Floor Jack vs Scissor Jack: Which Should You Choose?

Lifting an automobile can be a risky business. That’s why it’s so important to select the right jack for the job. If you use the wrong jack, you could easily damage your vehicle or injure yourself.

If you’ve done research into jacks, you’ve likely stumbled upon the floor jack and scissor jack. But which jack should you choose? This article provides an overview of the two jack types and which one you should get based on your needs.

Overview of Floor Jacks

A floor jack is a special type of hydraulic jack that lifts automobiles. Most mechanics or car enthusiasts should have a floor jack on hand since it can be used for different purposes.

Design

Floor jacks are designed to use hydraulics to lift automobiles. They include a set of two pistons: a small and a large one. Most of the work is done in the small piston, creating a force transmitted via the hydraulic fluid to the larger piston. The piston then pushes a crank that is connected to the lift pad. As the lift pad is lifted, the car is lifted as well.

Because of the reliance on hydraulics, floor jacks are incredibly heavy. The average person will not be able to lift floor jacks independently. So, they are often kept within garages or workspaces. Due to the weight, floor jacks are often designed with wheels to roll from place to place easily.

Despite the heavy weight of floor jacks, they have a low frame. They are designed that way so that the floor jack can fit underneath most vehicles.

Advantages

The most significant advantage of a floor jack is the power. Floor jacks are suitable to hold automobiles weighing 10 tons or more. You can use a floor jack for lifting heavier automobiles than you could with a scissor jack.

Another advantage of the floor jack is that it is designed for versatile use. You can use the floor jack to make repairs underneath the car, change a tire, or anything else. Scissor jacks, on the other hand, are primarily designed for changing tires only.

Finally, the last advantage of a floor jack is its durability. Since they’re designed to withstand so much weight, a long lifespan is expected.

Disadvantages

As you probably suspected, one of the biggest drawbacks of the floor jack is its weight. Since it is so heavy, it is unsuitable for on-the-go or mobile use. You need to keep the floor jack in one location.

Additionally, floor jacks are more challenging to use. They do not have an intuitive design, so not everyone will know how to use it. You must look at the instructions or watch videos online to learn how to use the jack correctly.

Best For

Floor jacks are best for those with professional or commercial needs. For example, professional mechanics use floor jacks. Those with heavy vehicles and various lifting needs will also need a floor jack. In contrast, you should not get a floor jack if you simply need to change a tire.

Overview of Scissor Jacks

If you have ever changed a tire, you are familiar with scissor jacks. Scissor jacks are almost always used to change a tire and are supplied with the purchase of a new car. Scissor jacks are incredibly easy to use, convenient, and are often kept in the car’s trunk.

Design

Scissor jacks are named because of their scissor design, but you can sometimes hear them referred to as screw jacks. The jack includes diagonal metal elements connected in the shape of a diamond. The hinges and screws connect the opposite sides of the diamond shape.

At the top of the diamond is a flat surface. You place the car on a flat surface whenever you need to lift it while changing a tire. Then, you use a spanner to turn the screw and lift the jack. This allows you to raise or lower the tool.

Advantages

The biggest advantage of the scissor jack is its portability. Since it is so lightweight, almost anybody one in their car. You can easily store it in your car and simply take it out whenever you need to change your tire.

Another advantage of the scissor jack is how easy it is to use. Anyone can easily and effectively use a scissor jack. Its simple design makes it incredibly intuitive to use.

Finally, the third advantage of a scissor jack is its affordability. You can find one online and at retail stores for an affordable price.

Disadvantages

On to the disadvantages. Since scissor jacks are intended for tire changes, they are not as versatile as floor jacks. They cannot lift as much weight and will not lift the car as high as you may need for other repairs.

Another disadvantage of scissor jacks is that they may be difficult to use on trucks or other high-profile cars. Scissor jacks cannot lift as high as other models. So, high-profile trucks and vehicles will need a different type of jack.

Best For

Scissor jacks are great if you only intend to change your tire. They are handy to keep in your car in case an accident should occur while you are out and about. However, you should not use scissor jacks for heavy vehicles, high-profile vehicles, or anything other than changing a tire.

Which Should You Get?

If you need to invest in a new jack for your automobile, selecting between a floor jack and a scissor jack is pretty straightforward. You only need to consider the work you intend to do, the automobile’s weight, and the automobile’s profile.

Intended Work

If you only need a jack for tire changes, a scissor jack is more than enough. You shouldn’t have to change tires frequently or lift the automobile very high. In contrast, you should buy a floor jack to work under your car for long periods or lift a heavy load.

Automobile Weight

Another vital factor to consider is the automobile’s weight. Most regular cars, vans, and small trucks are light enough for a scissor jack, especially if you only need to change tires. You will want something more heavy-duty, like the floor jack, for automobiles much larger or heavier than standard vehicles.

Automobile Profile

Finally, the automobile profile will also impact which jack you get. Most cars and vans have a low enough profile for scissor jacks. In contrast, large trucks and other types of vehicles will require a floor jack because of their higher profile.

How to Use a Floor jack

Floor jacks are a bit more challenging to use than scissor jacks. For that reason, you need to know what you’re doing so that you don’t injure yourself or damage your car or jack. Here is how to use a floor jack:

Step 1: Place the Floor Jack Under the Crossmember

Begin by placing the floor jack underneath your vehicle. The saddle should fall directly beneath the crossmember. You might want to slowly lift the floor jack up to make sure that the saddle falls under the crossmember.

Step 2: Lift Car

Next, use the floor jack so that it begins to lift the car. The exact way you lift the saddle will depend on your model. There will be a leveler in many floor jacks that you must push down on for the saddle to lift towards the car.

Step 3: Place the Jack Stand Under the Mounting Point

Now, look for a metallic protrusion that falls underneath every one of the car doors. Place the jack stand underneath one of those protrusions. This is the mounting point. Finally, raise the jack stand so that it meets the mounting point.

How to Use a Scissor Jack

Luckily, the scissor jack is easier to use. This is how you use a scissor jack to lift your vehicle:

Step 1: Get the Materials

Begin by getting everything that you will need to change your tire. This includes a scissor jack, crank handle, and spare tire. In most cars, all of these parts will be in the trunk.

Step 2: Find the Jack Point

Find the jack point on your car. The jack point is the part of the frame that is reinforced and designed to support the jack. At the same time, it will also support the car’s weight as you lift it. Look around the tire for this point.

Step 3: Place the Jack Under the Jack Point

Place the jack directly underneath the jack point on the car. The flat part at the top of the diamond should be on top and facing the car.

Step 4: Crank the Jack And Lift

Begin to crank the handle to raise the scissor jack. As you are cranking the jack, watch as it gets closer and closer to the car. You may need to readjust the positioning as you go. Continue to raise the jack until the car is lifted off the ground enough to change the tire.

Quick Look: Our Top Choices

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite Floor Jack		Blackhawk B6250 Fast Lift Service Jack	Has a swivel saddle Safe Easy to use	CHECK PRICE
Our Favorite Scissor Jack		Big Red T10152 Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jac	Compact Sturdy Meets a variety of safety standards	CHECK PRICE

Our Favorite Floor Jack: Blackhawk B6250 Fast Lift Service Jack

The Blackhawk Service Jack is a great floor jack for heavy vehicles and intense lifting needs. It includes a swivel saddle, which makes it easy to position the jack correctly. From there, the rugged universal joint makes load control precise and easy.

It includes an internal safety valve and vent plug-in, ensuring that operation is safe and easy. This is a great floor jack to keep in your garage.

Our Favorite Scissor Jack: Big Red T10152 Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack Car Kit

The Big Red Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack Car Kit is an excellent kit to keep in the back of your car. It has a collapsible steel scissor lift jack, making it compact and sturdy. The model even comes with an extra-wide base, which makes the model more stable and stronger than other scissor jacks. This jack also meets various safety standards, ensuring that you and your vehicle remain safe during the lifting process.

Conclusion

The floor jack and scissor jack are great for lifting a car, but depending on your needs, you should get one over the other. Floor jacks are ideal if you have a heavy or high-profile vehicle or need to make lengthy repairs underneath your automobile. On the other hand, you can buy a scissor jack for changing tires on regular-sized vehicles.

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