What is a disadvantage of using a ratchet jack?

A ratchet jack is designed to lift and hold heavy loads, but one of its disadvantages is that it can indeed fail under heavy loads if it is not used properly or if it is not rated for the weight being lifted. This risk is especially pertinent in rescue situations where safety is paramount. If the load exceeds the maximum capacity of the ratchet jack, the mechanism may become compromised, leading to potential collapse and posing great risk to personnel and victims alike.

Understanding the context of other options helps clarify this point. While a ratchet jack might take time to set up, the setup time is often outweighed by the benefits it provides in stability and control once operational. In terms of portability, many ratchet jacks are designed to be compact and can be easily transported to various rescue scenes. Additionally, while there are jacks that can be more costly, the price shouldn't overshadow the critical aspect of safety and performance specifically under heavy loads, which highlights the importance of choosing the right tool for the job.