Best Car Jacks, Tested (2024 Guide) (2024)

Written and Tested By:

Will Moore

Written and Tested By: Will Moore Senior Writer – Motor1 Review Team

Will has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

Reviewed By: Charles Noyes

Last Updated 01/04/2024

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

• The best car jack in 2024 is the Torin BlackJack. The BlackJack is reasonably priced, has a high lift capacity, and is relatively simple to operate.
• The Pro-Lift F-767 is another excellent floor jack that has a low profile making it suitable for vehicles with a low-to-ground suspension.
• If you want a bottle car jack, you might consider the Torin Big Red Hydraulic bottle jack, which is lightweight and portable.

Whether you need a tool for roadside tire changes or you plan to work on your car’s undercarriage, investing in one of the best car jacks is a good idea. The standard scissor jack or lift jack included in most tire replacement kits can get the job done, but they’re difficult to use and often less safe than alternatives.

If you perform any kind of at-home car repairs or tune-ups, you’ll want to invest in a quality floor jack. These recommendations are a good place to start your search. We’ve made an effort to suggest car jacks with various clearances, ton capacity, and price points.

What Are The Best Car Jack Stands?

After testing several options ranging in price, we think that Torin, Blackhawk, and Pro-Lift offer some of the best car jacks on the market in 2024.

Top Rated Car Jacks

Each car jack in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including ease of use, durability, and value. You can find more specifics regarding our rating system here.

The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each car jack’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best car jacks in the sections below:

1. Torin BlackJack: Best Car Jack

• Cost: $270
• Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on around 575 reviews
• Load capacity: 3.0 tons (2.5-ton and 4.0-ton models available)
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 75.8 pounds
• Jack type: Hydraulic floor jack

Torin 3 Ton Jack Review

The Torin Blackjack is a low-profile floor jack that is made with heavy-duty steel. A built-in safety overload system prevents lifting beyond load capacity. We like this floor jack because it is very easy to use, rolls nicely on its casters, and is simple to assemble.

Here’s how the Torin BlackJack performed in each category:

Below are the pros and cons of the Torin BlackJack:

Torin 3 Ton BlackJack: Our Experience

While the instructions included with the Blackjack are practically useless, it isn’t too difficult to figure out how to assemble and operate this floor jack. The handle has a comfortable grip, and the low-profile jack easily slid under our test vehicle.

The release valve is integrated into the handle, which you twist when it’s time to lower the pump’s hydraulics. Among the car jacks that we tested, the Torin Blackjack stood out as the strongest, lifting our vehicle with the least effort on our part.

Torin Black Jack: What Customers Are Saying

Those who like the Blackjack appreciate its heavy-duty construction and low-profile design. Many are impressed with the value given the relatively low cost of this car jack. It is easy to maneuver with a long handle.

Some people received the Blackjack with parts missing or with broken swivel casters. While this isn’t common, there are multiple complaints on Amazon about this specific issue. There are also reports that customer service is slow and difficult to contact.

2. Blackhawk B6350: Best Car Floor Jack

• Cost: $210
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 4,550 reviews
• Load capacity: 3.5 tons
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 85.0 lbs.
• Jack type: Hydraulic floor jack

Blackhawk B6350 Review

The Blackhawk B6350 is a beefy car jack with a weight limit of 3.5 tons for larger vehicles. This steel floor jack has a lifting range of 5.5 to 22.0 inches and built-in safety valves for overload protection. It features an extra-long handle for greater leverage and is the most powerful car jack that we tested.

Here’s how the Blackhawk B6350 performed in each category:

Below are the pros and cons of the Blackhawk B6350 Service Jack:

Blackhawk B6350 Fast Lift Service Jack: Our Experience

One of the first things we noticed about the Blackhawk is its high profile. This would not be a good pick for those working on cars with low suspensions. It is a good pick for SUVs and trucks because of its large, rugged design and high load capacity (3.5 tons or 7,000.0 lbs.).

Operating this hydraulic jack is similar to the other floor jacks that we tested – insert the handle, tighten the release valve, and pump. The included instructions are easy to follow. Generally, we were impressed with the construction and material quality of this car jack. The handle is very long which makes operation easier, and it is covered in a comfortable foam. It has a fast lift speed and is made of high-quality materials.

Though quite heavy, the Blackhawk Automotive jack isn’t difficult to maneuver on its wheels. It does take two people to lift, however. This is the least portable jack we tested.

Blackhawk Floor Jack: What Customers Are Saying

Most are impressed with the high load weight offered by this relatively inexpensive car jack. According to customer reviews, this is a long-lasting jack.

Some have reported poor welds on the handle, which broke for a handful of customers. Aside from that item, the jack is well-constructed. It may ship low on hydraulic fluid (and need to be topped off), but most are satisfied with a jack that can lift 3.5-ton vehicles at this price. The Blackhawk seems to be an especially popular jack for DIY mechanics.

Even those who love this jack comment that it is exceptionally heavy. This is a beast to lug around and not a good choice for a portable car lift or jack.

3. Pro-Lift F-767 Grey Low-Profile Floor Jack: Best Hydraulic Car Jack

• Cost: $80
• Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 based on about 7,450 reviews
• Load capacity: 2.0 tons
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 30.0 lbs.
• Jack type: Hydraulic floor jack

Pro-Lift Floor Jack Review

This low-cost, low-profile floor jack from Pro-Lift has a lifting range of up to 14.0 in. It has a 3.5-in. clearance, making it suitable for low-riding vehicles. A built-in safety valve prevents over-pumping and overloading this car jack. We like it for the price and ease of operation.

Here’s how the Pro-Lift F-767 performed in each category:

Below are the pros and cons of the Pro-Lift F-767 Floor Jack:

Pro-Lift F-767 Grey Low-Profile Floor Jack 2 Ton Capacity: Our Experience

The F-767 is not as ruggedly built as the Torin Blackjack. However, it is made from alloy steel construction and is generally easy to use. The lever design offers an easy way to raise your vehicle, and this device is ultra-low profile (just under 4.0 in.).

The instructions are easy to follow and assembling the Pro-Lift F-767 is simple (insert the handle). The attached wheels are cheaply constructed, but they work well enough.

Pro-Lift F-767: What Customers Are Saying

Users with low-riding cars especially seem to appreciate this car jack, which is able to neatly slide under such vehicles. The majority of reviews are comments from those who were happy to report that the jack works as advertised with no issues.

Some report using the jack for many years, with one reviewer claiming two years of service from their F-767 so far.

There are reviewers who say that they were shipped jacks with missing parts. This appears to be rare, but it can be very annoying if it happens to you. Some also say that it is a little short, and would prefer a jack able to raise their car higher.

4. Big Red Bottle Jack: Best Bottle Jack For Car

• Cost: $35
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 1,700 reviews
• Load capacity: 10.0 tons (also available in 6.0-, 8.0-, 12.0-, 30.0-, and 50.0-ton models)
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 10.7 lbs.
• Jack type: Hydraulic bottle jack

Torin Big Red Jack Review

As yet another great option from Torin’s Big Red line of car jacks, this tiny bottle jack has a 10.0-ton lift capacity and it can lift vehicles up to 18.13 in. – it also comes with a one-year warranty. This bottle jack’s small size makes it highly portable, but the design means that it won’t fit under vehicles with low clearance. It did not fit under our first test vehicle (a sedan), so we tested it on an SUV with a higher chassis.

Here’s how the Torin Big Red Bottle Jack performed in each category:

Below are the pros and cons of the Big Red Hydraulic Bottle Jack:

Torin Big Red Hydraulic Bottle Jack: Our Experience

The Torin Big Red hydraulic bottle jack is easy to carry and position, weighing only around 10.7 lbs. in total. When first using this jack you must follow the instructions to remove excess air and possibly top up the hydraulic fluid.

The lever is shorter than with floor jacks and doesn’t include a comfortable handle. It also fits together awkwardly – one part slides into the pinched end of the other, and rests that way, somewhat wobbly.

Besides positioning, this jack is harder to use than the standard floor jack, but still not difficult. It has a very high load capacity (10.0 tons) and easily raised the test vehicle.

Torin Big Red Bottle Jack: What Customers Are Saying

Many write that this is an excellent option for high-clearance, heavy vehicles. It has a high weight capacity and its portability makes it a popular choice for changing spares. Be sure that it is stored upright, however, as bottle jacks can leak fluid otherwise.

Some have complained about receiving jacks that leak fluid. In the worst case, a few people got packages wet with hydraulic fluid. It’s annoying to need to clean and maintain your new product, but given the shipping distances, this isn’t entirely unreasonable.

You may want to bleed this jack once you get it and top it up with hydraulic fluid if any has leaked.

5. Torin Big Red Floor Jack: Best Value Car Jack

• Cost: $100
• Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on about 3,875 reviews
• Load capacity: 3.0 tons
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 36.0 lbs.
• Jack type: Hydraulic floor jack

Torin Big Red 3 Ton Floor Jack Review

The Torin Big Red floor jack is a good low-cost option for a strong car jack. This jack has a maximum lift height of 20.88 in. It uses a single-piston quick lift pump and is designed with a safety bypass system to prevent overloading.

This car jack comes with an extra-long saddle neck which can save you some pumping when lifting raised vehicles. The neck extension can be removed for lower-clearance vehicles. We found this car jack easy to use if not quite as well-constructed as our other top picks.

Here’s how the Torin Big Red Floor Jack performed in each category:

Below are the pros and cons of the Big Red Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack:

Torin Big Red Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack: Our Experience

What most distinguishes the Big Red floor jack from the other jacks in this review is the neck extension. This positions the jack saddle higher to begin with, meaning less pumping to lift a car. This is helpful if you have a raised car, though is not necessary for low-profile vehicles like our test car.

This car jack is as easy to operate as any well-designed floor jack. However, the handle design doesn’t seem as sturdy or as comfortable as the Blackjack or F-767. Still, we were able to raise and lower our test vehicle with ease using this floor jack.

The wheels are functional and stand out as neither especially sturdy nor especially ill-constructed.

Torin Big Red 3 Ton Floor Jack: What Customers Are Saying

Happy reviewers like how this jack works, and many mention the extended saddle neck as an appreciated convenience. Several report years of reliable use from this car jack, which is easy to maneuver and pump.

There are some comments about faulty welding on the wheels. Though uncommon, more than one reviewer posted complaints about the wheels failing. Another typical criticism is that the jack lowers too quickly. Some write that when the pressure valve is released the jack falls down very quickly. We did not experience this when we tested the Big Red floor jack, but this issue may be more common with heavier vehicles.

Car Jack Buying Guide

To select the best car jack for your job, consider your vehicle and the type of car jack that will best suit your needs. If you have a fleet of vehicles you work on, a car lift or more heavy-duty option could be a better choice. But for those just looking for a jack to store in their car or garage for emergencies, we have these tips and more for selecting the right option.

Types Of Car Jacks

The most common types of car jacks are scissor jacks, floor jacks, and bottle jacks.

• Scissor jacks are accordion-looking contraptions found with many spare tire kits. These jacks use a screw mechanism to raise your vehicle. They are slow and can be difficult to use.
• Floor jacks are large and heavy, but stable and easy to use (if more difficult to maneuver). These are the most common type of jack for a garage or workshop.

Does A Car Jack Fit Any Car?

If you need to jack up your vehicle, a floor jack is typically the universal choice for its ability to lift vehicles higher than a bottle jack. Most vehicles also come with a scissor jack that can support the weight of your vehicle but may not be compatible with other car models.

Low Clearance Car Jack

When selecting a jack, you need to pick something that will fit underneath your vehicle before you begin to lift it. Some sports cars and luxury vehicles have especially low clearances, so require a low-profile jack to elevate. When purchasing a jack, consider your vehicle’s clearance compared to the jack’s.

Also, consider a car jack’s maximum lift height. If you have an especially high vehicle like an SUV, smaller jacks may not raise high enough to hoist your car off the ground.

Car Jack Weight Rating

Any car jack is rated to lift a certain tonnage. If you’re buying a car jack to lift your vehicle for repairs, pick something with a weight rating to match the vehicle you’re trying to lift. Keep in mind that to change a tire, you’ll only need to lift half the weight of the vehicle.

You should be able to find your vehicle’s weight on the door panel or owner’s manual. The typical sedan weighs around 3,000.0 lbs., while trucks can weigh around 8,000.0 lbs. Below is a comparison of vehicle weights and the corresponding minimum weight rating your car jack will need:

How To Use A Floor Jack

You don’t need to be a professional mechanic to use a car jack, and many jacks are simple to operate. However, there are some steps you’ll want to consider to keep yourself and your car safe. Additionally, drivingtests.org has a detailed guide should our instructions here not suffice.

1. Saftey First

Before raising your car, you should also have jack stands and wheel chocks. Jack stands support and stabilize your car after it’s been lifted. They are a crucial safety component if you plan to work under your car while it is elevated. Any jack, especially a hydraulic jack, can fail and if that happens jack stands will prevent you from being crushed. Wheel chocks stop your car from rolling while it is elevated.

2. Prepare Your Car

Before lifting your car from the ground with a car jack, make sure that it is on a level surface, in park, with the engine off, and the emergency brake engaged. If you have wheel chocks, place those behind your wheels.

3. Find Your Jack Point

You don’t want to place the jack just anywhere before lifting your car. If you put it in the wrong spot it can damage your trim or undercarriage. Consult your owner’s manual to find the jack points–typically a reinforced metal plate just behind each front wheel and just in front of each back wheel.

4. Elevate

Slide the car jack under your vehicle and start lifting. If you’re using jack stands, set those up once your car has been raised and before you get to work.

Car Jack Maintenance

Hydraulic floor jacks often need maintenance, sometimes even when new. Before using your jack, be sure to inspect the welds and bolts. Make sure there are no cracks and that every screw is fully tightened. If your car jack isn’t lifting properly it may need bleeding, a fluid top-off, or both.

How To Bleed A Car Jack

Bleeding a car jack means separating air from the hydraulic fluid. The process is simple though it can be time-consuming.

1. Prepare your jack by placing it on a level surface and wiping it clean.
2. Open the release valve and pump the jack several times. Ten is a good number. When the release valve is opened, your jack won’t raise when pumped.
3. Close the release valve and pump the jack until the lift arm is fully raised.
4. Pump the jack a few more times.
5. Open the release valve and lower the jack.
6. Open the plug to the oil chamber. This may require a flathead screwdriver. You should hear air escaping.
7. Once all air has escaped, replace the oil chamber plug and close the release valve.
8. Repeat, you may need to do this multiple times before the air is fully separated from the hydraulic fluid.

How To Put Oil In A Car Jack

New car jacks typically don’t need oil replacement for at least a year. However, if the screw or cap covering the oil chamber is loosened or damaged during shipping, your car jack could arrive low on hydraulic fluid.

To determine if your jack is low on fluid, open the oil chamber and inspect the fluid levels. Hydraulic fluid should come up to 1/8 of an inch from the top of the chamber. If you can’t see any oil, you’ll need to add more.

1. Open the release valve and lower the jack completely.
2. Close the release valve.
3. Clean the area around the oil chamber with a rag.
4. Locate and open the screw or cap covering the oil chamber
5. Open the release valve and drain any remaining fluid by turning the car jack on its side. You will want to collect fluid in a pan to avoid a mess.
6. Close the release valve.
7. Use a funnel to add oil until it reaches 1/8 in. from the top of the chamber.
8. Open the release valve and pump the jack to push out excess air.
9. Replace the screw or cap covering the oil chamber.

Expect to replace the fluid in your hydraulic car jack about once a year.

Best Floor Jack: Bottom Line

A floor jack like the Torin BlackJack will offer the fastest lifting speed and most stability. However, these jacks are heavy and not something you can store in your trunk for emergencies. For changing a tire, you’ll need a bottle jack like the Torin Big Red Bottle Jack or a scissor jack.

Regardless of which car jack you have, be sure to also use safety equipment like wheel chocks and jack stands. You may not need jack stands just to change a tire, but you should certainly use them if you plan on sliding underneath a raised vehicle.

Here’s our picks for the best car jacks in 2024:

1. Best Car Jack: Torin BlackJack
2. Best Car Floor Jack: Pro-Lift F-767
3. Best Hydraulic Car Jack: Blackhawk B6350
4. Best Bottle Jack for Car: Big Red Torin Hydraulic Bottle Jack
5. Best Value Car Jack: Torin Big Red Floor Jack

Car Jacks: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about car jacks:

Car Jack Reviews: How We Tested

To test each car jack, we unboxed and assembled the jacks according to the instructions (if any were included). Car jacks were tested on a variety of vehicles, including sedans, trucks, and SUVs.

We placed each jack under a test vehicle and lifted it several inches off the ground. We then lowered the vehicle by bleeding the jack. During these tests, we noted the quality of materials, ease of use, and overall performance.

Ease of Use

Our ease of use rating is based on how simple it is to position and use the car jack. Every jack we recommend works properly, is able to lift a car with minimal effort, and can gently lower the vehicle. Car jacks scored best in this category if they require little-to-no assembly, have smooth wheels that are easy to maneuver, and can be pumped with minimal effort.

Durability

Our durability score is based on the materials and construction of the car jack. Solidly-built car jacks with smooth welds scored best in this category. When assessing durability, we also sorted through online reviews looking for opinions from customers who claim to have used the jack for a year or longer.

Value

Our value score is based on the cost of the car jack. While some jacks are more durable and powerful than others, lower-priced jacks may nonetheless be worth buying because of the relatively low cost. Our value score is intended to better compare car jacks across price ranges.

How We Score Products

Every car jack we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a car jack is among the best in a category. It is perfectly machined and uses durably-made casters. It may have a large number of reviewers praising the longevity, or it could be exceptionally low-priced.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a car jack performs better-than-average in a category. It is easier to use than your typical jack because of some premium components, raises smoothly, or is offered at a lower-than-average cost.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a car jack, based on our testing experience. It works without issue, though it may lack a comfortable handle or perfectly even casters. A product must score at least 3.0 stars overall to be worthy of recommendation.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the car jack performs poorer than the average. It does not roll straight, is made with cheap parts and plastics, or is expensive.
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the car jack performs well below expectations in a category. It doesn’t work, may not bleed properly, or features rickety or broken components.

Why Trust Motor1.com

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.

Will Moore Senior Writer – Motor1 Review Team

Will has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

Charles Noyes Editor – Motor1 Review Team

As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.