Automotive floor jacks - bottle or floor jack

I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
come in a car I just don't trust.

What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I
want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm
working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for safety.

Thanks.
Walter

Walter Cohen wrote:
> I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
> flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
> come in a car I just don't trust.
>
> What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
> corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I
> want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm
> working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for safety.
>
> Thanks.
> Walter

You need three wheel chocks what ever jack you feel most comfortable using.

For me, a floor jack with at least a 16" lift was best.

A lot depends upon what vehicle you are lifting.

For my uses, a bottle jack just doesn't have enough lift.

There is no "one size fits all" answer.

On Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:56:57 -0500, "Walter Cohen"
> wrote:

>I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
>flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
>come in a car I just don't trust.
>
>What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
>corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I
>want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm
>working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for safety.
>
>Thanks.
>Walter

Floor jack! DO not crawl under this vehicle!! A bottle jack tends to
slip; causing the vehicle to fall...even with a floor jack.

Perform this work on a flat surface and block the tires on the ground.


Oren
--

> I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to
> change a flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard
> equipment jacks that come in a car I just don't trust.
>
> What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up
> the corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor
> jack? I want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack
> while I'm working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack
> stands for safety.
> Thanks.
> Walter

Floor jack. Bottle jacks have small lift points, harder to position,
shorter lift, and no give should the car move a quarter inch or so
during the lift, all of which a floor jack makes a lot more forgiving.
Besides, there being types made for the job.

Always block the other wheels, AT LEAST the wheel kitty-corner to the
wheel you're lifting. If lifting a front wheel set the emergency brake.
Always have car in Park for changing tires, never neutral.
Jack stands not usually necessary for changing a tire but a good idea
because "stuff" does happen. Only lift as far as necessary, never more.

Never hi jack,

Twayne


--
Twayne

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"Walter Cohen" > wrote in message
...
>I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
>flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
>come in a car I just don't trust.

What are you going to use when you get a flat elsewhere? The scissors jack
works just fine. I've lifted up full-size vans on the "crappy standard
equipment jack".

"Walter Cohen" > wrote in message
...
>I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
>flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
>come in a car I just don't trust.
>

The jack that comes with the car is for changing tires. What's wrong with
that?

> What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
> corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I
> want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm
> working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for
> safety.
>
> Thanks.
> Walter

You can get floor jack and jack stands combo. They are cheap.

get a good floor jack
bottle jacks have their place but are less safe

Walter Cohen wrote:

> I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
> flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
> come in a car I just don't trust.
>
> What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
> corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I
> want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm
> working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for safety.
>
> Thanks.
> Walter

Bob Jones wrote:
> "Walter Cohen" > wrote in message
> ...
>> I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
>> flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
>> come in a car I just don't trust.
>>
>
> The jack that comes with the car is for changing tires. What's wrong with
> that?
>
>> What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
>> corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I
>> want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm
>> working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for
>> safety.
>>
>> Thanks.
>> Walter
>
> You can get floor jack and jack stands combo. They are cheap.
>
>
Agree with the floor jack and jackstands, disagree with the cheap. The
20-buck specials tend to leak down, even when almost brand new. I'm sure
most are made in China these days, but look for one that isn't visibly
leaking past the seals, and has some fit and finish to it. It shouldn't
look like a blacksmith made it out back. As to the jackstands- stuff
that can kill you is no place to cut corners. No cheap cast ones, no
spot-welded thin stamped metal ones. Nothing that shows any bare metal
that will rust, especially in joints.

aem sends...

"Walter Cohen" > wrote...
>
> What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
> corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I want
> to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm working on
> the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for safety.

Bottle jack is easier to store, and you can take it with you when you travel...

If you're talking cars and light trucks under one ton, then a floor jack
will be of great use.


s


"Walter Cohen" > wrote in message
...
>I want to get one (at least) hydraulic jack to use if I need to change a
>flat in my garage or driveway. The crappy standard equipment jacks that
>come in a car I just don't trust.
>
> What is better/easier to use for changing tires (or plain lifting up the
> corner of a car) - a hydraulic bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack? I
> want to be sure also that the car doesn't slip off the jack while I'm
> working on the car. I know I need to also get some jack stands for
> safety.
>
> Thanks.
> Walter