Get Jacked on Your Knowledge of Jacks & Trestles
Get Jacked on Your Knowledge of Garage Jacks and Trestles
If you own a car, then it’s likely that you also own a jack. However, there’s more to jacks and trestles than meets the eye. A jack is a mechanical lifting device used to raise or lift heavy loads. While the most common jack is the car jack used for changing a tyre, there are many other specialised jacks available. In this article, we’ll give you a brief overview of various types of jacks, offer safety tips, and explain why jacks and trestles often go hand in hand.
Different Varieties of Jacks
- Scissor Jack: Common in smaller vehicles, these use a screw mechanism. Compact and easy to store, ideal for tyre changes and minor repairs.
- Toe/Floor Jack: Low-profile with wheels and hydraulic pump handle. Suitable for vehicle repair and even light construction tasks.
- Bottle Jack: Hydraulic jack using a pump handle or compressor. Lifts heavy loads; great for high-clearance vehicles and medium-duty tasks.
- Telescopic/Pneumatic Jack: Uses pneumatic systems to lift extremely heavy machinery, buses, and trucks.
- Farm Jack / Hi-Lift Jack: Designed for farm equipment, off-road recovery, winching, and heavy-duty lifting.
- Trolley Jack: Safe and stable, easy to roll over dirt or gravel. Ideal for general automotive work and high-clearance equipment.
- Hydraulic/Mechanical Jack: Uses a crank handle and hydraulic mechanism. Found in trailer landing gear and RV setups.
- Transmission Jack: Positioned under the vehicle to lift the transmission using a central platform.
- Exhaust Jack: Inflatable jack using vehicle exhaust or compressor. Ideal for lighter vehicles and off-road recovery.
- Forklift / Pallet Jack: Used in warehouses to lift and move pallets. Common in logistics and shipping operations.
Quick Comparison Table
| Jack Type | Power Mechanism | Primary Use | Lifting Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scissor Jack | Manual (Screw) | Tyre changes, small vehicles | Low |
| Toe / Floor Jack | Hydraulic | Vehicle repair, light construction | Medium |
| Bottle Jack | Hydraulic or Air | High-clearance vehicles, construction | High |
| Pneumatic Jack | Air / Pneumatic | Heavy machinery, trucks | Very High |
| Farm / Hi-Lift Jack | Manual | Farm vehicles, off-road rescue | High |
| Trolley Jack | Hydraulic | Vehicle repair, medium-duty | Medium |
| Transmission Jack | Hydraulic | Transmission removal | Medium |
| Exhaust Jack | Inflatable / Air | Off-road lifting, light vehicles | Low |
| Forklift / Pallet Jack | Manual / Hydraulic | Warehouse material handling | Medium–High |
When choosing the right jack, consider the lifting style (screw, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and capacity. The lifting capacity must match the weight of the vehicle or object being lifted. Trying to lift heavy loads with the wrong jack is a serious safety hazard.
Safety and Use
Although jacks are built to comply with national and international safety standards, many accidents occur due to user error. Below are a few essential tips for safe use — especially when used by non-professionals:
- Always use jacks on a flat, stable surface.
- Ensure the jack is positioned at the correct lift point under the vehicle.
- Never go under a car supported only by a jack — always use trestles or axle stands.
- Chock the wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
- Slowly raise and lower the jack to prevent sudden drops.
Scenario: You get a flat tyre and have no roadside assistance. With the right jack, you’ll be able to lift the car and change the tyre yourself safely.