Last Updated on May 5, 2022 by Pittalks
Are you looking for an excellent Jack? But confused between Floor jack VS Bottle jack?
Then, it’s necessary to know the differences and complete specifications to decide the best between Floor jack VS Bottle jack. However, I find the one is very compact and has optimum power while the other is popular for its high speed, stability, and easy to use.Moreover, you must know the importance of both jacks during car repair.
So, this article would help to choose between Floor jack VS Bottle jack concerning a better job for you.
Specifications Comparison Table: Floor jack VS Bottle jack
| Specifications | Floor jack | Bottle jack |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Weight | Heavier | Lightweight |
| Capacity | Less powerful | More powerful |
| Stability | More stable | More stable |
| Ease of use | Easy to use | Less accessible than a floor jack |
| Power | 3 tons | 2 tons to 50 tons |
| Storage | Large size so more store space | Tiny, less storage space |
| Price | At least $100 | Less than $100 |
| Safety | More | Less |
What is a Floor Jack? How does it work ?
A floor jack is suitable for lifting small vehicles like a regular car or sports cars with a low clearance level. Moreover, Floor jacks are better and efficient, so they are present in almost every garage. I have had a steel floor jack, for ten years, and it’s still working perfectly even after a million times of usage.
PROS:
Stability
Floor jacks with a broad base and weight distribution built are highly stable. Thus, the risk of the car falling off Jack reduces as weight distributes over a wide area.
Durability
Floor jack offers long-time service with low maintenance. However, they are more expensive than bottle jacks. But highly durable at its price range.
Easy movement
A floor jack is heavier than the bottle jack but comes with a four-wheel platform. So, the movement is very smooth and easy.
Low ground profile
The floor jack has a low ground clearance and sits low to the ground. Thus, allowing fitting under most of the cars, including sports cars. Moreover, you may get special low-profile jacks for extremely low vehicles.
User-friendly
It is effortless to use and allows faster lifting only in 3 to 4 pumps. Moreover, its long handle and dual pump system never fail to impress in speedy operations.
CONS:
Heavy and bulky
Floor jacks are bulky and heavy in weight requiring ample storage space. Moreover, they are not easy to carry around.
Price
Floor jacks are more expensive than bottle jacks.
Who is suitable for?
A floor jack is used for lifting small vehicles like a regular car or sports cars with a low clearance level. Thus, Floor jacks are suitable for the drivers or mechanics who are dealing with these kinds of vehicles. Moreover, Floor jacks are better and efficient, so they are present in almost every garage. I have had a steel floor Jack for ten years, and it’s still working perfectly even after a million times of usage.
What is Bottle Jack? How does it work?
The bottle jack is a jack with a hydraulic cylinder vertically to the base of the Jack. The design of this Jack enables lifting more weight along with elevations. Moreover, this Jack works on simple physics. All you need to do is place Jack beneath your vehicle and turn the small piston anti-clockwise. Its smooth pumping action helps to raise your automobile slowly.
PROS:
Cheap
A bottle jack is affordable at less than $100, which is relatively lower than other hydraulic jacks. Moreover, even being cheap, these provide better efficiency than the expensive ones. Therefore, if you are looking for Jack under budget, then this is the best choice.
Light-weight
These jacks are very light and easy to carry around. So, I recommend using Bottle jacks if you are a DIY mechanic and have to work alone.
Efficient
A bottle jack is very efficient when you talk about lifting loads. It has the power of lifting loads from 2 tons to 50 tons. Moreover, its unique design makes it easy to lift heavy loads smoothly.
Easy to use
These jacks have hydraulic fluid that makes them reliable and easy to pump. However, they are simple to understand and use by DIY mechanics.
CONS:
Unstable
The major disadvantage is that these jacks tip off easily. In addition, its narrow frame makes stability difficult. Hence, the weight of the vehicle gets unbalanced.
Minimum height
These jacks allow minimum lift height making it difficult for cars and small vehicles.
However, Button Jacks are suitable for heavy vehicles like trucks, minivans with heavy ground clearance. I prefer a 22-ton bottle jack, which is relatively stable and similar to a floor jack for heavy trucks. Moreover, I have one standard Bottle Jack that I do not prefer to use. Last time I used this to compress the suspension on my Jeep.
Who is suitable for?
Button Jacks are used for heavy vehicles like trucks, minivans with heavy ground clearance. Thus, button jacks are suitable for drivers and mechanics handling these vehicles. However, I prefer a 22-ton bottle jack, which is relatively stable and similar to a floor jack for heavy trucks. Moreover, I have one standard Bottle Jack that I do not prefer to use. Last time I used this to compress the suspension on my Jeep.
Conclusion: Floor jack vs. Bottle jack
Concluding, the answer to Floor jack VS Bottle Jack for DIY mechanic or driver depends on the budget and type of vehicle. Floor jacks are commonly in use and are safe and stable. However, they are heavy and require ample storage space, which is a little bit expensive. On the other hand, Button Jacks are easy to use and suitable for heavy-weight vehicles. Therefore, whichever Jack between Floor jack VS Bottle jack you choose, I suggest reading the manufacturer’s instructions and maintaining safety.
FAQs for Floor jack vs. Bottle jack
How long will a bottle jack hold?
If your bottle jack is in good working order, it will stay up indefinitely. However, avoiding the risk, it would be best if you have multiple safety layers. Moreover, it’s a fact that Bottle jacks are less stable, so I suggest making use of Jack stands. I usually avoid risks by leaving 95% weight on jack stands so that even if Jack fails, I would be safe.
Is a 2.5-ton jack enough for an SUV?
Yes, if your SUV weighs up to 4 tons, then a 2.5-ton jack is enough to lift it since you are raising one corner, or even if you lift half of it, it’s more than enough.
How much weight can a 3 -ton floor jack hold?
Your 3-ton floor jack can hold up to 6000lbs. However, it would be best if you use Jack stands along with this. Along with 6000 lbs., it leaves 2000 lbs. of extra carrying capacity for the jack stand pair.
What size bottle jack should I buy?
It would be best if you buy a bottle jack as per your requirements and type of vehicle. However, a bottle jack with four tons capacity is enough for DIY mechanics. Moreover, you even get options to choose a weight capacity between two tons and 50 tons.
Are bottle jacks good for changing tires?
Bottle jacks work okay, but I use Bottle jacks while positioning parts. However, they are not helpful in flat tires as they are too long and do not have enough reach. Also, bottle jacks would not fit under many cars. For emergencies, the scissors work the best. But, if you want to do more, Floor Jacks would be best for you. Once I changed my tires using a scissor jack by attaching it under the rocker panel.
