A flat tire isn’t the end of the world. We know that. But it’s definitely a pain in the butt to experience, even more so if you don’t have a high-quality scissor jack. If you’ve ever been stuck changing a tire on the soft ground along a lonely road somewhere during a stormy night, you know that a subpar jack just won’t do you any good.
Of course, helping you change your tire isn’t the only thing a jack can do. With the right type of scissor jack, you can perform repairs or maintenance or level/stabilize trailers and campers. So, what high-quality jack is perfect for the job you have in mind? You’re in luck because we just happen to have a list of the best scissor jacks in the market today.
Top 10 Scissor Jacks of 2019 Reviewed
1. Torin Big Red T10152 Steel Scissor Jack
Scissor Jack for Cars
The Torin Big Red T10152 isn’t anything fancy. It’s made out of heavy duty steel, weighing 7.7 pounds. It has a large base (4.5×6 inches) and saddle that provides that extra stability you need on the soft ground. It can go as high as 15.4 inches but collapses to a height of 3.7 inches. And it is a little larger compared to most scissor jacks which make it hard to store in the small compartment where the original jack is located. It has a 1.5-ton capacity which can lift an SUV quite easily.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good for lifting vehicles on soft ground
- 100% factory tested for reliability and safety
Cons:
- Bulky
- Needs a bit of elbow grease to operate
- The crank/handle is cheaply made
2. Eaz-Lift 48830 24″ Stabilizing Scissor Jack
Scissor Jack for RV
If you plan on a level a large trailer or pop-up, then a pair of Eaz-Lift 48830s is what you need. These jacks can provide a solid rock base for your camper with their combined ability to stabilize a heavy load of up to 7500 lbs. The jacks have a maximum rise of 24 inches and can go as low as 4 inches for storing. The black powder finish provides protection from rust. What we really like is the presence of the scissor jack socket which allows you to use a power drill. No need to put in the effort when the drill can do the turning for you.
Pros:
- Scissor jack socket
- Heavy duty construction
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Not for lifting vehicles off the floor
- Some users have reported the pin holding the washer breaking off
- Not for small camper trailers
3. BAL 24028 LoPro Scissors Jack
The BAL 24028 LoPro Scissor Jack is one of our top picks because you don’t need to crank it up so much to raise or lower the jack due to the Double Lead Acme Thread. It has wide frame mounting brackets that provide increased stability. It weighs 24 lbs and has a 5000 lb capacity. The low profile design (3- 5/8”) allows for easy storage and it can extend up to 24 inches. This scissor jack has E-coating for rust protection and comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Pros:
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
- Easy portability
- Comes with mounting hardware
Cons:
- Not for lifting cars
- Requires pre-drilling mounting holes (mounting holes do not line up)
- Some users reported that the metal was thin/flimsy
4. Ultra-Fab Products 48-979006 Ultra Scissor Jack
Ultra-Fab’s Ultra Scissor Jack provides improved stability to your heavy load, whether it’s a travel trailer or a horse/cargo trailer. The jack has a powder-coated black finish for rust resistance. The footpads measure a wide 5″ X 9″ to prevent sinking or tilting. It retracts to 4-3/4″ and cranks up all the way to 24 inches. This single scissor jack only weighs 11 lbs. You can bolt or weld it to any frame (bolts sold separately). The hand crank is also sold separately. The weight rating for this jack is 6500 lbs.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Affordable price
- Perfect budget-friendly replacement for a broken OEM stabilizing jack
Cons:
- No hand crank
- Not for lifting cars
- Threads are reversed
5. Husky 76862 24 Stabilizing Scissor Jack
If you’re looking for a heavy duty stabilizing scissor jack, you should get a Husky. The wide base (35 inches) spreads the load more evenly and provides increased stability so you won’t have to worry about rocking your trailer from side to side. The sturdy steel construction and lack powder-coated finish ensure that the scissor jack lasts for a long time even when exposed to the elements. Each jack comes with a weight capacity of 6500 lbs. Mounting hardware and a swivel handle are included. An instruction manual is also included in the package.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Heavy duty jack
- Affordable
Cons:
- Made in China
- Handle is small and flimsy
- Not used for lifting large weights
6. Dragway Tools 1100 LB Wide Deck Motorcycle Center Scissor Jack
If you need a jack for your motorcycle or ATV, Dragway Tools has just the scissor jack for you. This is ideal for use in a garage or the track, featuring a wide deck with a rubber mat for gripping the bottom of the bike to provide stability and prevent slippage and scratches. Most motorcycle models such as cruisers, Can Am Spyders, and trikes will fit on this jack. It has a weight capacity of 1,100 lbs and a lift height of 13.25 inches.
Pros:
- Heavy duty build
- Red powder-coated frame is rust resistant
- Retracts to a compact size
Cons:
- Crank not included
- Some users have difficulty balancing the bike on the platform
- Too tall for lowered bikes
7. Extreme Max Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack
The Extreme Max Wide Motorcycle Scissor Jack could easily swap places with Dragway Tools’ Wide Deck Scissor Jack. It is constructed out of heavy duty steel with a red powder-coat finish. The platform measures 15×9 inches and features a rubber mat to provide stability and prevent slippage or scratches. But the similarities end there.
This jack is designed for center lifting with a 7/8″ socket or wrench (not included), making it easy for you to work on the front or rear part of your bike. It collapses to a short 3.5 inches, easily stored away on your bike for portability. However, it was not designed for lifting trikes, a limitation that the Dragway Tools scissor jack does not have.
Pros:
- Heavy duty
- Central lifting design
- Wide platform with rubber mat
Cons:
- Not for trikes
- Made in China
- Some users have reported durability issues
8. Pro-Lift T-9456 Grey Scissor Jack
Pro-Lift’s T-9456 Grey Scissor Jack has a weight capacity of 3000 lbs with a built-in extra wide base for improved stability. The minimum height is 3-3/4 inches and the maximum height is 15-1/8 inches. At 9 lbs, this is one of the most lightweight scissor jacks you’ll ever find. It can be used as an emergency jack or as a stabilizing jack.
Pros:
- Lightweight but heavy duty build
- Affordable
- Smooth, easy operation
Cons:
- Handle is too short
- Does not work well on uneven or soft ground
- Made in China
9. Libra 5000 lb 24″ RV Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks
If you need some stabilizing scissor jacks for your trailer, this complete set from Libra will definitely save you quite a bit of moolah. The wide bow-tie base on each jack provides the stability you need when on soft ground. Each jack also has a weight capacity of 5000 lbs, an extended height of 24 inches, and a compact size of 5 inches. This set also includes a crank handle, a 3/4″ 19mm） hex magnetic socket if you want to use a power drill, and 16 pieces of mounting hardware.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Includes a magnetic socket and crank handle
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Poor customer service
- Cannot be used for lifting
- A few users had one or two of their jacks buckle down under the weight of the trailer
10. Black Bull EJ212 12 Volt Fully Automatic Electric Car Jack
If you don’t like applying a bit of elbow grease in cranking your car jack, then you’re in luck with our last pick – a fully automatic electric car jack from Black Bull. It has a weight capacity of 2000 lbs with a height ranging from 5 inches to 14 inches. The push button controller can be attached to your car’s 12-volt dc power outlet, better known as your car’s cigarette outlet. It has a 12-foot cord so you know it has a long reach. And it comes in a plastic storage case for portability.
Pros:
- Fully automatic
- Comes with an extra fuse and lowering handle
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not for trucks or SUVs
- Only for emergencies
- Has a hard time staying stable on uneven ground
How To Choose The Right Scissor Jack For You
A scissor jack is an excellent tool for getting you out of an unplanned hitchhiking session. Some types of jacks will give you a steady base for your trailer. In short, a scissor jack will allow you to lift or stabilize a heavy load using a bit of physics, a strong metal, and some elbow grease.
However, while scissor jacks all have the same basic design, they don’t all operate the same. Some are rated to bear heavier loads like SUVs and trailers while others are specifically designed to lift motorcycles and ATVs. So, how does one go about choosing the best scissor jack then? Well, there are 6 factors you should consider before you pull out your wallet.
What do You Want the Jack For?
To be an efficient tool, your scissor jack must fulfill its intended purpose. Some jacks like the Torin Big Red T10152 Steel Jack are specifically designed to lift 3000 lbs of weight – perfect for changing the flat tire of your car. Another type of jack is the stabilizing jack like the Eaz-Lift 48830 24″ Stabilizing Scissor Jack which is used to provide a steady base for trailers such as horse trailers, RVs, and cargo trailers. These typically have a weight capacity of 5000 to 6500 lbs.
What Material is the Jack Made of?
You’ll be lifting or stabilizing really heavy loads so you want to make sure that the material used to construct your jack is strong enough that it won’t buckle down under the weight. A lightweight jack can be used for lifting a small vehicle but you’ll need heavy-duty steel to level a trailer.
How High and How Low do You Want Your Jack to Go?
Just like the weight capacity, the maximum height of a scissor jack determines what it can be used for. A car and a motorcycle have different frames and would need to be lifted to different heights. Make sure that the scissor jack you choose has enough height that you won’t need to look for height extenders. Also, a low profile vehicle will require a low profile scissor jack. What use is your jack if you can’t even fit it under your load in order to lift it?
How Easy is it to Adjust?
The point of having a scissor jack is to raise a heavy load up and down. Obviously, you’ll want to get one that has a smooth operation. Most jacks are operated by a handle or crank included by the manufacturer. Some jacks such as the Libra 5000 lb 24″ RV Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Jacks and the Eaz-Lift 48830 24″ Stabilizing Jack come with a socket that allows you to use an electric power drill, making the entire process a whole lot easier and less sweaty.
How Durable is it?
Your scissor jack will probably get exposed to the elements at some point, especially if you’re using it to level or stabilize a heavy load. This means that you’ll definitely benefit from getting a jack that will not rust, providing you with long years of service. The BAL 24028 LoPro Scissors Jack features a high-tech coating that is highly corrosion-resistant.
How Wide is the Base?
This is a very important feature that should not be overlooked. A wide base ensures the stability of your scissor jack and the load it carries even when placed on the uneven or soft ground. The wider the base, the more stable your jack will be. The Ultra-Fab Products 48-979006 24″ Ultra Scissor Jack and the Husky 76862 24 Stabilizing Jack are two scissor jacks that have really wide bases.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a scissor jack to keep in your trunk for emergencies or to help you create a steady base for your trailer, it’s important that you make the right choice based on all these factors we’ve mentioned. Because the wrong jack is a risk you should never take.
