Scissor Jacks

About Scissor Jacks

Scissor jacks are essential mechanical lifting devices that utilise a distinctive X-shaped scissor mechanism to raise vehicles, motorcycles, and other heavy equipment safely off the ground. Operating through a threaded screw mechanism that's turned either manually with a handle or powered by an electric motor, these jacks provide a stable and compact solution for maintenance work, tyre changes, and repairs. Unlike hydraulic bottle jacks or trolley jacks that rely on fluid pressure, scissor jacks offer a reliable mechanical advantage that won't lose pressure or leak hydraulic fluid, making them dependable tools for both professional workshops and roadside emergencies.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com encompasses both heavy-duty vehicle scissor jacks and specialised motorcycle frame scissor jacks from trusted brands including Draper and Sealey. These professional-grade lifting tools are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of commercial garages, mobile mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts alike. Modern scissor jacks typically feature capacities ranging from 1 tonne for light vehicles and motorcycles up to 2 tonnes or more for heavier commercial vans and 4x4s. Their wide base design delivers excellent stability, whilst the low-profile construction fits easily beneath most vehicles' jacking points.

Professional scissor jacks come in various configurations to suit different applications. Standard manual models provide economical, reliable lifting for occasional use, whilst hydraulic scissor jacks incorporate hydraulic assistance for faster, easier operation with reduced operator fatigue. Motorcycle frame scissor jacks feature adjustable width platforms with rubber-padded lifting plates specifically designed to grip bike frames safely without causing damage. The compact folded dimensions make scissor jacks ideal for storing in vehicle boot spaces or on mobile service vans, and their robust steel construction—often with powder-coated or zinc-plated finishes—ensures longevity even with regular professional use in demanding workshop environments.

Jargon Buster

• Lifting Capacity - The maximum weight a scissor jack can safely lift, typically expressed in tonnes or kilograms. Always ensure the jack's capacity exceeds your vehicle's corner weight (approximately 25-30% of total vehicle weight) with a comfortable safety margin for secure operation.
• Minimum/Maximum Height - The collapsed height when fully lowered and the extended height when fully raised. The minimum height must fit under your vehicle's jacking points, particularly critical for low-profile sports cars, whilst the maximum height determines how much working clearance you'll have beneath the vehicle.
• Hydraulic Scissor Jack - A scissor jack that incorporates a hydraulic cylinder to assist with lifting, requiring significantly less manual effort than traditional screw-type models whilst maintaining the scissor mechanism's inherent stability and compact design benefits.
• Jacking Point - The designated reinforced area on a vehicle's chassis or subframe where a jack should be positioned. Using incorrect jacking points can cause serious vehicle damage, bodywork distortion, or dangerous instability during lifting operations.
• Saddle - The top platform or cup of the scissor jack that makes contact with the vehicle's jacking point. Quality models feature rubber pads to protect paintwork and prevent slipping, with some incorporating grooved or contoured designs for secure engagement.
• Thread Pitch - The distance between threads on the scissor jack's lifting screw, which determines how many turns are needed to raise the vehicle and directly affects the mechanical advantage and lifting speed of the system.

Who Uses Scissor Jacks?

• Mobile Mechanics - requiring portable, reliable lifting equipment for on-site vehicle repairs and maintenance at customer locations
• Motorcycle Technicians - using specialised frame scissor jacks for stable motorcycle servicing, maintenance, and repair work
• Fleet Maintenance Teams - maintaining company vehicles, vans, light commercial vehicles, and delivery fleets
• Tyre Fitters and Fast-Fit Centres - performing quick wheel changes, tyre rotation services, and seasonal tyre swaps
• MOT Testing Centres - incorporating scissor jacks as part of their vehicle inspection and testing equipment arsenal
• Breakdown Recovery Operators - carrying scissor jacks as reliable backup equipment for roadside assistance and emergency tyre changes
• Car Enthusiasts and DIY Mechanics - undertaking home garage maintenance, servicing, and vehicle restoration projects
• Caravan and Motorhome Owners - needing reliable jacks for emergency tyre changes and seasonal maintenance tasks
• Agricultural and Rural Workers - lifting small farm machinery, utility vehicles, and quad bikes for repairs and servicing
• Classic Car Restorers - requiring stable, controllable lifting for delicate bodywork and chassis restoration work

How to Choose the Right Scissor Jacks

Weight Capacity: Calculate your vehicle's corner weight (typically around 25-30% of total vehicle weight) and select a jack with capacity well above this figure. A 1.5 to 2 tonne capacity suits most cars and light vans, whilst heavier commercial vehicles, 4x4s, and loaded vans may require heavy-duty models rated at 2 tonnes or more. Always build in a safety margin rather than selecting a jack at the minimum capacity threshold.

Height Range Requirements: Measure the ground clearance at your vehicle's jacking points when unladen—the scissor jack's minimum height must fit beneath this point comfortably. Low-profile sports cars and modified vehicles with lowered suspension require jacks with particularly low minimum heights, sometimes below 100mm. The maximum extended height should provide sufficient clearance for your intended work, whether that's wheel changes or more extensive undercarriage access.

Lifting Mechanism Type: Manual scissor jacks operated by a bar or wheel brace are economical and reliable but require more physical effort, making them suitable for occasional use and emergency situations. Hydraulic scissor jacks reduce operator fatigue dramatically and speed up the lifting process, ideal for professional workshops and frequent use. Consider electric-powered or drill-powered options for maximum convenience in busy commercial environments.

Build Quality and Stability: Look for scissor jacks constructed from heavy-gauge steel with reinforced joints that prevent flexing under load. A powder-coated or zinc-plated finish provides essential corrosion resistance, particularly important for tools stored in vehicle boots or used in outdoor conditions. A wide base provides better stability during lifting operations, whilst the saddle should feature a secure grip design or replaceable rubber pad to prevent slipping on vehicle jacking points.

Portability and Storage: If you need the jack for mobile work, breakdown recovery, or emergency roadside use, consider the folded dimensions and overall weight. Compact models store easily in vehicle boots alongside other emergency equipment, whilst larger capacity jacks with more substantial construction may be better suited to fixed workshop locations where storage space isn't constrained.

Specialist Applications: Motorcycle owners should invest in dedicated motorcycle frame scissor jacks with adjustable width platforms and rubber-padded lifting plates designed specifically for bike frames and subframes. These provide superior stability and safety compared to attempting to use automotive jacks on two-wheeled vehicles. Tooled-Up stocks specialist motorcycle scissor jacks from Draper that feature sliding U-shaped supports for secure frame engagement.

Popular Accessories

• Axle Stands - essential safety equipment to support the vehicle once lifted; never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack, regardless of type
• Rubber Jack Pads - protect vehicle jacking points and paintwork from scratches, dents, and damage during lifting operations
• Wheel Chocks - prevent vehicle movement by securing wheels that remain on the ground during lifting, essential for safe working
• Impact Wrenches - cordless or 240v electric models for quick removal and tightening of wheel nuts when changing tyres professionally
• Torque Wrenches - ensure wheel nuts are tightened to manufacturer specifications after wheel changes, preventing both loosening and over-tightening
• Work Lights and Inspection Lamps - rechargeable LED work lights to illuminate the working area, particularly important for roadside or poorly-lit workshop environments
• Kneeling Pads and Mechanics Creepers - improve comfort when working at ground level around jacked vehicles during extended maintenance sessions
• Trolley Jacks - complement scissor jacks for different lifting applications and faster initial vehicle positioning in workshop settings
• Tool Bags and Storage Cases - keep your jack and associated accessories organised and protected for mobile work and vehicle storage
• Base Plates - provide stable support when working on softer ground surfaces like tarmac, preventing the jack from sinking under load

Safety Information

Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a scissor jack. Always use properly rated axle stands positioned on solid, level ground once the vehicle is raised to working height. Scissor jacks are designed for lifting operations only, not for supporting vehicles during maintenance work. This is the most critical safety rule when using any type of jack.

Ensure the ground surface is firm, flat, and level before positioning your scissor jack. Soft ground, slopes, or uneven surfaces can cause the jack to tip, sink, or become unstable, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Use a solid base plate if working on tarmac, gravel, or slightly soft surfaces to distribute the load and prevent sinking.

Always consult your vehicle's handbook to locate the correct jacking points before attempting to lift. Using incorrect lifting points can damage your vehicle's bodywork, sills, or chassis and may cause the vehicle to slip from the jack with catastrophic results. Check that the jack saddle is properly seated and centred on the jacking point before commencing lifting operations.

Apply the parking brake firmly and engage first gear (manual transmission) or park (automatic) before jacking. Use wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground—placed on both sides—to prevent any vehicle movement. If changing a wheel, loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle to prevent the wheel spinning during loosening.

Regularly inspect your scissor jack for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion, particularly if stored in a vehicle boot where moisture accumulation can occur. Check that the threads are clean and lightly lubricated for smooth operation, that all joints and pivot points move freely without excessive play, and that there are no cracks, bends, or stress fractures in the steel framework. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines precisely and never exceed the stated weight capacity under any circumstances.

Keep hands, feet, and all body parts clear of the scissor mechanism during operation. The expanding and contracting action creates pinch points that can cause serious crush injuries. Ensure bystanders, particularly children and pets, are kept at a safe distance whilst operating the jack. Never rush the lifting process—steady, controlled operation is safer and more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a standard scissor jack and a hydraulic scissor jack?
A standard scissor jack uses a manual screw mechanism turned by a handle or wheel brace, requiring physical effort to raise and lower the vehicle through multiple rotations. Hydraulic scissor jacks incorporate a hydraulic cylinder that does most of the lifting work, requiring only minimal pumping action on a lever. Hydraulic models are significantly faster and require less effort, making them ideal for professional workshop use and operators who lift vehicles frequently. Manual scissor jacks are more economical, require no maintenance of hydraulic seals or fluid, and remain reliable in extreme temperatures where hydraulic fluid performance might be affected.

Can I use a car scissor jack to lift a motorcycle safely?
Whilst technically possible in emergency situations, it's not recommended for regular motorcycle maintenance. Standard automotive scissor jacks lack the adjustable width platforms and frame-specific saddles that motorcycle scissor jacks provide. Motorcycle frame scissor jacks are specifically designed with padded lifting plates that grip the bike's frame or subframe safely without causing damage to painted or polished surfaces, and they provide much better stability for two-wheeled vehicles that have a higher centre of gravity. For proper motorcycle maintenance and servicing, always use a dedicated motorcycle scissor jack or paddock stand designed specifically for that purpose.

How do I know what weight capacity scissor jack I need for my vehicle?
Calculate approximately 25-30% of your vehicle's gross weight, as this represents the typical corner weight. For example, a 1,500kg family car has a corner weight of around 375-450kg, so a 1 tonne (1,000kg) capacity jack provides adequate capacity with a comfortable safety margin. However, it's always advisable to choose a jack with capacity significantly above your calculated requirements for additional peace of mind. Heavy commercial vehicles, panel vans, 4x4s, and vehicles frequently carrying loads typically require jacks rated at 2 tonnes or more. Check your vehicle's handbook for kerb weight and maximum laden weight specifications.

Why won't my scissor jack fit under my car's jacking points?
This commonly occurs with low-profile vehicles, cars with sports suspension, or modified vehicles with lowered ride height. Check your scissor jack's minimum height specification—it must be lower than your vehicle's ground clearance at the jacking points when unladen. If your existing jack won't fit, you may need a low-profile scissor jack designed specifically for sports cars and lowered vehicles, or alternatively, carefully drive the vehicle onto low-profile ramps or suitable wooden blocks to gain additional clearance before positioning the jack. Never attempt to force a jack into position or lift from inappropriate points.

Do scissor jacks need regular maintenance and servicing?
Yes, basic maintenance extends the operational life and ensures safe operation of your scissor jack. Periodically clean the threaded screw mechanism to remove dirt, road salt, and debris, then apply a light machine oil or lithium grease to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Inspect all pivot points for wear and lubricate if necessary with appropriate grease. Check carefully for any cracks, bends, or corrosion in the steel framework, paying particular attention to welded joints and high-stress areas. Store your scissor jack in a dry location when not in use to prevent corrosion. If your jack features hydraulic components, check the fluid level regularly and inspect seals for leaks according to the manufacturer's guidelines, typically annually for professional use.