type for flat concrete slabs.

3. Heavy-Duty Ceiling Jack
   With thicker and larger diameter tubes for higher load-bearing capacity in industrial structures.

4. Quick-Release Ceiling Jack
   Equipped with an adjustable pin for installation without screw threading.

Advantages of Using Ceiling Jacks in Concrete Formwork

1. Precise Height Adjustment
   Thread and pin mechanisms allow millimeter-level adjustments, essential for accurate ceiling, beam, and slab formwork.

2. Higher Safety Compared to Traditional Scaffolding
   Engineered structure and vertical load distribution reduce the risk of overturning or deformation.

3. Fast Installation and Dismantling
   Each jack can be installed or adjusted within seconds, much faster than multi-piece scaffolds.

4. Reusable for Multiple Projects
   With proper maintenance, each jack can be reused in over 50 projects, unlike wooden scaffolds that degrade quickly.

5. Easy Transportation and Storage
   Telescopic design reduces space requirements for transport and allows organized storage.

Comparison: Ceiling Jack vs. Metal and Wooden Scaffolding

Factors Affecting the Price of Ceiling Jacks

The price of a ceiling jack is influenced by the following factors:

• Thickness of the inner and outer tubes (3–4 mm)

• Type of thread and welding quality

• Surface coating (electrostatic paint or galvanization)

• Adjustable length (2–4 meters)

• Required load capacity

• Brand and manufacturing company

Note: Jacks with heavy tubes and strong threads are a better choice for industrial projects or large-volume slabs.

Special Services of Mahyar Sepahan in Ceiling Jacks

• Production of jacks from 2 to 4 meters using heavy ST37 steel

• Hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating with corrosion guarantee

• Custom production for heavy structures or arched ceilings

• Resistance test reports and technical manuals for EPC projects

• Fast delivery across Iran with official shipping documents

Proper Installation and Use of Ceiling Jacks

Correct use of ceiling jacks not only ensures project safety but also increases equipment durability and reduces costs. The following are the proper steps:

1. Preparation of the Installation Site
   The ground surface must be completely level and firm. Wooden or metal pads should be used on soft ground.

2. Initial Height Adjustment
   Extend the jack to about 80% of the desired height and secure it with the lock pin.

3. Leveling the Jack Head
   Use a manual or laser level to ensure the jack head is perfectly aligned with the ceiling formwork.

4. Final Lock with the Threaded Screw
   Tighten the threaded screw until the jack is firmly locked in its final position.

⚠️Safety Tips When Using Ceiling Jacks

• Avoid placing jacks on uneven ground.

• Never use rusty or deformed jacks.

• The distance between jacks must be set according to the ceiling load (usually every 100–120 cm).

• Do not install jacks without using the lock pin.

• Never stack two jacks on top of each other to increase height.

Maintenance of Ceiling Jacks for Long-Term Use

• Cleaning after each project: Remove concrete residues, dust, and oil with a brush or water jet.

• Lubricating the threaded screw: Apply industrial oil to the threads before storage to prevent rust.

• Storage in a dry, shaded area: Jacks should be stored vertically or hanging, away from moisture.

• Visual inspection before use: Any cracks, bends, or damage to tubes, pins, or threads must be taken seriously.

The Key Role of Ceiling Jacks in Large Construction Projects

In large-scale construction, ceiling jacks are crucial due to their direct impact on safety, quality, and project scheduling. Their main applications include:

• Multi-story residential buildings

• Bridge construction and prestressed concrete slabs

• Multi-level concrete parking structures

• Industrial concrete buildings

• Heavy concrete halls and warehouses

With their high load-bearing capacity and precise adjustment, ceiling jacks ensure the formwork remains in the correct position, preventing cracks, settlement, or breakage in concrete.

Comparison of Ceiling Jacks with Other Ceiling Support Systems

Conclusion: For small to medium-sized construction projects, metal ceiling jacks are the best choice in terms of quality-to-cost ratio.

Guide to Choosing the Right Jack for Your Project

1. Type of Project
   Industrial, commercial, and residential projects have different requirements. For large projects, thicker reinforced tubes are recommended.

2. Ceiling Height
   The required height directly determines jack length. 3.5-meter jacks suit most projects.

3. Ceiling Load
   Heavier loads require stronger jacks with reinforced threads.

4. Environmental Conditions
   In humid or coastal areas, galvanized jacks are highly recommended.

Direct Purchase from Mahyar Sepahan

For a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective purchase, Mahyar Sepahan is the top choice for large national projects.

FAQs about Ceiling Jacks

• Can ceiling jacks be used for heights above 4 meters?
  No. For higher elevations, truss structures or scaffolding should be used.

• Which is better: painted or galvanized jacks?
  Galvanized jacks are more resistant to moisture and rust but are more expensive.

• What is the weight of each ceiling jack?
  Between 12–15 kg, depending on length and thickness.

• Is bulk purchase with project discounts available?
  Yes. Mahyar Sepahan offers special discounts for contractors.

Sample Projects with Mahyar Sepahan Jacks

• Nikan Commercial Complex, Tehran: Used 2800 jacks for second and third floor slabs.

• Pedestrian Bridge, Shiraz: Prestressed concrete slab formwork with 3.5 m jacks.

• Industrial Warehouse, Qom: Combination of ceiling jacks and scaffolding for roof formwork.

Final Conclusion

Ceiling jacks are simple yet vital tools in concreting projects. Correct selection, proper use, and professional maintenance will:

• Ensure project safety

• Extend equipment lifespan

• Reduce long-term project costs

With Mahyar Sepahan, you are guaranteed quality, service, and price.

Why Choose Mahyar Sepahan?

• Daily production of thousands of jacks with industrial standards

• Use of thick ST37 steel tubes

• Custom jacks for special projects

• Fast nationwide delivery with insurance

• Free consultation team for calculating jack requirements

Contact Us

Factory Address: Isfahan, Sepahan Shahr Industrial Town
📞 Mobile: +98 912 118 0029
🌐 Website: mahyarsepahan.com

Tehran Office:
15 Khordad St., between Pamenar & Naser Khosrow, Saraye Hafez, No. 206
☎️ +98 21 5561 4080

Isfahan Office:
Chaharbagh Bala St., Kosar Commercial Complex, Phase 1, 6th Floor, No. 802
☎️ +98 31 3620 4994 / 95 / 96

Factory Line:
Km 5, Isfahan–Tehran Road, after Morche Khort
☎️ +98 31 4564 3152