General
single jack
What does single jack mean?
A short-handled sledge — typically 2 to 4 pounds — designed to be swung one-handed while the other hand holds a chisel, star drill, or spike. Originates in hardrock mining where a single jack miner drilled holes solo. Still standard in masonry, demo, and anywhere you need controlled heavy hits.
"Grab the single jack and that cold chisel, we're popping these tiles."
Origin
From 19th-century American hardrock mining: a 'single jacker' worked alone, holding the drill steel in one hand and swinging a short sledge with the other. 'Double jacking' was a two-man team.
Frequently asked questions
What is a single jack?
It's a short-handled sledgehammer meant to be swung with one hand, usually weighing around 3 to 4 pounds.
How do you use single jack in a sentence?
"Grab the single jack and drive that stake in."
Why is it called a single jack?
The "single" refers to it being swung one-handed, as opposed to a heavier two-handed sledge.
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