Mechanical jacks – the reliable way to get things off the ground
Mechanical jacks – what are they all about then? Basically, these are solid bits of kit that let you lift seriously heavy things, usually your car, without any faff or need for batteries or hydraulic fluid. No fancy electrics here; you turn a handle or wind a crank, and a clever screw or gear mechanism does the hard graft, multiplying your elbow grease to hoist up even a chunky motor with surprisingly little effort. Most jacks will give you enough lift to change a wheel or get underneath for a bit of tinkering, with lifting capacities that’ll see you right whether it’s the family hatchback or something beefier like a caravan or trailer.
Types of mechanical jacks at a glance
Screw jacks are the sturdy workhorses, using a big threaded rod to shift some serious weight. They’re what you might see in a proper home garage or even out on farms.
Mechanical bottle jacks aren’t to be mistaken for the hydraulic type. These use a rod and crank, and the upright design makes them suitable for trailers and 4x4s.
Manual trolley jacks are the wheeled ones you can roll about under the car. These operate purely on manual leverage – great if you’re lifting heavier stuff or want a bit more stability for regular jobs. ...
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