There are many different kinds of car jack to choose from. Which one is right for you and your vehicle? We’ve created a series of comprehensive articles to tackle the topic so you don’t have to scour the internet, sifting through the facts and the fake news.
The topic today is the search for the best bottle jack. Bottle jacks are handy tools to have when doing a little DIY maintenance or repair work on the underside of your ride. They’re simple affairs, but the difference between a good one and a bad one is vast.
In this guide, we steer you in the direction of the best options available with reviews of our 8 favorite jacks. We’ll also reveal how to use a bottle jack, how to maintain one, and how to choose the model that’s best suited for your needs.
Quick Links to Our Top 5 Picks from Our Search for the Best Bottle Jack
- Powerbuilt All-In-One 3-Ton Bottle Jack with Stand
- This unit becomes a stand with the flick of a switch, has great range, and is a great pick for jacked-up trucks, off-road machines, and regular cars alike.
- Pro Lift Grey Hydraulic Bottle Jack – 6-Ton Capacity
- An excellent mid-capacity jack that’s ideal for owners of average-size vehicles.
- Sunex 12-Ton, Short Bottle Jack
- One of the shortest jacks on the market – this makes it ideal for low-clearance vehicles.
- Torin Big Red Air Hydraulic Bottle Jack, 12-Ton Capacity
- A robust, heavy-duty option that’s best suited for extra-large vehicles and even farming or construction applications.
- Strongway Hydraulic High Lift Double Ram Bottle Jack – 6-Ton Capacity
- A mini-but-mighty unit that fits into places many other models simply won’t.
Clicking the links above takes you to further information, customer reviews and current prices on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 Our Recommendations for the Best Bottle Jacks in 2023
- 1.1 Powerbuilt 640912 All-In-One 3-Ton Bottle Jack
- 1.2 Pro-Lift B-006D Grey Hydraulic Bottle Jack- 6 Ton Capacity
- 1.3 Strongway Hydraulic High Lift Double Ram 6-ton Bottle Jack
- 1.4 Torin Big Red T90803B 8 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack
- 1.5 Sunex 4913A 12-Ton Short Bottle Jack
- 1.6 Powerbuilt 647501 Heavy Duty 12 Ton Bottle Jack
- 1.7 Torin Big Red Air 12 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack
- 1.8 ATD Tools 7385 Short Hydraulic Bottle Jack
- 2 What Is a Bottle Jack?
- 3 Why Might I Need a Bottle Jack?
- 4 Advantages of Bottle Jacks Over Other Types
- 5 Other Types of Jacks Available
- 6 What to Consider Before Buying a Bottle Jack
- 7 Bottle Jack Maintenance Tips
- 8 Wrapping It Up
Our Recommendations for the Best Bottle Jacks in 2023
To save you the trouble of prowling the automotive center aisles, or sifting through digital reams of online shopping pages, here are our top picks for your potential new bottle jack.
Powerbuilt 640912 All-In-One 3-Ton Bottle Jack
Tall vehicles like jacked-up trucks and off-road machines are a lot of fun. When the time comes that you need to lift one off the ground, however, it can be a problem to find a jack with the necessary height.
For all you high-riders out there, a model that stands tall and then gets even taller sounds ideal, doesn’t it?
First Impressions
It isn’t hard to spot the Powerbuilt 640912 in a crowd! The unique pyramid shape might make you think it’s a jack stand until you notice the offset hydraulic cylinder. The truth is, it’s a little bit of both.
Ignoring the unusual design, it doesn’t seem as robust as some of the more typical bottle jacks out there. Looks can be deceiving, however, and indeed a closer inspection reveals solid welds and welcome safety features.
Specs
- Lift capacity: 3 tons
- Lifting range: Default 11 to 17.25″, can be raised to 21″ if adjusted manually
- Dimensions: 9.75” x 9.75” x 12.25”
- Weight: 22.2 pounds
- Special features: safety lock bar, extra-wide base
What We Like
The appearance is not deceiving; with the safety lock in place, the unit becomes a stand. No need for potentially dangerous swap-outs!
The pyramid shape and broad base combine for enhanced stability, and the whole unit instills confidence when lifting trucks and other large vehicles. You can trust your car and body to this product.
It has a very large, 10-inch lifting range, so whatever you’re lifting, you can get it way up off the ground. It’s fantastic for vehicles with very high clearance.
What We Don’t Like
Since it’s so tall, you won’t fit it underneath most cars. That being said, with a 3-ton maximum lifting capacity, you may not be able to lift your very large truck, either.
That’s ok though, it’s still great for ATVs, 4x4s, lighter trucks, and smaller household projects.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You have an average to short vehicle
- You have a very heavy vehicle
- You plan on holding up very heavy structures
Summary
There are many great reasons to own this well-designed jack. To explore a little further all you have to do is click the link.
Pro-Lift B-006D Grey Hydraulic Bottle Jack- 6 Ton Capacity
Let’s face it: we’re not all using our jacks to hold entire buildings off the ground for major renovations. Most of us just need something to get our vehicle off the ground for a tire change, small repair, or inspection. Still, it’s nice to know there’s extra capacity on hand for bigger jobs if and when they arise.
Somewhere between the lightweights and the big boys for lift capacity would be the sweet spot for a lot of people. The Pro-Lift B-006D nails it.
First Impressions
Personally, I will never need a 20-ton, or likely even a 12-ton jack. Why would I pay for capacity I don’t need? I can envision needing more than 2 or 3 tons, though, so I love this compromise at 6 tons.
In a world of red, the gray paint job on this product is a bit unusual, but it’s also entirely irrelevant when you think about it.
The base seems a bit narrow, but overall it seems to be a good, solid unit.
Specs
- Lift capacity: 6 tons
- Lifting range: 8.5 – 16.25”
- Dimensions: 4.9” x 4.3” x 9.8”
- Weight: 10.9 pounds
- Special features: bypass system, extension screw
What We Like
The Pro-Lift B-006D is an excellent mid-capacity jack that will rarely seem under or overpowered for a job. It doesn’t weigh a heck of a lot, so it’s easy to move from site to site, or even toss in the back of your vehicle.
What We Don’t Like
At nearly 10 inches tall, but with a base less than 5 inches across in either direction, it seems like it might be less steady than some jacks we’ve looked at.
Used properly on a level surface, this shouldn’t be a problem, though.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You’re lifting very heavy equipment
- You have limited clearance
- You like your jacks to be red
Summary
Thinking about going gray? Take a look at the Pro-Lift here (and its 12- and 20-ton siblings, too):
Strongway Hydraulic High Lift Double Ram 6-ton Bottle Jack
How awesome would it be to find a bottle jack that went that extra distance when you needed it? If you’re the type that always likes to have a little something in reserve, we may have the model for you.
First Impressions
It doesn’t look like anything special at first. Then you notice the dual-stage cylinder and realize the Strongway Hydraulic High Lift will provide some serious height!
It has a wide, square base so that you can reach that maximum lift point with confidence. A cast base means extra strength and the wide barrel says “sturdy” to me.
I will say the pad looks disproportionately narrow, but maybe that’s just because the whole unit is so thick.
Specs
- Lift capacity: 6 tons
- Lifting range: 8 1/2 – 19 1/8 ”
- Dimensions: 5.9” x 5.9” x 8.4”
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Special features: lead-free grease-, dirt-, and oil-resistant paint, dual-stage cylinder, carrying handle, hydraulic bypass, and overload protection
What We Like
Obviously we like the incredible, nearly 11-inch range of this mighty unit. With that kind of extension, you can take on all types of lifting and support tasks.
Standing nearly 20 inches tall at full height, even the tallest vehicles will take flight.
The 3-piece handle provides plenty of options for usage and storage, and we’re happy for the carrying handle since the barrel is rather wide for getting a good grip on.
What We Don’t Like
The lifting pad seems small to us, and it would be nice if it had the waffle-maker style non-slip steel lifting saddle surface we’ve seen on other models. Still, that’s being a bit nit-picky, we admit.
There’s really not much to not like about this beauty of a jack.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You need to lift more than 6 tons
- You don’t need the extra height (not using it for non-automotive applications, commercial or farm vehicles)
- Your vehicle is lower to the ground than 5”
Summary
You might have guessed this is one of our favorites on the list. But don’t take our word for it; check out what others are saying, and then order one for your shop.
Torin Big Red T90803B 8 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack
Try though we might, there are just some situations where it’s not easy to take good care of your equipment. If you find yourself working in demanding environments, it’s important to know that your gear can hack it.
For rugged applications like farming, construction, or even military, take a look at this solid contender.
First Impressions
The first look at this big red bottle jack reveals… nothing too shocking. However, a second look reveals a thorough mix of forged parts and solid welds.
This could be the most sturdy, well-assembled jack in the bunch. It certainly seems perfectly suited to a life of rough service.
Specs
- Lift capacity: 8 tons
- Lifting range: 8.86″ – 17.32″
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.94 x 9”
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
- Special features: drop forged alloy steel, adjustable screw top, inner and outer welded structure for leak resistance, overload, and over-extension protection
What We Like
Every part is nicely integrated; there’s not much doubt it can handle a lot of abuse. Despite that, it still only weighs 13 pounds, so it won’t be much trouble moving it around.
The lifting range isn’t out of this world, but it does extend to nearly a foot-and-a-half tall, and that’s excellent for things like tractors and big trucks. All in all, this is a really nice, heavy-duty bottle jack with good lifting power.
We also like that you can get this same durability with the ‘Big Red’ range in 2-, 4-, 6-, 10-, 12-, 20-, 30-, and 50-ton capacities.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest complaint we have with this heavy-duty jack is the very narrow base. It’s not a lot wider than the barrel.
While we’d usually prefer a wide base for enhanced stability, we do see a possible advantage for using it outdoors where there may not be much of a level surface to rest on anyway.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You do not need a rough-service jack
- You have smaller vehicles
Summary
Have we got you convinced this is the jack that’s been missing from your life? Click the link and order yours now!
Sunex 4913A 12-Ton Short Bottle Jack
Not every big job has big dimensions. Bottle jacks are notoriously tall, which is frustrating for people who want a lot of lift, but don’t have the height for the usual suspects.
A truly compact model with lifting force to spare would be an incredible help in tight situations.
First Impressions
To be honest, the first impression I got was that it reminds me of a dwarf from Lord of the Rings. It’s short, squat, not terribly attractive, but clearly powerful. It turns out, that impression is spot on.
Everything about the Sunex 4913A says ‘heavy duty.’ The cast base looks solid and should prevent tipping in most situations. Joint pins are robust, and even the handle segments appear sturdy.
Specs
- Lift capacity: 12 tons
- Lifting range: 6″ – 11.5”
- Dimensions: 5.2” x 6.9” x 5.5”
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Special features: heat-treated extension screws, 2-piece handle, ductile iron base, carrying handle
What We Like
The Sunex 4913A is short for a bottle jack, one of the shortest on the market, in fact. That means you can use it on many cars, as well as trucks and SUVs.
Because it’s so squat, it stays upright with ease during normal usage. Carrying handles should be standard, but since they’re not, we’re grateful to the good people at Sunex for including one.
We like our tools to look and perform their best, so the rust-resistant electrostatic paint job is a nice feature to have.
Safety is essential when using jacks of any kind, so the hydraulic bypass for preventing over-extension could literally be a lifesaver.
What We Don’t Like
At just over 5 inches square, the base is a bit small. But, the lift height is short enough that stability shouldn’t be a big issue.
As with all short jacks, there may be a lot of pumping involved to get up to the required height, but that’s the trade-off for all that power in a small body.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You own a tall vehicle
- You need a lot of lift for construction/demolition jobs
Summary
It’s tough to beat the Sunex 4913A for its 1-2 punch of big strength and small size. If this little guy fits in with your plans, follow the link for more info and to snag one for your garage.
Powerbuilt 647501 Heavy Duty 12 Ton Bottle Jack
Is it too much to ask just to get everything you want? If your checklist includes large capacity, but not too tall and solidly built, but not too expensive, you might be expecting to have to compromise on at least one of those items.
Well, maybe you don’t have to…
First Impressions
Having seen a couple of models with the handle mounted closer to the base, this vertical handle attached to the cylinder certainly appears to make far more sense. It should be much easier to carry with the weight balanced.
The cast base looks solid, and the ratio of the base dimensions to the overall height should keep it nice and steady during use.
Specs
- Lift capacity: 12 tons
- Lifting range: 8 ¼ – 16 5/16”
- Dimensions: 5.9” x 5.2” x 8.2”
- Weight: 13.95 pounds
- Special features: forged steel saddle, cast steel handle socket, extension screw, carrying handle
What We Like
The base is nearly 5” x 6”, so we are very confident this unit will stay upright without any trouble.
At approximately 14 pounds, it feels sturdy, but not excessive.
The carrying handle is great for ease of movement, and the extension screw allows for fine-tuning your height.
With a lifting range over 8” (it doubles in height!), you’ll have no trouble getting good access to the underside of your vehicle.
What We Don’t Like
Looking at the lifting pad, we see a simple raised cross instead of the waffle pattern typical to most bottle jacks. This gives us minor concern about possible slippage.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You have a vehicle with low ground clearance
- You really don’t need to lift 12 tons
- You plan to use your jack to hold up wooden joists
Summary
If what you’ve read sounds good, you should get to know the Powerbuilt 647501 better by clicking the link below. You’ll also discover nine other similar models ranging from 2- to 30-ton capacities.
Torin Big Red Air 12 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack
There’s no denying that hydraulic bottle jacks are super convenient. Still, all that pumping can wear out your arm, especially if you’re going for maximum lift.
A jack that took care of that for you would be more than welcome, especially for high lifts and huge equipment. Trade your elbow grease for air power with the Torin Big Red Air!
First Impressions
To be honest, it looks damn complicated compared to the rest of the options on this page. What’s with the giant springs?
Mind you, I’m not accustomed to air-compressor tools, so maybe that’s all it is. It certainly looks powerful!
Specs
- Lift capacity: 12 tons
- Lifting range: 10″ – 19-13/16″
- Dimensions: 10.8” x 10.6” x 6.3”
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Special features: manual or air compressor powered, 4’ air hose included, carrying handle
What We Like
The ability to hook up to an air compressor makes this a versatile choice. Also makes it a lot easier to hoist a really heavy load.
Including a length of air hose was a nice touch, too. Having a nearly 10-inch lifting range means it’ll be perfect for all your giant vehicle needs.
What We Don’t Like
Tipping the scales at nearly 30 pounds, this isn’t a unit you’ll be traveling with much unless you drive a bus or commercial truck. You might not even want to carry it across the garage. But, that’s the price of versatility, and if you own an air compressor, you probably won’t mind.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You don’t own an air compressor
- You aren’t lifting very large vehicles or objects
This is an excellent choice for anyone who operates commercial vehicles (such as semi-trucks or buses). Learn more and snag one for yourself right here:
ATD Tools 7385 Short Hydraulic Bottle Jack
Just because you’re big, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re tall, too. There are times when there’s a heavy load to lift, but only a minimal amount of clearance.
Perhaps it’s a low-slung sedan, or maybe it’s a foundation without much room for digging out?
Whatever the situation, surely there’s a solution that’s both powerful and compact?
First Impressions
With all the design aesthetics of a fire hydrant, this unit is clearly built for impressive performance, and not impressive appearance. That’s ok; we’re not putting it in a trophy case.
Everything about it looks solid, even indestructible. The multi-configuration handle is plenty long, which should make jacking a breeze.
If quarters are tight, however, you can easily convert to a shorter handle.
Specs
- Lift capacity: 12 tons
- Lifting range: 9-1/2″ – 18-5/8″
- Dimensions: 10.1” x 5.9” x 5.6”
- Weight: 6.65 pounds
- Special features: heat-treated extension screws, 2- and 3-piece handles, carrying handle
What We Like
Because it stands just less than 6 inches tall when fully retracted, this mini-but-mighty jack fits places many other models simply won’t. Like under a car, for example.
We also appreciate the carrying handle; it’s far from the heaviest jack out there, but the handle makes it easier to carry, and easier to avoid getting grease, oil, and other car-borne crud on your clothes.
With a 12-ton capacity, it’s seriously unlikely it can’t handle your vehicle, and it’s suitable for many other non-automotive applications.
Got a big trailer that needs propping, or leveling a shed or shipping container? It’s ready for the job! And you can feel confident that the bypass system will keep you safe by preventing over-extension.
What We Don’t Like
When you’re this short, it can take a while to get your vehicle clear of the ground, unless it’s a close fit before you start pumping.
In short, don’t get this for your full-size SUV. The lift range is only about 4 inches, which is a bit skimpy, though adequate for tire changes and other basic jobs.
Other Models Might Suit You If
- You own a tall vehicle
- You need a lot of lift for construction/demolition jobs
Summary
If you think this little jack could be the solution to your big problems, you can read more about it and place your order right here:
What Is a Bottle Jack?
A bottle jack gets its name from its shape: it looks just like a bottle fly. Ok, no, it looks like a bottle. Not a lot, really, but enough that someone figured it was a decent name.
Hydraulic bottle jacks are an apparatus, with a central lifting ram that lifts out of the cylindrical body.
A removable handle allows the operator to raise the pillar with such ease that anyone can lift a large vehicle.
Why Might I Need a Bottle Jack?
Maybe it’s a flat tire? Perhaps it’s a mysterious leak? There are myriad reasons why your car or truck might need to be lifted off the ground.
Bottle jacks are also good for raising or supporting trailers or propping up sagging structures awaiting foundation repairs.
Advantages of Bottle Jacks Over Other Types
The size-to-lifting capacity ratio of a bottle jack is a major selling point. (The largest ones, called “barrel jacks” are used to hold up houses.)
They’re quite compact, with a small footprint so that they can be used in cramped quarters and then just tossed into the trunk.
They tend to be pretty heavy-duty, too, so they’ll stand up to rough service.
Other Types of Jacks Available
Bottle jacks aren’t the only type on the market, there are of course others.
We have entire articles dedicated to them, but just for illustration purposes, here are what they look like, a brief description, and a link to further info should you want it:
Scissor Jack
A simple mechanical device, this is the kind of jack many manufacturers include with the vehicle. They employ a screw-driven mechanism and a scissor-style pivot point rather than hydraulics to raise and lower vehicles.
You can check our detailed guide to the best scissor jacks for further info.
Hydraulic Floor Jack Lifts
Found in most automotive repair facilities, floor jacks are low profile, easily moved, and work under most vehicles.
For more info, check out our guide to the best floor jacks.
What to Consider Before Buying a Bottle Jack
There is a glut of bottle jacks out there, and they mostly look alike. Here are some features and factors to consider when you’re shopping around.
What Vehicles Will You Be Lifting?
There’s no use buying a great bottle jack then getting it home to discover it won’t fit under your chopped hot rod or low-slung sports car.
They are pretty tall even when completely lowered, so they’re generally more appropriate for SUVs, trucks, and vans.
Maximum Lifting Capacity
If you try to push a bottle jack past its limits, you’ll either be unsuccessful in lifting your vehicle, or it’ll lift a bit and then come right back down again when a safety valve kicks in if the lifting piston is over-extended. Both scenarios are sub-optimal.
Know the weight of your vehicle before you buy, and purchase a jack with the appropriate load capacity to avoid frustration and danger.
How High Must It Lift?
Merely clearing the ground is enough for a basic tire change. But if you plan on getting more adventurous under your vehicle, you’ll need a hi-lift jack that can give enough clearance for easy access.
Measure the ground clearance of your vehicle, and then add space for working comfortably.
Build Quality
You expect a lot out of a jack, from lifting vehicles to propping up small buildings. A lot is riding on it, so it had better be made to stand up to the job!
Obviously, it should be made of steel, and any welds ought to look suitably robust.
Safety Features
When you’re working on your vehicle while it’s jacked up, there are thousands of pounds of metal perched on a tiny platform. It’s not hard to see the potential for danger in this situation! It’s imperative that you follow basic rules for safe use, and that the jack is built strong and functions safely.
To be sure the model you’re considering complies with current safety standards, look for ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and/or ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) certification on the package, in the manual, or marked right on the product.
Another acronym you might come across is PALD. It stands for Portable Automotive Lifting Devices, and if you see it, it means the ASME has determined the jack is safe for operation.
If you’re outside North America, look for an indicator that your national safety regulators have given their approval to the product before you buy.
As for safety features, the key one to look for is a hydraulic bypass. This internal system prevents the operator from raising the ram too far and causing it to wobble or exit the cylinder.
Bottle Jack Maintenance Tips
Here are a few tricks for getting the most life and best performance out of your new piece of equipment.
Avoid Leaks
The number one complaint you’ll find about bottle jacks is that they leak oil. This could be a sign of extreme wear, a defect, or merely an untightened screw.
To minimize the chance of a leak, be sure to retighten the release valve before the next time you use it.
Top Up Fluids
If you’re low on fluid, you can easily top it up yourself. Just remove the fill plug from the back of the barrel and carefully refill it.
Be sure to use only hydraulic jack oil. While you’ll find some folks saying they used other fluids successfully, it’s always best to use the real deal for worry-free operation, and for possible warranty issues.
Bleed Air
If you’re not getting good lift, it’s possible there may be air trapped in the barrel. This can happen as a result of jostling during shipping or transporting, and it sometimes happens after adding more hydraulic oil.
Here are the steps to follow for bleeding air from your bottle jack:
- Loosen the release valve
- Pump the handle a few times
- Lay the pump down on a level surface with the fill plug facing up
- With a slot screwdriver, push the plug sideways to release the built-up air (kind of like “burping” Tupperware)
You may need to repeat the process a few times to clear all the air.
Wrapping It Up
And there you have it. In a nutshell, a complete buying guide and a few options to choose from to help you find the best bottle jack for you.
Did you find the model of your dreams today? Or have you decided another jack (or a combination of other jacks) might be better for your situation? Whatever your position is now, we hope you learned all you needed to know.
If you have any unanswered questions, please send them our way. The same goes for any comments or concerns. You could even just say hi if you like! Send us an email with whatever you have for us.
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Thanks for reading, and all the best with all your automotive endeavors.
