Jack

Why the Right Jack Is the Foundation of Every Safe Repair

Whether you're swapping brake pads in your driveway, recovering a lifted truck on the trail, or pulling a transmission in a professional shop, the humble jack is the tool that makes everything else possible. A quality jack doesn't just raise a vehicle — it does so safely, repeatedly, and reliably under real-world conditions. With over 305 jacks in our catalog spanning floor jacks, farm jacks, bottle jacks, transmission jacks, and more, there's a solution here for every vehicle type and every setting.

Types of Jacks and What They're Best For

Understanding the right jack for your application is just as important as choosing a reputable brand. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common types:

• Floor Jacks (Service Jacks): The workshop workhorse. A wheeled hydraulic jack that slides under a vehicle and lifts it quickly with minimal pump strokes. Ideal for passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs in garage environments.
• Farm / Hi-Lift Jacks: Mechanical ratcheting jacks designed for off-road recovery, farm work, and rugged terrain. They can lift, push, pull, winch, and clamp — making them a multi-tool as much as a jack.
• Bottle Jacks: Compact, high-capacity hydraulic jacks that stand upright. Great for tight spaces and heavy loads like trucks and RVs where a floor jack won't fit.
• Transmission Jacks: Purpose-built for supporting and maneuvering drivetrains during removal and installation. They tilt in multiple directions for precise component alignment.
• Axle / Under-Axle Jacks: Heavy-duty jacks engineered for commercial vehicles, semi trucks, and fleet maintenance requiring extreme capacity.

Key Considerations When Shopping for a Jack

Capacity, lift range, and build quality are the three factors that matter most. Always choose a jack rated well above the actual weight of the corner of the vehicle you're lifting — not the vehicle's total weight. Low-profile jacks are essential for sports cars and lowered vehicles, while long-reach frames help access lift points on larger trucks. Look for jacks that comply with ASME PASE-2019 safety standards for verified performance and operator protection. Material matters too: steel construction offers durability for heavy shop use, while aluminum jacks shed weight for portability and track use.

Top Jack Brands

Few brands in the jack category have a story as enduring as Hi-Lift Jack. Founded in 1895, the Bloomfield Manufacturing Company began producing mechanical jacks in 1905, and the design has stood the test of time across farms, military operations, fire departments, and off-road trails worldwide. Hi-Lift jacks are certified to meet ASME B30.1-2015 international standards and carry a Lifetime Parts Support Warranty, making them the go-to choice for serious off-road enthusiasts and overlanders.

For professional shop environments, OTC Tools delivers a comprehensive lineup of service jacks, transmission jacks, and under-axle jacks engineered for demanding commercial and automotive use. OTC's jacks meet all five ASME PASE-2019 safety standards, and features like flash-chromed rams for rust resistance and built-in safety overload systems reflect the brand's commitment to professional-grade reliability.

Sunex Tools brings its proprietary RapidRise® dual-pump hydraulic technology to its floor jack lineup, raising the saddle to maximum height in just a handful of pump strokes. Sunex voluntarily submits its lifting equipment to ASME PASE-2019 certification — a rigorous process that sets it apart as a brand that treats workplace safety as a top priority rather than an afterthought.

Esco Equipment rounds out the professional segment with a focused selection of heavy-duty lifting solutions trusted in fleet and commercial tire service environments. For RV owners and campers needing level and stabilization support, BAL – A Division of Norco Industries offers purpose-built leveling and jack solutions designed specifically for recreational vehicles and trailers.

Don't Forget Jack Safety

Even the best jack is only one part of a safe lift. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight once the vehicle is raised — never rely on a hydraulic jack alone to support a vehicle you're working under. A solid, level surface, the correct lift points as specified in your vehicle's service manual, and wheel chocks are essential companions to any jack in your toolkit.