Rack jacks: the clever lift every car enthusiast and garage needs
What exactly are rack jacks, and why do motorists need them?
If you’ve ever struggled to hoist a set of alloys onto a storage rack, or nearly put your back out lifting a heavy exhaust or roof box onto a garage shelf, you’ll know there’s got to be a better way. That’s where rack jacks come in – a smart bit of kit that makes lifting, positioning, and storing bulky car parts safe, easy, and much less hassle.
At their core, rack jacks are specialist lifting devices designed to help you move hefty or awkward gear – like spare wheels, batteries, roof boxes, tool chests, or even motorcycle engines – up onto racking or down again, all without risking your back or damaging your car gear. They’re especially handy if you work alone or don’t have a second pair of hands to help you out.
For anyone running a home garage, professional workshop, or even just trying to keep their car kit tidy and out of the way, a rack jack can turn a two-person wrestling match into a one-person breeze. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Beyond the lift: unexpected bonuses for the car community
- Rack jacks make light work of changing over your tyre sets for the season – no more wobbly, back-breaking lifts onto storage racks.
- Keep your expensive tools and parts safer by avoiding drops or slips.
- Whether you’re prepping a track car, restoring a classic, or just getting the garage in order, having proper lifting gear means you work quicker, safer, and with less fuss.
Simply put, if you take your garage setup seriously – or just want to avoid dodgy knees and scuffed alloys – a rack jack is the unsung hero you’ll wish you’d had years ago.
Why every car garage and home workshop should have a rack jack
- You’re far less likely to strain your back or injure yourself moving wheels, gearboxes, or even heavier tools.
- You’ll get the job done quicker and with much less faff, whether you’re swapping out a battery or stashing away spare parts.
- No more chipped paint or dented alloys from wobbly manual lifts – your car parts will thank you.
- You’ll line up heavy items much more precisely, avoiding the awkward shuffle or risky balancing act.
- It means you can safely handle those awkward, bulky items on your own, without calling in favours or waiting for help.
All in, it’s a proper investment in safety, speed, and protecting your hard-earned car kit.
Not all rack jacks are the same: picking the right one for your motor needs
There’s a rack jack for just about every job in the garage. Whether you need something for home tinkering, a busy MOT station, or a specialist restoration workshop, it’s worth matching the jack to what you’ll actually be lifting.
Type | Lifting capacity | Lifting height | Portability | Where it fits best | Price range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manual (crank) | 50–150 kg | Up to 2 metres | Easy to shift | Home garages, tyre shops | £350–£700 |
Hydraulic | 150–500 kg | Up to 2.5 metres | Middling | Pro workshops, motor clubs | £700–£1,800 |
Electric/powered | 200–600 kg+ | 2.5–3 metres+ | Bulkier | Large garages, busy service bays | £1,500–£5,000+ |
Compact/mini | 30–80 kg | 1.2–1.8 metres | Super portable | Small sheds, motorhome garages | £250–£600 |
Think about the sort of gear you regularly need to lift – spare wheels, exhaust systems, engine parts, or even just heavy toolboxes. If you’re shifting things round the garage a lot, a lighter, more mobile model is a winner. If it’s for big, heavy work (maybe 4×4 wheels, classic car axles, or stacks of tyres), go for something with a bit more muscle.
How to choose your ideal rack jack
Make sure it can handle the heaviest thing you’re ever likely to lift – future-proof it a bit, but don’t go mad.
- Measure up your garage or storage space, and check the lifting height is right for your racking.
- Double-check the jack fits the sort of racks you have – some are better for open frames, others for standard shelving.
- If you’re often moving the jack around, lighter models with good wheels make life much easier.
- Decide if you want a manual jack for occasional use, or hydraulic/electric if you’re always working on cars.
- Look for safety features – brakes, locks, overload stops – especially in busy or shared spaces.
- Only buy from trusted brands, with a proper warranty. A good rack jack lasts years.
- And don’t forget the budget: you want value for money, not just the lowest price.
Sort these out and you’ll end up with a bit of kit that just works – no drama, no regrets.
Ready to make life in the garage easier? Find your rack jack here
If you’re sick of straining your back or scratching your alloys, now’s the time to treat yourself (and your garage) to a rack jack. From home tinkerers to busy MOT stations, there’s a model to suit everyone.
Why not have a browse of our full range? You can filter by what you’re lifting, how much space you’ve got, or even by price.
Get your garage sorted, protect your kit, and spend less time struggling – once you’ve got a rack jack, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without.
Showing 1–28 of 36 results