Car jacks and axle stands are essential for carrying out any kind of maintenance or repairs that require access underneath the vehicle. No professional or home garage should be without them – a car jack and stand will help you raise a vehicle quickly, efficiently and safely. Keeping a car jack kit in your vehicle is also an excellent idea – you never know when you might need to carry out an emergency repair or some urgent roadside maintenance. But which one is right for you? At Toolstation, we offer a wide variety of car stands and hydraulic jacks from leading brands such as Draper, Hilka and Minotaur. We know how important it is to make the job as safe and as effortless as possible – that’s why we only stock the best.
Trolley Jacks
A trolley jack is the preferred choice of many car mechanics, due to its stability and safety. Featuring integrated wheels, it’s quick and easy to manoeuvre a low profile trolley jack into place. After that, it’s simply a case of inserting the handle and pumping.
Bottle Jacks
A bottle jack works in a similar way, using hydraulic force to raise the vehicle. Bottle jacks are smaller than trolley jacks, which makes them easier to store – perfect for keeping in the car boot, if you don’t have much space to play with. However, their compact size means they don’t offer quite as much stability.
Axle Stands
Axle stands are essential if you need to actually get under the car. You must never go beneath the chassis of a vehicle that is only being raised by a hydraulic jack. Axle stands should be used alongside the car jack, to ensure the vehicle is supported safely. When you’re looking to buy a car jack or jack stands, always check the lifting capacity to make sure it’s enough to support the weight of your vehicle. At Toolstation, you can kit out your workshop with other tools to easily lift and move equipment. An electric hoist will lift and manoeuvre lighter parts securely while working, with various load capacities available to suit any job. Need to rescue a stuck vehicle? A car winch will come in handy to help with pulling, moving or recovery.
What's the difference between a car jack and a trolley jack?
- Car jack: any device used to lift a vehicle, including scissor jacks and bottle jacks.
- Trolley jack: a specific type of hydraulic jack with wheels, allowing for easy positioning and lifting of vehicles - commonly used in workshops and garages due to their stability and ease of use.
Why do I need axle stands when using a car jack?
Axle stands are essential for safety when working under a vehicle. Jacks are designed to lift a vehicle but not to support its weight for extended periods. Axle stands provide stable support, reducing the risk of the vehicle falling. Always use axle stands with a car jack to ensure safety.
How do I choose the right jack for my vehicle?
Consider the following factors when selecting a jack:
- Weight Capacity: Ensure the jack can handle your vehicle's weight.
- Lift Height: Check the minimum and maximum lift heights to ensure compatibility with your vehicle's clearance.
- Portability: If you need to transport the jack, consider its weight and size.
- Type: Choose between manual, hydraulic, or electric jacks based on your preference and needs.
