An aluminum floor jack can be one of the handiest tools you can buy. They can provide plenty of lifting power while offering a lightweight, easy to move tool. Together, that makes for convenient shop work.
So, you’ve decided an aluminum floor jack is the way to go, but you’re overwhelmed by the hundreds of options on the market. Which features are best for your uses? What’s the best rated tool? That’s where we come in. Below, we’ve compiled reviews of our 7 favorite aluminum floor jacks for your perusal. In addition, we’ve included a buying guide. Using these two tools we’ve collected for you, we hope we’ve done the heavy lifting of decision making for you.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |  | Arcan ALJ3T Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack | | CHECK PRICE |
Best Value  |  | PITTSBURGH ha68053 Aluminum Racing Jack | | CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice  |  | NOS NSJ0301 3-Ton Aluminum Service Jack | | CHECK PRICE |
 | BIG RED T815005L Low Profile Aluminum Racing Floor Jack | | CHECK PRICE | |
 | Torin TAM815016L Aluminum Floor Jack | | CHECK PRICE |
The 7 Best Aluminum Floor Jacks
1. Arcan ALJ3T Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack – Best Overall
Arcan makes an easy to use, versatile floor jack that tops our list. With excellent range of motion, it’s a great lift for most automobiles. It also features an easy-to-use twist-handle lowering mechanism. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and handles up to 3 tons.
The Arcan jack has a versatile lifting range of between 3¾ inches and 18 inches. This gives it a total range of motion of 15¾ inches. The wide range should allow you to lift most traditional automobiles.
The jack is rated for up to 3 tons. That’s a huge load for a piece of equipment that only weighs 58 pounds. Once it’s loaded, it locks in place to prevent slippage.
The lift handle has two notable characteristics. First of all, it’s side-mounted to allow for easy positioning of the jack. It also comes apart into two pieces to make storage a breeze.
The lift arm is reinforced to increase its strength and durability. In addition, it terminates with a 4½-inch rubber saddle to help protect the chassis of the automobile from damage when lifting. It also lifts with double pistons, which allows it to take the load quickly and efficiently.
There are a couple of warnings with this jack. First of all, it ships with a hook to secure the lifting arm. When this hook is removed, the arm will spring up abruptly. Therefore, caution should be used when releasing it. In addition, it takes a lot of pressure to lift the jack. Despite this, we think this is the best aluminum floor jack we have reviewed this year.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile lifting range
- 3-ton rating
- Locks in place
- Tool-free removable handle
- Side-mount handle
Cons
- Lifting arm ships in depressed position – CAUTION!
- Heavy effort to lift jack
2. PITTSBURGH Aluminum Racing Jack – Best Value
Pittsburgh produces one of the best aluminum floor jacks for the money. It combines mobility, compact size, and a reasonable lift weight with a very reasonable price, compared with other models.
This compact jack is both lightweight and small, making it easy to move around and store. The total weight is 40 pounds. It measures 22⅓inches long.
Because it’s a compact jack, it doesn’t have quite the lifting capacity or range that the Arcan model does. It’s a 1½-ton jack, which is best for lifting cars one wheel at a time. The lift ranges from 3⅜inches to 14¾ inches, giving it a total range of 11⅜inches. While this doesn’t give it as much range as some other models, it should still be useful in most applications.
The jack is engineered to lift your load easily. It goes to full extension with 3½ pumps, which is minimal effort for the range of motion.
It has a few negative features worth mentioning. First of all, the release is a little sudden, so use care when lowering the automobile. It becomes laterally unstable at full extension, which is the reason why it’s best to only use it for one wheel at a time.
Pros
- Decent lifting range
- Lightweight and compact
- 1½-ton capacity
- Quick lifting
Cons
- Sudden release
- Lateral instability on full extension
3. NOS 3-Ton Aluminum Service Jack – Premium Choice
NOS makes an excellent 3-ton jack. It’s lightweight for its capacity (58 pounds) and maneuverable. It can also handle a lot of weight over an excellent range of motion.
This jack has a 14⅜-inch range of motion. At its lowest, it’s 3¼ inches. This will fit under all but the lowest profile cars. At the top, it reaches 18⅛ inches, which is slightly higher than our top choice. The wide range of motion makes it useful in a range of applications.
It’s equipped with a few safety features, two of which limit damage to the car while you’re lifting. The lifting pad is padded with rubber to avoid damage to the car frame. The pump handle has a rubber bumper to prevent damage in case of impact with the car. Finally, it has a safety release valve to prevent going overweight.
At 28.7” x 13” x 6.6”, it’s relatively compact for its capacity. The handle also comes apart in two pieces in order to make storage that much easier.
It’s heavily reinforced to ensure the support of the automobile. The reinforcement includes thick side plates and a reinforced lift arm.
Like any tool, this one has a flaw. The wheel assemblies have a habit of coming apart, which can be inconvenient as it’s easier to roll this jack around than it is to lift it.
Pros
- 3-ton capacity
- 14⅜-inch range of motion
- Bumpers to protect car
- Easy storage
Cons
- Wheels can come apart
4. BIG RED Low Profile Aluminum Racing Floor Jack
Big Red makes a serviceable 1½-ton jack. It has excellent capacity for its size. It’s also built for mobility.
It weighs just under 27 pounds, which makes it easy to transport. In addition, it comes with a side carrying handle. This makes it easier to pick up and carry if you’re in an environment where it won’t easily roll across the ground or floor.
It has an 11.41-inch lifting range. At its shortest, it’s 3.35 inches. This is the lowest clearance on this list so far, so if your car is close to the ground, this jack may be the right one for you. At full extension, this jack reaches a height of 14.76 inches, which is serviceable in most applications. It reaches full extension in just 4 pumps, which makes it an efficient jack as well.
It’s been equipped with two features to protect the car when lifting. First, the saddle is padded with rubber to protect the underside of the vehicle. Second, the lift handle is padded to protect the side of the car.
The big worry with this jack is the lowering mechanism. It’s subject to sudden failure, which highlights the importance of using jack stands any time you’re lifting a car.
Pros
- 1½-ton capacity
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lowering mechanism subject to failure
5. Torin TAM815016L Aluminum Floor Jack
Another solid 1½-ton jack is produced by Torin. It shares many features with other jacks in its class, including portability and a low profile.
The lift range of the jack is 10⅝inches. Its lowest height is 3½ inches. This puts it at the highest low point for 1½-ton jacks on this list. So, it may not be the best selection if your car has a very low clearance. The high point for the jack is 14⅛inches. It also reaches this height efficiently with a two-piston lift pump.
It has the standard safety precautions for your car during lifting. The saddle is padded to prevent damage to the chassis. The lift handle is also padded to prevent damage to the side of the car.
It is also highly portable. Its total weight is just under 40 pounds, which is heavier than some 1½-ton jacks, but still easy to move. It comes with an easy-lift side handle for carrying. Its dimensions are 22.7” x 9.9” x 6.1: and the handle comes apart into two pieces, so it’s easy to find a place to store it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- 1½-ton capacity
Cons
- Heavier than other 1½-ton jacks
6. Neiko Pro Premium Low Profile Aluminum Floor Jack
Neiko makes another 3-ton floor jack. Many of its characteristics are shared with other jacks in its class.
The Neiko has a 15½-inch lifting range. At its lowest, it’s 3¾ inches high. This puts it in similar standing with other 3-ton jacks. At its highest, it reaches 19¼ inches, which is the highest reach for jacks on this list, meaning it can handle vehicles with higher clearances than some of the other 3-ton jacks.
It is equipped with padding to protect your car during lifting. The saddle is coated with knobby rubber. The handle is also coated with rubber to protect the sides of the car.
It weighs in at 57 pounds, which is a pound lighter than the next lightest 3-ton jack on this list. To help with portability, the jack comes equipped with a side carrying handle. Its dimensions are 29.13” x 12.99” x 6.69”, which is fairly compact for its weight class.
It also comes with a safety release valve. This is activated when the jack is overloaded.
Pros
- Light for its class
- Padded for the safety of the car
- Wide lift range
Cons
- Not for very low clearance vehicles
7. Sunex 6603ASJ 3 Ton Aluminum Lift
Bringing up the end of our list is the Sunex 3-ton aluminum lift. While it’s at the end, it’s still a solid piece of machinery. It features a 3-ton capacity and one of the better lift ranges on this list.
It has a 15½-inch lift range. At its lowest point, it is 3⅘ inches high. This makes it the least useful on this list for low-clearance vehicles. However, its highest point is 19⅓ inches, which gives it added latitude with higher clearance cars.
Like all the lifts on this list, the Sunex is portable and easy to store. It weighs 58 pounds. Its dimensions are 15” x 7.87” x 31.7”. It comes with a side handle that makes it easier to carry and also helps with positioning under the vehicle. The lift handle comes apart in two pieces for storage.
Pros
- High at full extension
- Portable and easy to store
Cons
- High at lowest point
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the BestAluminum Floor Jacks
At first glance, it may seem that all floor jacks are one in the same. They do all share certain characteristics, but it’s the distinguishing differences that wind up mattering most when making your selection. Peruse the buyer’s guide below to learn more about what distinguishes a good jack from a great one.
Weight Capacity
The first thing to look at when you’re purchasing a jack is the weight capacity. You want to be sure you can lift the car or cars you’re hoping to. That’s why weight capacity is important. Jacks come in a large range of possible ratings in this category. In general, the weight capacity is measured in tons. For instance, a 1½-ton floor jack won’t do much good if you’re trying to lift a full-size truck.
So, when you’re looking at floor jacks, it’s important to first know the weight of the vehicles you hope to lift and purchase a jack that can easily handle that number. When in doubt, err on the heavy side. It will give you more versatility, and you won’t be caught out when you’re unable to lift your car.
Lift Range
The lift range for a jack is the difference between the lowest height and the highest height available to the mechanism. When researching jacks, it’s a good idea to know the clearance of the cars you hope to lift. Some jacks won’t fit underneath cars with extremely low clearance. Likewise, some jacks might not be able to extend high enough to lift some vehicles with very high clearance, such as pickup trucks. When you have a clearance measurement, you can then check the lift range numbers to determine if a given jack is appropriate for your purposes.
Safety Features
Safety is critical any time you’re working with tools, and aluminum floor jacks are no different. There are a number of common safety features you should look for when purchasing a jack. All are primarily utilized to protect the car, the user, or both. One important feature is a safety release valve. This valve will release when the jack is overloaded which will prevent you from lifting something beyond the safe load of the jack.
In order to protect the automobile during lifting, there are two standard features to look for as well. The first is a padded saddle. The saddle is the part of the jack that makes contact with the car’s chassis. It’s good for it to be padded to prevent damage to the chassis. In addition, look for padded lift handles. These prevent damage to the side of the car when lifting.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Anything that makes a tool easier to use is of benefit. Look for features that will help with usability. One example that’s common in the list above is a side-mounted carrying handle. This makes it easier to carry and position the jack. Another convenience feature is a collapsible two-piece handle. The more tool-free adjustments that are available, the better.
Weight
While jacks must maintain certain minimum weights to remain effective as lifts, they also need to be portable. So, look for the lightest jack you can find in a given class. In general, jacks that can handle heavier loads will be heavier themselves.
Size
The size of a given jack affects how easy it is to store and carry. In general, the smaller the jack the better for the sake of convenience. Keep in mind, however, that a jack needs a minimum footprint to operate safely.
Related Gear We’ve Reviewed:
- Jack stands
- Engine stands
Conclusion
Our top pick for favorite jack is the Arcan ALJ3T Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack. It offers a weight capacity of 3 tons. It has one of the better lift ranges on this list, and it’s relatively compact for a jack with its capacity. Overall, it’s a very solid selection. If it’s value you’re looking for, check out the Pittsburgh ha68053 Aluminum Racing Jack. It’s sturdy with a great lift range for its size.
Purchasing a new tool can be a daunting task, especially when it’s something that will lift an automobile. Hopefully, we’ve removed some of the weight of your floor jack decision with these reviews and buyer’s guide.
Contents
- 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
- 2 The 7 Best Aluminum Floor Jacks
- 2.1 1. Arcan ALJ3T Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack – Best Overall
- 2.2 2. PITTSBURGH Aluminum Racing Jack – Best Value
- 2.3 3. NOS 3-Ton Aluminum Service Jack – Premium Choice
- 2.4 4. BIG RED Low Profile Aluminum Racing Floor Jack
- 2.5 5. Torin TAM815016L Aluminum Floor Jack
- 2.6 6. Neiko Pro Premium Low Profile Aluminum Floor Jack
- 2.7 7. Sunex 6603ASJ 3 Ton Aluminum Lift
- 3 Buyer’s Guide – Finding the BestAluminum Floor Jacks
- 3.1 Weight Capacity
- 3.2 Lift Range
- 3.3 Safety Features
- 3.4 Convenience and Ease of Use
- 3.5 Weight
- 3.6 Size
- 4 Conclusion
FAQs
Are aluminum jacks worth it? ›
Aluminum floor jacks are worth it if you want a floor jack that's easy to carry and transport. Aluminum weighs much less than steel, so an aluminum jack is much more movable than a steel one. This comes into play if you're bringing your jack somewhere to do work or even if you're just taking it out of the trunk.
How strong of a floor jack do I need? ›Because a jacked vehicle will only be lifted from one corner, you will only need a jack with a lifting capacity of around three quarters of your vehicle's total weight. For example, a full-size family saloon will probably only need a jack with a 2-ton capacity to lift it.
Is a 2 ton floor jack enough? ›For most simple jobs, a 2-ton jack will work; however, investing in one with more capability is never a bad idea. The selected jack's ideal capacity should reach about three quarters of the vehicle's overall weight. More often than not, weight ratings are indicated on a sticker located in the driver's side door jam.
What is the strongest jack? ›With an ABV up to 77.55%, the Small Batch Special Release Coy Hill High Proof is sure to knock you off your feet in more ways than one.
Is aluminum jack safe? ›Aluminum jacks are lighter and easier to maneuver, making them popular for race tracks and larger shops. The price tag is probably a little higher for a good jack, but not by much. The bottom line is that both styles are safe, and if shedding a few pounds of jack weight is important to you, aluminum is an ideal choice.
Are ramps or jacks better? ›Ramps are more affordable, safer and easy to use. They are suitable for changing oil and better for beginners, while jacks are for more advanced technicians. The jack equipment helps with more intricate maintenance, like working on brakes, exhaust work, or rotating tires.
How much does a 3 ton aluminum floor jack weigh? ›A: Thank you for your recent inquiry with The Home Depot regarding 3-Ton Aluminum Service Jack. The weight of this item is 58.35 lbs.
How many pounds can a 2 ton floor jack lift? ›Pro-Lift Floor Jack 2 Ton features 4,000 lbs maximum capacity and is constructed with heavy-duty steel for strength and durability. It gives you the ability to lift from 3-5/8 inches to 13-3/8 inches.
What happens if you overload a floor jack? ›Overloaded Jack Trips Safety Valves
If the load is too heavy, the jack's safety valves will engage, which will cause the jack to stop lifting. Refer to the user manual to identify the safety valve and follow instructions to reset it.
The Husky 3-Ton Garage Floor Jack can easily lift up to 6,000 lbs. at a maximum height of 21 in.
What should be checked before using a floor jack? ›
- Check the jack rating before use to ensure that it can carry the load.
- Do not use leaking jacks.
- Stand to the side while jacking to avoid being struck by the handle.
- Support the load with blocks or stands.
- Cement or cinder blocks should not be used because they may shatter under the load.
Harbor Freight Jack Stand Risks and Injuries
The Pittsburgh Automotive Jack Stands, items # 56371, 61196, and 61197, sold at Harbor Freight Tools present numerous risks and potential for injuries. The company and NHTSA ask that owners of these products discontinue use due to safety risks.
For most sedans and small cars, a two-ton jack will be sufficient for raising a corner. A pickup truck or SUV could require twice that rating (four tons) to give you the margin of safety that you need.
Can a 3 ton jack lift an SUV? ›Lift up a car or SUV with this 3-ton jack. The 360-degree rotation handle allows easy adjustment in any direction. For safety, it offers an automatic safety overload valve. All-steel construction makes it built to last.
How much can a 2.5 ton floor jack lift? ›This 2.5 Ton Low Profile Floor Jack can quickly lift up to 5,000 lbs with a minimum height of 3-3/8 in. to a maximum height of 14-3/8 in.
Why doesn t my floor jack lift high enough? ›One of the most common reasons a jack won't lift is incorrect fluid levels. First, remove the oil plug and look into the chamber to check the oil level. The suggested level for most floor jacks is 3/16 to a quarter above the reservoir. If you need to replenish, make sure you have the highest-grade oil possible.
Why is it called old number 7? ›According to Daniel's biographer, the origin of the "Old No. 7" brand name was the number assigned to Daniel's distillery for government registration. He was forced to change the registration number when the federal government redrew the district, and he became Number 16 in district 5 instead of No. 7 in district 4.
What are 4 types of jacks? ›There are many different types of lifting jacks including bottle jacks, floor jacks, ratchet jacks, scissor jacks, screw jacks, transmission jacks and others.
Is it safe to put wood under the jack? ›It is ABSOLUTELY safe. I do this all the time. Mind you I usually use a piece of 2x4, though. It spreads the load over more of the frame or body and keeps the jack stand from doing any damage.
Are there any dangers in using a hydraulic jack? ›The most common hazard associated with jack use is collapse from trying to lift beyond the capacity of the jack; jack placement on uneven surfaces; and load slipping off the jack. The OSHA requirements are designed to minimize these hazards.
Where do you put a floor jack under a car? ›
The jacking points for most vehicles are reinforced metal ribs specifically designed to safely lift the vehicle. On most vehicles, there are four jacking points. They're located under the car's rocker panels, just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels.
What are the disadvantages of wheelchair ramps? ›- Ramps that are too steep. A steep ramp increases the likelihood of tipping backwards and also requires more energy to climb—ramps like this pose a great danger to anyone who uses them. ...
- Ramps without handrails. ...
- Wooden ramps.
One of the disadvantages of using a ramp is that the object has to be moved a longer distance than if it would be lifted.
Can a 3 ton jack lift a box truck? ›Q: What kind of floor jack is needed for a truck? Most jack styles will work; just be sure that it has a minimum weight capacity of 3 tons or 6,000 pounds and a minimum lifting height of 16 inches.
How much weight will a 1.5 ton floor jack lift? ›Product Details. Big Red T704905L racing floor jack can be used for general or specialty use and features a 1.5-Ton (3,000 lbs.) capacity.
How much can you jack up a sagging floor at a time? ›It's important not to jack your floor too fast. If you do, you can cause the wall above the area to crack. Instead, Jack your floor slowly. As a rule of thumb, you only want to raise your floor 1/8 of an inch a day.
How much can a 2.25 ton jack lift? ›The Performance Tool W1611 heavy duty steel floor jack has a max capacity of 4,500 lbs (2.25 Tons) and a lift range of 5 1/4" to 15 1/2".
What should you do while using a hydraulic floor jack? ›- Check the Jack's Load Capacity. Before using a hydraulic jack, check its load capacity. ...
- Don't Walk or Crawl Under a Hydraulic Jack. ...
- Change the Oil Regularly. ...
- Wear PPE. ...
- Lift Using Jack Points.
Jacks are pretty simple; they're pistons that use hydraulic pressure to lift cars (or whatever you're working on) into the air via a system of pipes and chambers. The reason they fail is either because rubber seals wear out or the check balls (tiny little BBs that help move the hydraulic fluid between chambers) fail.
Do floor jacks need maintenance? ›In general, jacks require little and no maintenance. However, regular cleaning and inspection make a significant contribution to durability and occupational safety.
Can a floor collapse from too much weight? ›
Excessive Weight on a Floor
For example, a floor of an office building is generally designed to hold a lot more weight than a floor in a residential home. However, if load-bearing supports are not installed properly, this can cause a floor to collapse.
Having a proper low-profile jack handy will make your life much, much easier. Cheap auto-parts-store floor jacks are good to have around in a pinch, but if you're serious about your DIY, you should own a heavy-duty low-profile floor jack.
How many ton jack Do I need to lift a house? ›The equipment necessary to safely and successfully jack up your house is hard to come by. Ordinary hydraulic jacks won't cut it. You'll need heavy-duty 20-ton or 40-ton house jacks.
Do 3 ton jack stands hold 3 tons each? ›A: These jacks are rated for 3 tons for the pair, meaning evenly distributed across two jack stands (the pair). This means that the load placed on the PAIR should not exceed 3 tons. Using 4 stands to lift a 4 corn… see more. This means that the load placed on the PAIR should not exceed 3 tons.
Is a 2 ton jack stand enough for a truck? ›For most sedans and small cars, a two-ton jack will be sufficient for raising a corner. A pickup truck or SUV could require twice that rating (four tons) to give you the margin of safety that you need.
What type of jack is best for a truck? ›For standard cars and most trucks, classic floor jacks or bottle jacks will work just fine.
How much weight can a 2 1 2 ton jack lift? ›High Lift SUV and Truck Floor Jack, 20-7/8" Maximum Lifting Height.
Can I use a 2 ton jack on a 2.5 ton car? ›Yes, you should be fine. 2 tons is 4,000 pounds. So, if your car weighs 2,500 pounds, you should be ok with a 2 ton jack.
How heavy of a car can you lift with a 2 ton jack? ›Yes, a jack rated at 2-tons means it can lift 4,000 lbs. It doesn't matter if that 4,000 pounds is sand, a 4,000 pallet of feathers, or a 4,000 pound car.
How tall of a jack do I need for a truck? ›Q: What kind of floor jack is needed for a truck? Most jack styles will work; just be sure that it has a minimum weight capacity of 3 tons or 6,000 pounds and a minimum lifting height of 16 inches.
How tall of a jack Do I need to lift my truck? ›
For most cars, a jack lift height of 20 inches is adequate. Unless of course, you're into lifted off-roaders with huge tires—then you'll definitely need something with higher lifting capabilities.
How much can you jack up a sagging floor? ›It's important not to jack your floor too fast. If you do, you can cause the wall above the area to crack. Instead, Jack your floor slowly. As a rule of thumb, you only want to raise your floor 1/8 of an inch a day.