Jacks, Lifting Gear & Stands

About Jacks, Lifting Gear & Stands

Jacks, lifting gear and stands are essential equipment for safely raising, supporting and manoeuvring heavy loads in automotive workshops, construction sites and industrial environments. This comprehensive category at MyToolShed.co.uk encompasses everything from compact bottle jacks and trolley jacks through to heavy-duty engine cranes, transmission jacks, hoists and robust axle stands. Whether you're a mobile mechanic, garage owner or DIY enthusiast, the right lifting equipment transforms challenging tasks into manageable ones whilst ensuring critical workplace safety.

The range includes hydraulic trolley jacks for raising vehicles, axle stands for secure support during maintenance, specialised motorcycle lifts, car ramps for quick underside access, and chain blocks for lifting engines and substantial components. All lifting equipment must comply with BS/EN standards with clear load ratings, and remember that jacks raise loads whilst stands must always support them during work – a fundamental safety principle endorsed by the HSE.

Applications

Jacks, lifting gear and stands are used daily across numerous trades and industries:

• Mobile mechanics and auto electricians requiring portable lifting solutions for roadside repairs
• Garage owners and motor technicians performing servicing, brake repairs, suspension work and exhaust replacements
• MOT testing stations needing reliable equipment for vehicle inspections and safety checks
• Bodywork specialists accessing vehicle undersides and positioning vehicles at working height
• HGV and commercial vehicle workshops requiring heavy-duty jacks for larger vehicles
• Agricultural engineers and farmers maintaining tractors and farm machinery
• Construction sites and plant hire companies using lifting gear for equipment maintenance
• Motorcycle mechanics using specialised lifts and paddock stands
• Classic car restorers working on long-term vehicle projects requiring extended support

Choosing The Right Jacks, Lifting Gear & Stands

Load Capacity: Always check your vehicle or equipment weight and select jacks and stands exceeding this capacity. A 2-tonne jack typically suits most family cars, whilst 3-tonne models handle larger vehicles, SUVs and light commercial vehicles. Allow a safety margin beyond your actual load weight.

Lifting Height Range: Measure your vehicle's ground clearance, particularly for lowered or sports cars requiring low-profile jacks with minimal saddle height (typically 75-90mm). Ensure maximum lift height provides sufficient clearance for your intended work and that axle stands can support at the appropriate height.

Jack Type: Trolley jacks offer excellent manoeuvrability for workshop use, bottle jacks provide high capacity in compact sizes, whilst transmission jacks are purpose-built for gearbox removal. Consider portability requirements if you're a mobile mechanic transporting equipment between sites.

Build Quality: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks equipment manufactured to BS/EN standards with clear certification. Professional-grade models feature heavier gauge steel, quality hydraulic seals, safety overload valves and stable bases for reliable long-term performance.

Safety Information

Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Hydraulic seals can fail and mechanical jacks can slip. Always use properly rated axle stands at designated jacking points once the vehicle is raised, then lower the jack pressure slightly to transfer the load onto the stands.

Work only on firm, level ground. Inspect equipment before each use for hydraulic leaks, damaged rams, worn components or cracks. Never exceed the Safe Working Load (SWL) marked on equipment. Apply the parking brake, leave vehicles in gear, and chock wheels that remain on the ground. Regular maintenance includes keeping hydraulic jacks clean, storing with rams retracted, and releasing pressure when not in use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 2-tonne and 3-tonne jacks?
The rating refers to maximum lifting capacity. A 2-tonne (2000kg) jack suits most family cars and saloons, whilst 3-tonne (3000kg) models are necessary for SUVs, 4x4s and light commercial vehicles. Check your vehicle's kerb weight in the owner's manual or V5C document, and choose equipment with capacity above this weight for safety.

Do I really need axle stands if I have a good quality jack?
Absolutely. Jacks are designed for lifting, not holding loads. Axle stands are essential safety equipment whenever working beneath a raised vehicle – this is fundamental HSE-endorsed safety practice. Use the jack to raise, position stands at jacking points, then lower onto stands before any work underneath.

Where should I position my jack on my vehicle?
Your vehicle's owner's manual shows designated jacking points – reinforced chassis or body areas designed to bear weight. Common locations include reinforced sills, cross-members, or specific subframe points. Never jack on bodywork panels, exhaust systems, suspension components or the engine sump, as this causes damage and dangerous instability.