Jack Comparison

When working on vehicles of all sizes, being able to properly elevate and manipulate them will go a long way to making the job quicker and easier. There are countless options out there when it comes to providing your shop with the best tools for any job, and finding the right machine to suit your needs can seem impossible. You can’t go wrong with the basics, however, and every garage should have a floor jack on hand. We can help you choose the right tool for your shop with our jack comparisons that will give you all the information you need.

The most recognizable jack design, hydraulics provide an excellent level of convenience and usability for any mechanic. Since jacks are used for their ability to make work easier, it makes sense to choose a jack that is, itself, easy to use. They can be pumped to lift a vehicle with very minimal physical effort, and provide excellent weight capacities and lift heights. When it comes to downsides, there aren’t many, but hydraulic jacks can be more expensive than other options. Also, their extra mechanical prowess comes at a cost in weight and size, and they can take up more space and be less portable than other machines.

Best known for being very lightweight and economical both regarding cost and space, these are great options for people who plan on doing periodic work or do not have a lot of room for bulkier machines. They are more portable and are included with many vehicles, able to be carried in the trunk for emergency tire changes and other quick work. They use a simple screw to compress a scissor to elevate it upwards, giving height to any vehicle in a pinch. While they require a bit more effort than hydraulic equipment, they are still easy to use. Their biggest downfall comes at lower weight capacities and elevations, making them more difficult to use for specific work such as transmissions or larger vehicles.

Combine the best of both floor jack models with these innovative tools. Piston jacks use hydraulics much like other standard options, but take up much less space. They do this by using pumped pressure to elevate a series of pistons, enabling them to get the job done without taking up much of your floor. This makes them a great medium between the usability of hydraulic jacks and scissor jacks, giving you great power and performance while also being portable. However, the cylinder design gives them a much higher minimum height. This can make it impossible to fit the jack under lower vehicles, even many consumer sports cars, and sedans.

When choosing the proper tool for your shop, take time to consider the work you will be doing. If you are regularly working on vehicles every day, hydraulics can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Also, be sure to compare the height of the vehicles you regularly service with the capabilities of your equipment to ensure you have a proper match. With the right floor jack comparison, you can make a great decision that will help you work easier and more comfortably every day.

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