Floor Jacks

Auto experts' top 5

When it comes to doing repair or maintenance work under your vehicle, a floor jack and jack stands are the tools you'll need. A heavy-duty jack and jack stands will provide safe vehicle support.

Floor jacks and stands can be purchased for a reasonable price - everything from smaller one-ton jacks for compact cars, to heavy-duty five-ton jacks for large SUVs are now reasonably affordable.

Make sure that your jack is appropriate for the size of the vehicle you're lifting. You may also want to consider vehicle ground clearance when purchasing a jack. Low-profile jacks are designed to fit under sports cars and trucks that are low to the ground.

Top brands for floor jacks

Having trouble deciding on the right jack? Take a look at what the automotive experts have to say, with their top 5 choices:

1. Milwaukee: 2 Ton Model 20 - This two ton jack is perfect for standard sized cars, vans and light trucks, weighing in at 70 pounds. Milwaukee is one of the best brands for quality floor jacks. But be warned that a high-quality jack comes with a high-quality price, at about $615. Milwaukee manufactures top-quality products for serious mechanics.
2. Norco: 2 Ton Model 71202A - If you're looking for a quality jack at a more affordable price, then check out Norco products. Their two-ton jack has a friendlier ticket price of $305.64, but it's also heavier, weighing just over 100 pounds. It's a standard-sized jack for cars, vans and light trucks.
3. Milwaukee: 4 Ton Model 40 - If you need a heavy-duty jack for lifting large trucks or camper vans, this model will fit the bill. But, weighing 140 pounds, you may have some trouble moving this bad boy around the garage, and it's also extremely expensive at just under a grand.
4. Craftsman: 1.5 Ton - This 1.5-ton jack should serve all of your lifting needs. Made of an aluminum / steel combination, it has faster rise - just two pumps of the handle will bring the jack to chassis level. It has a low-profile design for vehicles with low clearance. The Craftsman jack is reliable and affordable at $120. Craftsman is a good brand for do-it-yourselfers.
5. Craftsman: 3 Ton Floor Jack, Jack Stands and Creeper Set - This floor jack set is a great deal for just $130. The jack is easy to use and meets all safety standards. This should be the only jack set you'll ever need. It was given high reviews for workmanship, value, performance and durability.

Using a floor jack safely

Here are some tips on how to safely use a floor jack to lift your vehicle for underbody work:

• Park the vehicle on level ground using the parking break to prevent it from moving.
• Check in your owner's manual to verify the safe jacking locations on your vehicle. Putting a jack in the wrong location can cause harm to the vehicle or yourself.
• Pump the jack handle until the raising arm doesn't move anymore.
• When lowering the vehicle onto the ground or jack stand, gently release the hydraulic pressure. This will prevent damage and give you time to spot problems.
• When the vehicle is on jack stands, check for solid support before working under the vehicle. Just grab under the bumper and give the vehicle a little back and forth shake.

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