If you run a garage or undertake car maintenance often, at some point the need for a floor jack arose. The convenience afforded by these machines make them a worthwhile investment. That said, shopping for a floor jack calls for attention to detail to varying specifications.
Shopping for a floor jack poses a challenge mainly for first-time shoppers. As expected, most find difficulties in making a sound choice for these lifting machines given the broad array available.
Luckily for you, we've gathered the top five tips to guide you as you shop for the best floor jack to meet your needs.
1. Consider lift capacity
Capacity refers to the maximum weight a floor jack is designed to lift. The majority of floor car jacks range from 2-ton jack to 3-ton load capacities. Supposing you often lift weights below the 2-ton mark, a jack marked to lift 2-ton loads should suffice.
However, if you intend to use the jack for heavier loads, we recommend that you acquire a 4-ton or 5-ton jack.
2. Check material
The make material for your jack determines its durability and portability. The majority of jacks are made of aluminum, steel or a combination of both. Steel jacks come cheap but don't last as long as those made from aluminum.
Aluminum jacks last longer, but cost more but are significantly lighter compared to their steel counterparts.
Of the three, aluminum jacks are the best.
3. Lift height
The lift height capabilities of a jack rank highly among the traits to consider before purchase. Each floor car jack comes with its lift height, and you decide the height to which you lift vehicles. We suggest you opt for a jack with a high lifting distance especially if you intend to lift big cars.
4. Lift Speed
It's also essential that you look into how long a jack takes to reach maximum height. Nobody wants to waste time and energy pumping a jack. For persons in the motor repair business, you want to serve as many clients as possible within a day, and the speed of your jack is key to saving you precious time. You want a jack that lifts quickly and safely.
Dual piston jacks reach full lifting height faster compared to single-piston jacks. While a single piston requires about eight to ten pumps to lift a load to the desired height, a dual piston takes roughly five strokes.
5. Consider where you'll be using the jack
Where you intend to use your floor jack determines the type you purchase. Supposing you want a floor jack that you can use on the go, a light-weight jack made of aluminum with a broad and flat bottom (for enhanced stability) suits you best. Getting a 2-ton jack is always a good thing, you never know when you need one.
However, if you want a jack that you can use exclusively at your garage or shop, a wheeled jack would be a wise choice.
Key takeaway
Hopefully, you stand in a better position to choose a floor jack that best suits your needs.
