Mechanical actuators typically operate by conversion of rotary motion into linear motion.

Conversion is commonly made via a few simple types of mechanism:

 A screw is a mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion, and a torque (rotational force) to a linear force.

By rotating the actuator's nut, the screw shaft moves in a line.

The screw passes through a hole in another object or medium, with threads on the inside of the hole that mesh with the screw's threads.

 When the shaft of the screw is rotated relative to the stationary threads, the screw moves along its axis relative to the medium surrounding it. For example rotating a wood screw forces it into wood. In screw mechanisms, either the screw shaft can rotate through a threaded hole in a stationary object, or a threaded collar such as a nut can rotate around a stationary screw shaft. Geometrically, a screw can be viewed as a narrow inclined plane wrapped around a shaft.

A Lead screw also known as a power screw or translation screw, is a screw designed to translate turning motion into linear motion

 A jackscrew is a type of jack which is operated by turning a lead screw.

In the form of a screw jack it is commonly used to lift heavy weights such as the foundations of houses, or large vehicles.

A ball screw is a mechanical linear actuator that translates rotational motion to linear motion with little friction. A threaded shaft provides a helical raceway for ball bearings which act as a precision screw

Roller screw actuation with traveling screw (rotating nut). A roller screw is a mechanical actuator similar to a ball screw that uses rollers as the load transfer elements between nut and screw instead of balls.

A screw conveyor uses a rotating helical screw blade to move bulk materials

 Wheel and axle:

Hoist, winch, rack and pinion, chain drive, belt drive, rigid chain and rigid belt actuators operate on the principle of the wheel and axle.

A rotating wheel moves a cable, rack, chain or belt to produce linear motion. This consists of crank or pulley connected to a cylindrical barrel that provides mechanical advantage to wind up a rope and lift a load such as a bucket from a well.

 A hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. The load is attached to the hoist by means of a lifting hook.

 A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the "tension" of a rope or wire. In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached hand crank.

 A rack and pinion is a type of linear actuator that comprises a pair of gears which convert rotational motion into linear motion.

A circular gear called "the pinion" engages teeth on a linear "gear" bar called "the rack"; rotational motion applied to the pinion causes the rack to move, thereby translating the rotational motion of the pinion into the linear motion of the rack.

 Chain drive is a way of transmitting mechanical power from one place to another.

It is often used to convey power to the wheels of a vehicle, particularly bicycles and motorcycles.
It is also used in a wide variety of machines besides vehicles

 A belt is a loop of flexible material used to link two or more rotating shafts mechanically.
Belts may be used as a source of motion, to transmit power efficiently, or to track relative movement. Belts are looped over pulleys.

In a two pulley system, the belt can either drive the pulleys in the same direction, or the belt may be crossed, so that the direction of the shafts is opposite.
Ex: Conveyor belt

 A rigid chain actuator, known variously as a linear chain actuator, is a specialized mechanical linear actuator used in window operating, push-pull material handling and lift applications. The actuator is a chain and pinion device that forms an articulated telescoping member to transmit traction and thrust.

 A rigid belt actuator, also known as a push-pull belt actuator or zipper belt actuator, is a specialized mechanical linear actuator used in push-pull and lift applications. The actuator is a belt and pinion device that forms a telescoping beam or column member to transmit traction and thrust.

 Cam actuators function on a principle similar to that of the wedge, but provide relatively limited travel. As a wheel-like cam rotates, its eccentric shape provides thrust at the base of a shaft. A wedge is a triangular shaped round tool, a compound and portable inclined plane. It can be used to separate two objects or portions of an object, lift an object, or hold an object in place

 Some mechanical linear actuators only pull, such as hoists, chain drive and belt drives. Others only push (such as a cam actuator).

Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, or lead screw can be designed to provide force in both directions.
Mechanical actuators typically convert rotary motion of a control knob or handle into linear displacement via screws and/or gears to which the knob or handle is attached