Best overall floor jack?
- Thread starter Madhat
- Start date
outwestjake
New member
Hi Madhat!
I am new to this forum, however, I am currently in the same boat as you. I recently acquired a brand new Torin floor jack with jack stands, however, I became very disappointed in its performance. The bleed off is very aggressive, you have to turn the handle very, very carefully if you don't want to drop your car back down as if you just yanked the jack right out from underneath it.
I recently came across an old jack, on facebook marketplace for $10. I am hoping to get a positive ID on it and rebuild it so that it can be "THE" jack for my garage. I miss using my father's old jack that he is still currently using. So I wanted to find one for myself to serve my needs for a long time.
Good luck to you!
I am new to this forum, however, I am currently in the same boat as you. I recently acquired a brand new Torin floor jack with jack stands, however, I became very disappointed in its performance. The bleed off is very aggressive, you have to turn the handle very, very carefully if you don't want to drop your car back down as if you just yanked the jack right out from underneath it.
I recently came across an old jack, on facebook marketplace for $10. I am hoping to get a positive ID on it and rebuild it so that it can be "THE" jack for my garage. I miss using my father's old jack that he is still currently using. So I wanted to find one for myself to serve my needs for a long time.
Good luck to you!
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Welcome to the forum to both of you. AC Hydraulic makes excellent jacks, low profile and good height. They make the DK20Q and a long reach DK13Q, not cheap but you get what you pay for. They are made in Denmark, I have had mine for over 15 years now and no regrets
https://www.ac-hydraulic.dk/us/products/hydraulic-jacks/
https://www.ac-hydraulic.dk/us/products/hydraulic-jacks/
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driz
Well-known member
Somewhere out there is a complete guide to rebuilding jacks with pictures and parts references. It was part of a thread on some mechanical forum say 15 years back. Look around it’s probably still there. Many of those seals are generic.
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HoosierBuddy
Well-known member
I'm on my third floor jack now I guess (in 30 years), plus I've bought a few for work...so that's my basis to say:
Features:
Aluminum - My current floor jack is aluminum and I appreciate that it is lighter and easier to maneuver because of this. Sometimes you end up wrestling the jack over uneven surfaces, grates or drains, etc....lighter is better.
Quick Rise Feature - My last 2 jacks have had the quick rise feature where they move up quickly with a pump or two until they press up against the load, then they pump normally.
Final feature you need is good jack stands to go with your new floor jack. Remember the floor jack is just for lifting. You can't safely work on anything until you get the jack stands under it.
Good luck!
Phil
Features:
Aluminum - My current floor jack is aluminum and I appreciate that it is lighter and easier to maneuver because of this. Sometimes you end up wrestling the jack over uneven surfaces, grates or drains, etc....lighter is better.
Quick Rise Feature - My last 2 jacks have had the quick rise feature where they move up quickly with a pump or two until they press up against the load, then they pump normally.
Final feature you need is good jack stands to go with your new floor jack. Remember the floor jack is just for lifting. You can't safely work on anything until you get the jack stands under it.
Good luck!
Phil
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
I hate to say it, but I've got a long handle 3-ton trolley jack from HF that I've gotten 12 years out of, and it keeps going strong.
The Torin stuff is frighteningly bad.
-Ryan
The Torin stuff is frighteningly bad.
-Ryan
I have a Michelin 3.5 ton jack from Sams club that cost $79 on sale I think and is about 10 years old. Also have a couple of the light aluminum HF 1.5 ton jacks that go for $59 on sale.
I don’t think you need to spend $600 on a jack unless you want to. Maybe spend $1200 on a quick jack. Arcan, Sunex, Torin, HF and others are worth looking at.
I don’t think you need to spend $600 on a jack unless you want to. Maybe spend $1200 on a quick jack. Arcan, Sunex, Torin, HF and others are worth looking at.
ooba tooba
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2014
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ooba tooba
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2014
- Messages
- 744
https://electricaltoolsworld.com/top-15-best-aluminum-floor-jacks/
Link has top 15 with pros and cons of each.
Link has top 15 with pros and cons of each.
lowside67
Well-known member
I am also in Canada and have had an OTC aluminum racing jack for the last 10 years or so:
https://www.otctools.com/products/2-ton-capacity-aluminum-racing-jack
It has not required so much as a set of seals despite being well used and then sitting for extended periods of time. For the money, I feel like this is one of the products I feel like I am most pleased with the value I got.
-Mark
https://www.otctools.com/products/2-ton-capacity-aluminum-racing-jack
It has not required so much as a set of seals despite being well used and then sitting for extended periods of time. For the money, I feel like this is one of the products I feel like I am most pleased with the value I got.
-Mark
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I have a long frame blackhawk jack from my guess the 40's, very art deco in its design. To my knowledge it has not been rebuilt, at least in my life time. I can't think of a modern jack I would replace it with.
Certainly not the best but I purchased an Arcan from Costco about 3 years ago because of the liberal return policies and relative low price (~$100). I purchased an all steel version over the "hybrid" aluminum/steel version but that was just a personal preference. It was the Arcan XL3000 Steel version that was offered in-store, it has a low profile and high lift capacity: 3" to 19.72" Lift. With those specs it will get under the sedans and lift the SUV and trucks that I have in the driveway. Just my $0.02 and I know you were asking for the "best" and I probably didn't help you in that regard. 
toolaholic
Well-known member
I have a Hein Werner 2ton. Very smooth lifting and lowering . Hein-Werner HW93642 Blue Hydraulic Service Jack - 2 Ton Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RFR498/?tag=atomicindus08-20
And I have a Little craftsman floor trolley jack 2 ton that comes in s case . It’s great for holding up control arms etc.
And I have a Little craftsman floor trolley jack 2 ton that comes in s case . It’s great for holding up control arms etc.
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Best overall? New or used?
New - Weaver, Milwaukee, AC Hydraulics, Compaq (be prepared to spend some cash)
Used - Blackhawk, Hein Werner, Lincoln (As in old USA, but be prepared for a project)
New - Weaver, Milwaukee, AC Hydraulics, Compaq (be prepared to spend some cash)
Used - Blackhawk, Hein Werner, Lincoln (As in old USA, but be prepared for a project)
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BrandoJames
Well-known member
Daytona DJ3000 3 Ton floor jack from Harbor Freight. Cost right around $200, excellent jack--highly recommended. This floor jack was the focus of a bitter lawsuit between Snap-on and Harbor Freight over copyright infringement.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-Ton-Low-Profile-Super-Duty-Rapid-Pump-Floor-Jack-63183.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-Ton-Low-Profile-Super-Duty-Rapid-Pump-Floor-Jack-63183.html
Attachments
I have had the same exact HW jack for about 8 years now, very good quality. I’m quite sure it will outlive me. Made in USA is what sold me
Was looking at this one, not available in Canada unfortunately. There is this one from princess auto though:
*Nvm can't post links yet*
But if you google : 3 Ton Low Profile Super Duty Floor Jack
It's all black.
Certainly not the best but I purchased an Arcan from Costco about 3 years ago because of the liberal return policies and relative low price (~$100). I purchased an all steel version over the "hybrid" aluminum/steel version but that was just a personal preference. It was the Arcan XL3000 Steel version that was offered in-store, it has a low profile and high lift capacity: 3" to 19.72" Lift. With those specs it will get under the sedans and lift the SUV and trucks that I have in the driveway. Just my $0.02 and I know you were asking for the "best" and I probably didn't help you in that regard.
The older I get the more I appreciate things just working. I have heard good things from Arcan. Might have to check that out. 150$ CAD..can buy a lot of jacks for that.
You asked for the best.... Milwaukee Hydraulic but it is very expensive. Next would be one like a Snap-on YA-700 I think it is now made by Walker or Hein Warner. Napa has had some good ones too. I have the Harbor Freight yellow one that I got a killer deal on and I think it is ok but an sure is not repairable .
TJKamp
Well-known member
Not sure if they are available for purchase in Canada, but I’ve been using this ACDelco 3.5 ton floor jack for 17 years now with no issue Weekend warrior type stuff, not professionally. Although, these are the jacks that most of the professional shops around my area use.
I recently purchased a new one, wanted a second one to have two when working on the suspension on my Jeep. The design on the new one is slightly different than that of the old, but not by very much. It feels just as solid as the old one, and I’m sure will provide years of service. Not sure what it would cost up there, but in Texas they are about $220 USD.
They are very heavy, but I’m ok with that in a floor jack.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ack/34700/2494193?q=AC+DElco+floor+jack&pos=4
I recently purchased a new one, wanted a second one to have two when working on the suspension on my Jeep. The design on the new one is slightly different than that of the old, but not by very much. It feels just as solid as the old one, and I’m sure will provide years of service. Not sure what it would cost up there, but in Texas they are about $220 USD.
They are very heavy, but I’m ok with that in a floor jack.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ack/34700/2494193?q=AC+DElco+floor+jack&pos=4
Farmall450
Well-known member
Honestly, NAPA's 3 ton, as well as Harbor Freight's newer 3 ton are both excellent jacks that have been taking a beating for years at our shop. The HF model has been shown to be identical to Snap-on's on this very forum (minus the seals) for $179. I also believe Larin is now using this same OEM for their nicer units.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
IMHO, stay away from the "2 speed" (fast with no load) floor jacks. They seem to have more problems.
anndel
Well-known member
Hein Werner 2 ton, 15 years later and still going strong.
texasprd
Well-known member
Norco, if you can get them there
True, esp. for low clearance cars.
OTOH, nothing competes with their price either.
I have a Norco and an Al "racing" jack from Crapsman before Sears folded.
Usually the pump goes out on jacks, so get one with a new seal kit.
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MJK
Well-known member
I had a failure on a cheap and portable aluminum 'racing' jack 15 years ago, which scared the **** out of me. I decided right there that I'd made a serious error in how I was evaluating what was important in a jack. It was replaced with an AC DK13HLQ, and I have never regretted it. Pelican parts still has service kits available, although I have never needed one.
I wish they made a 3-4 ton version of it for my heavier vehicles.
I wish they made a 3-4 ton version of it for my heavier vehicles.
Rattle
Active member
I have the 3 ton from Canadian tire. Normally $200 and it is on sale right now for $120. Definitely better and lighter ones but a solid option.
16again
Well-known member
THIS!
I have never had a $600 jack. The 6 jacks I have owned in the past 25 years cost half that in total and all but one are still in operation. The one that is not got left outside one winter in the snow and I did not bother trying to take it apart to fix.
If I owned a shop and used the jack every day, I’d buy a fancier one. If I had a bunch of money and could buy whatever I wanted, I’d have a fancier jack. But for me “best overall” means a combination of factors are taken into account. “Best that money can buy” is a simpler analysis and probably does lead to a $600 jack.
Regardless of how expensive a jack you buy, use jack stands or other safeguards when under the car. I think you can get a good jack in the $200 range, though none of mine cost half that.
If I owned a shop and used the jack every day, I’d buy a fancier one. If I had a bunch of money and could buy whatever I wanted, I’d have a fancier jack. But for me “best overall” means a combination of factors are taken into account. “Best that money can buy” is a simpler analysis and probably does lead to a $600 jack.
Regardless of how expensive a jack you buy, use jack stands or other safeguards when under the car. I think you can get a good jack in the $200 range, though none of mine cost half that.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Pay once, cry once.... er I mean pay twice cry twice since I have two AC jacks.
Looks like the 13 long reach is newer, any deals out there for them?
sberry
Banned
My Bud bought a 5t long frame HF, not sure they make it any more, was about 200 or 225 at the time but used it every day, several times for 25 years.
They never really go on any kind of substantial sales; ECS tuning sometimes has them for $50 off.
I ordered mine from Amazon (through a third party seller) because it had the cheapest shipping to Canada.
Not sure if you're looking for the long reach or the DK20Q, but right now on Amazon they are about $60 cheaper than normal. I purchased from B2C Auto and at ~$340 a few days ago and my order was promptly cancelled. Another seller, Tire Tools Direct, had the same price so I ordered from them last week and the jack arrived Friday. It was the lowest price I've seen since I started following them.
PCMusicGuy
Well-known member
The overall best floor jack is not something that is a one size fits all. It's best for purpose.
I have the Omega 29023 (stock picture attached) that I use for my low cars. It's the only floor jack with slightly lower/better reach than the AC Hydraulic low profile long reach jack. It is stupid heavy though. I wish AC Hydraulic still offered their aftermarket non-marring wheels. Some of those were pretty trick ( I remember a bright orange set.)
If you are running a pit for a race car, maybe you'd want a brunnhoelzl or hyjack. Quite a bit lighter, but more expensive.
I have the Omega 29023 (stock picture attached) that I use for my low cars. It's the only floor jack with slightly lower/better reach than the AC Hydraulic low profile long reach jack. It is stupid heavy though. I wish AC Hydraulic still offered their aftermarket non-marring wheels. Some of those were pretty trick ( I remember a bright orange set.)
If you are running a pit for a race car, maybe you'd want a brunnhoelzl or hyjack. Quite a bit lighter, but more expensive.
