What Is The Best Scissor Jack? (2021 Reviews)
A scissor jack is, by definition, a “powerful lifting jack” that utilizes a screw in a horizontal position. It lengthens or shortens on a diagonal in order to easily lift heavy objects using a Z-shaped crank.
Scissor jacks are extremely useful tools, especially given that they are designed to help a single person lift up a heavy car. In fact, their most common use is to lift your vehicle to replace a blown tire.
Of course, when you’re working with any kind of tool built for heavy machinery, you want to make sure you have the best of the best. Quality is critical here, so we’re going to make sure you know which is the best scissor jack.
Page Contents
- Our Top Picks
- Scissor Jack Buyers’ Guide
- Lifting Capacity
- Minimum Height
- Scissor Jack Types
- Pricing
- The Best Scissor Jacks
- Best Overall – ROGTZ Electric Scissor Lift Jack
- Best for Vehicles Under 3,000 pounds – BIG RED Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack
- Best for Limited Storage – Eaz-Lift 30” RV Stabilizing Scissor Jack
- Best Value – TONDA 2-Ton Portable Car Scissor Jack
- Best Versatility – Husky Stabilizing Scissor Jack
- Conclusion
Our Top Picks
If you’re running short on time, check out this quick list of our top choices for the best scissor jack. While our comprehensive guide is undoubtedly more helpful, these options can give you a fast idea of which might be the best option for you.
Compare The Top 3 Scissor Jacks for 2021
These high-quality products all deliver in different ways, so try to come back some other time to read a little more about them.
Scissor Jack Buyers’ Guide
When you’re checking out any new product for purchase, you should always do a little bit of research beforehand. There are tons of manufacturers and items on the market today, so trying to make sure you get your hands on the best one can be a little overwhelming.
Use our guide below for more in-depth information on scissor jacks and what to look for.
Lifting Capacity
Perhaps the most crucial feature you should pay attention to is a jack’s load capacity. In ordinary circumstances, such as for use with typical cars, trucks, and even lightweight SUVs, most scissor jacks should handle the weight just fine.
Of course, larger vehicles, including industrial tools, trailers, and even maxed out trucks and SUVs might exceed the lifting capacity of your jack.
Again, if you have a small or average-sized car, you’re probably all set. But it only takes a quick look to double-check, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just be sure to compare the weight of your car with the maximum safe capacity.
Minimum Height
When it comes to tool-specific products, most people are concerned with the maximum extension, height, or depth. However, it’s important to note the minimum height when it comes to scissor jacks.
Your average scissor jack will have a minimum height between 4 and 6 inches. Likewise, an average vehicle probably has a height between 4 and 8 inches, meaning they’ll work perfectly with your car.
Some cars feature a much lower range, which is a typical style for sports cars. If this is your case, then you will need a more compact tool that can fit under a smaller space.
Scissor Jack Types
If you weren’t aware, there are actually three different main types of scissor jacks that you can invest in. Depending on your needs, you may choose to look for one specific kind.
Car Scissor Jacks
Car scissor jacks are exactly what they sound like: they are scissor jacks that are made for use with everyday cars. Not only are they operable by any individual, but they are also small enough to ensure that they can actually fit inside of your car.
After all, what use is a car jack that can’t travel with you?
Car scissor jacks must be small enough to fit in your trunk along with your spare tire while also being robust and reliable enough to lift your vehicle. They are super handy to have in emergencies, and most cars have them built-in.
Electric Scissor Jacks
Electric scissor jacks can just as easily be used to replace your car scissor jack, given that they are compact enough (and many of them are). An electric jack is powered by your car, so even if you’re on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, you can still use one.
People like to trade in their car’s standard scissor jack for an electric model simply because they are easier to use. The electric power automatically lifts your car, whereas, with a traditional jack, you have to crank a lever.
An electric model is also ideal for older individuals who cannot get low on the ground or sustain enough energy to crank. They’re also just convenient – so you don’t have to have back problems to justify buying one.
Stabilizing Scissor Jacks
A stabilizing scissor jack is very similar to a car scissor jack. In fact, it probably looks almost identical. However, these jacks are much more heavy-duty and are safer to use with larger vehicles such as campers and trailers.
Stabilizing scissor jacks often come sold in pairs of two, and they might have a heavier lifting capacity than your average jack. Be sure to check out any specific details or instructions when purchasing or using a stabilizing scissor jack.
Pricing
Everyone has a budget, no matter how much or how little money you make on a regular basis. Though you may want to reach for the best product on the shelf, you have to take a little bit of time to consider the price. It’s never a good idea to overspend when you can find something just as good within your range.
When it comes to scissor jacks, you’re usually looking at a price range of anywhere from under $30 to over $90. The jacks on the lower end are typically smaller in size, meaning they probably also have a lower weight capacity.
The lower price doesn’t necessarily mean they are sturdy or reliable. It does likely mean that they’re more suited for smaller vehicles and will prove to be a good choice for sedan owners – and possibly small SUVs, depending on the capacity load.
Your mid-range prices usually align with high-end car jacks and stabilizing jacks. Most buyers probably fall into this category. You want a reliable tool that will work, but you don’t want to break the bank over it. This is a nice spot to land.
At the top of the price range is where you will find the electric scissor jack lifts. If money wasn’t an object, we would probably all go for these kinds of jacks, given how easy they are to use. However, the cost does put the breaks on our decision a little bit. But, if an electric jack falls within your budget, you might consider going to this techy upgrade to an age-old solution.
The Best Scissor Jacks
We’ve taken the necessary steps to review each of the following scissor jacks in-depth, measuring them against the attributes we discussed above. Read on to learn more about our top choices.
Best Overall – ROGTZ Electric Scissor Lift Jack
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Our top choice overall comes first on our list. The ROGTZ scissor jack is an electric model that delivers power derived directly from your vehicle. This all-in-one tool allows you to quickly and easily lift your car to change a tire.
Obviously, we love this tool for the electric power it brings to the table. Different from a traditional jack, this one does all the work for you. With one touch of a button, any user can lift their car in a matter of minutes to a max height of 17 inches. Its minimum height is approximately 4.72 inches.
The load capacity for this jack is 3 tons, making it strong enough to hold up a sedan or even an SUV that falls under that weight range.
The connection is super easy. The jack comes with a two-way power supply, allowing you to attach it to your car either via a 12V outlet or to the car’s battery.
The entire product and its accessories come packed neatly into a compact toolbox that’s durable, organized, and even waterproof. The built-in LED light makes it easy to use this tool at night, and you can even use it as a road signal to keep you safe from other vehicles driving by.
The jack also comes with a hand crank, should the electric component stop working at any point. This is unlikely, but it’s nice to know you have a backup, just in case.
Best for Vehicles Under 3,000 pounds – BIG RED Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack
Anything with BIG RED in its name is sure to grab your attention, and in this case, it also makes for a good product. The Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack is a complete car kit that features a compact design – making it perfect for storing in even a small car’s trunk.
This jack kit comes with a 1.5-ton capacity promise, making it best used for smaller cars, sedans, and smaller SUVs. It’s capable of efficiently and steadily lifting any vehicle under 3,000 pounds.
Not only does the bright red color make it easy to see what you’re doing, but the extra-wide base offers increased stability that other jacks don’t have. The forged alloyed steel construction guarantees durability; quality construction is what makes this tool reliable.
The BIG RED has a featured lifting range from 4-⅛ inches to 15-⅛ inches, although many users claim its completely collapsed height comes down to 3-½ inches. When completely collapsed, you may be able to fit it within a smaller gap.
The one-piece handle makes operation quick and easy. Plus, the product meets all ANSI/ASME PASE safety standards. Easy process, reliability, and safety make this an excellent choice.
Best for Limited Storage – Eaz-Lift 30” RV Stabilizing Scissor Jack
Like most stabilizing scissor jacks, and as we mentioned earlier, the Eaz-Lift model comes in a pack of two, giving you the extra strength and reliability that you need when tending to some heavy machinery.
This insanely strong jack can easily hoist up to 5,000 pounds, lending itself to heavier vehicles, including RV, pop-ups, and trailers. So, it’s safe to say it can also handle your little sedan as well.
You can order this jack in a wide range of options, including a 24-inch selection that can actually support and lift a whopping 7,500 pounds. The other choices all come back down to the 5,000-pound weight limit, but they’re available in max heights of 20, 24, and 30 inches to suit your individual needs.
When folded down, this jack can go as low as approximately 4.5 inches; this lets users get under small spaces for those unwanted but necessary tire changes. Its powder-coated finish protects the tools from rust, ultimately giving it a long lifespan.
With a simple handle that you insert directly into the tool, anyone can easily crack the jack to lift their vehicle. There’s no complicated technology to deal with – just an old-fashioned design that works.
These two heavy-duty jacks are made from high-quality steel yet offer a compact size that makes it perfect for toting around in your car, truck, or trailer. Its effortless operation is precisely what you need during a frustrating roadside situation.
Best Value – TONDA 2-Ton Portable Car Scissor Jack
The TONDA Portable Car Scissor Jack is a superb option for someone who has a smaller car but is still concerned about quality and reliability. At the same time, this option also doesn’t break the bank.
The classic and sleek silver design features high-quality steel with heavy-duty strength. Its max capacity is two tons, making it a solid option for anyone with a sedan or a coupe. The welded steel frame is rust-resistant, and it offers a solution to young drivers and small families alike.
Although it’s strong enough to lift your car easily for a tire change, the product is super lightweight and compact. You won’t have to worry about carrying it around or storing it in your car.
This scissor jack has a max height of about 15.4 inches, and it also features an extra-long handle for easy use. You don’t need to break your back getting low and close to your car; just stand back and turn the handle.
With all of its safety features and standards in check, parents and car owners alike can have confidence in this tool. The revolving shaft is durable, the joints are made with care and attention to detail, and the high-precision grinding technology is top-notch.
Best Versatility – Husky Stabilizing Scissor Jack
This company clearly doesn’t use the name Husky lightly, as proven by this product, which can bolster an impressive 6,500 pounds. With two jacks included in one package, that kind of strength can come in handy for larger vehicles that run into mechanical issues.
The Husky Stabilizing Scissor Jack has a massive 35 square inch base plate, giving it a level of stability that not all jacks can boast. Its total lift goes up to 24 inches, ensuring you have all the space you need to work.
With solid steel construction, you can certainly rely on this durable tool. It features a black powder-coat finish, so you don’t have to worry about rust. Even the black color is a pro, as it won’t highlight wear and tear as much as other lighter colors.
Operation is super easy. It includes detailed instructions, but the swivel handle, along with other attaching hardware, is pretty straightforward – no need to be a car expert. The jacks are permanently mounted, and the whole tool closes up nicely for compact storage.
With this amount of weight capacity, one could easily lift most RVs, travel trailers, or fifth wheels. They raise and level vehicles of all shapes and sizes, making them a solid choice. The price is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum, but if you need this kind of power, it’s the right option.
Conclusion
As you can see from our quick comparison and our comprehensive guides, we care about products that are helpful, practical, and safe. Every car owner should have a high-quality scissor jack that suits their needs, and they shouldn’t have to second-guess whether or not it will get the job done.
That being said, we do have our favorite of the mix – and I think it’s pretty obvious. As our best choice overall, we love the ROGTZ Electric Scissor Jack for a quick and easy tire change. Although it is an electric model, this particular product still falls within the mid-range pricing we discussed earlier, making it a terrific deal.
The entire package comes in an organized, compact toolbox that keeps everything in place for when you need it. With car-operated power options and a handy flashlight for extra help, we think this is one of the best products you can own.
Of course, the final say is up to you. Now that we’ve laid out all of our choices and facts for you, you can decide for yourself which is your favorite.
