When faced with the choice of using a low profile jack or a regular jack to lift a car, which one should you choose? Some people might think that it doesn't matter, but it actually can make a big difference.
A regular jack is designed to lift a car at its two front corners. This is perfect for most cars, but if your car has a lower front end or if you are lifting a sports car, using a regular jack can be difficult because there isn't enough space between the ground and the car's body.
A low profile jack solves this problem by having an elongated neck.
Our low profile jack vs regular jack comparison guide will help you decide which one you need.
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Differences Between Low Profile Jack and Regular Jack
There are some fundamental differences between the features of the two types of jacks. But here, we tried to boil down the normal vs low profile jack argument in a more compact form.
As the name suggests, low-profile jacks are for lifting a car that is lower, closer to the ground. On the other hand, a regular jack can be used for cars that are a little higher. However, low-profile jacks can be used for all cars.
Regular jacks create force normally by the swinging of the handles, but the low-profile jacks have to use hydraulic fluid to get the car from a small height.
Out of all the low-profile jacks on the market, the highest they can lift is usually 3 tons. Although, the weight that a regular jack can go up significantly based on the amount of money being spent on them.
These are the basic differences between the jacks. But when it comes to types, the most common one is a floor jack. So, the main focus of this article will be low profile vs regular floor jack.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Low-Profile Jack
There are both benefits and drawbacks of using a low-profile jack.
In this section, we'll cover the pros and cons of using low-profile jacks so you can understand which type is right for you.
Advantages of Low-Profile Jack
There are many benefits of the low-profile jacks to the other jacks. But here are some of the most important pros of them.
- Hydraulic fluid allows them to pick the weight up from a lower height
- Takes significantly lesser force to pick up cars—fast pumping action
- Do not get unstable carrying a lot of weight for some time
- Lighter in weight than regular jacks
- Less susceptible to catching rust due to hydraulic fluid
- Lifts higher than regular jacks by a couple of inches
All these make the low-profile jack a lot easier to use and handle. The ability to carry so much weight from a lower height and all that with a lower amount of force exerted is truly a win.
However, just like every good thing, they certainly do come with some drawbacks as well.
Disadvantages of Low-Profile Jack
As amazing as the jacks are, below are some of the cons that these jacks come with.
- The speed of lifting is comparatively slower
- Odor can diffuse from the hydraulic fluid due to longer periods of usage
- Will fail to lift if the oil seals get damaged due to overuse
These are some potential drawbacks that the low-profile hydraulic jacks come with. However, it should be kept in mind that these are pretty uncommon to happen.
Now that you know the pros and cons of the low-profile jacks, let’s get to know the ones of the regular jacks.
Get Some Top-Notch Low-Profile Jacks In The Market:
Jack Name | Overview | Specs | Speciality | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Pro-Lift F-767 |   | Capacity: 2-ton Lifting Range: 3.5" to 14" | Safety valve | |
2. TCE TCET825051 |   | Capacity: 2.5-ton Lifting Range: 3.38" to 16" | Single Piston | |
3. Arcan A20018 |   | Capacity: 3-ton Lifting Range: 3.75" to 17.5" | Dual piston | |
4. BIG RED AT84007R |   | Capacity: 4-ton Lifting Range: 4" to 20" | Heavyduty | |
5. Torin TORT825051R |   | Capacity: 2.5-ton Lifting Range: 3.33" to 15" | Durable |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Regular Jack
Advantages of Regular Jack
Here are some of the most useful pros of regular jacks.
- The heavy-duty regular jacks can lift a lot of weight
- Can lift the weight at a relatively faster pace
- Affordable options available; one for everyone
These are the mentionable advantages of using a regular floor jack over the low-profile hydraulic one. Nevertheless, there are some mentionable disadvantages as well of the regular jacks.
Disadvantages of Regular jack
There are quite a few disadvantages of a regular jack as this is an older technology. Although some of them are really minor, there are some that are bound to be cited. The following are the major issues that come with the regular jacks.
- Can get unstable or fall down while being used for a long period of time
- More force is required making it harder to use
- Lifts the car to a comparatively lower height
There are some more disadvantages, but these are the most mentionable ones that you should be considering before you put your hard-earned money investing in a jack for your car.
If you are still struggling to decide which one you should grab between regular vs low lift jacks, we got you covered.
Jack Name | Overview | Specs | Speciality | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro-LifT F-757G |   | Capacity: 2-ton | Top Reviewed | |
BIG RED T820014S |   | Capacity: 1.5-ton | Cars, Trucks, & SUVs | |
Blackhawk B6350 |   | Capacity: 3.5 -ton | Best For Safety | |
Aain AA51G |   | Capacity: 2-ton | Best Cheaper Option |
Low Profile vs Regular Floor jack : Which One Is the Topper?
There could be a lot of reasons you might want to go with the low-profile one. If you have a car that is really low in height, or you want to elevate your car to a higher level, you should get the low-profile jack.
Again, if you want an overall better experience with the lifting—meaning if you want to lift the car up without needing too much force, it'll be a good purchase. They are more reliable as well, and you can keep your vehicle lifted up for a longer period of time without worries. Only then will they last you a long time.
On the other hand, if you do not have the buck to spend on a low-profile jack right now, or you simply do not need to use it that many times, you might want to go with a regular one. Even though they might not last you as long, maybe you don’t need them to.
But overall, if you can afford it, it is advised to go with the low-profile ones. They are safer, more reliable, and more durable.
Wrapping Up!
When it comes to low profile jack vs regular jack, you have to choose according to your needs. You can decide which one you want by looking at the pros and the cons of each type.
But if you wanted the best one regardless of your needs, the one that will serve you the best while lasting the longest, the low-profile jacks are undoubtedly the winner there.
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