Scissor Jacks
If you’ve ever had to change a flat at the side of the road, chances are you’ll recognise a scissor jack. It’s that clever, X-shaped bit of kit you find tucked away in most car boots – dead handy for lifting up your motor when you need to swap a wheel or nip under the chassis. The design is simple yet effective: a pair of criss-crossing arms that open up when you wind the handle, letting you hoist the car safely and without any faff. Light, compact, and reliable – no wonder they’re the go-to choice for everyday drivers in the UK. ...
How does a scissor jack work?
Right, let’s lift the lid on how these things actually work. The heart of the whole operation is a chunky screw running through the middle of the jack. When you turn the handle, that screw draws the arms in or pushes them out, causing the whole frame to concertina upwards or downwards, a bit like an accordion.
The great thing about this is you don’t need to be a weightlifter to use one. The screw mechanism gives you that bit of extra leverage, so with a bit of elbow grease – usually just a few turns of the handle – you can lift an entire car corner off the ground. All you do is line up the jack with the car’s jacking point (there’s normally a solid bit along the sill for this), slot the jack underneath, and start winding. Once you’ve sorted whatever needs doing, just unwind and let the car back down – nice and steady.
Some newer jacks are electric and plug straight into your car’s power socket, but the classic manual version is still a regular sight, and to be honest, often proves just as reliable for most jobs.
Advantages of scissor jacks
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Small and mighty | Packs down to nearly nothing – perfect for stashing in tight spaces. |
| Piece of cake to use | No fancy hydraulics; just a handle and some winding. |
| Tough as old boots | Less to go wrong compared to jacks with lots of moving bits. |
| Wallet-friendly | Usually much cheaper than the flashier alternatives. |
| Great for emergencies | Quick and dependable when you’re in a pinch. |
Common uses of scissor jacks
➡️ Changing a tyre on the fly. The moment you spot a flat, a scissor jack is your best mate. You’ll often find one included as standard in your car’s kit for just this reason.
➡️ DIY car jobs. Perfect for those weekend tinkering sessions – brakes, inspections, or a spot of underseal. Just remember, always team your jack with proper axle stands for safety.
➡️ Breakdowns and emergencies. Sometimes, you just need a quick lift to sort out a minor issue at the roadside.
➡️ Level up. Occasionally pressed into service for propping up trailers, caravans, or light kit – just so long as you don’t go over the rated limit.
➡️ General garage use. Handy if you need to get a bit of extra clearance for odd jobs, where hauling out a big trolley jack would be overkill.
How to safely use a scissor jack
- Get the car on flat, solid ground. Pop the handbrake and stick it in gear, or “Park” for autos. Chock the wheels if you can – no one needs a runaway car.
- Look for the jacking points – there’s usually a little notch or marked area underneath.
- Set your jack underneath the spot and make sure it’s sitting bang on.
- Slot the handle into place and start turning, keeping an eye that the jack goes up smoothly and stays straight.
- Once the wheel’s off the ground, stop. Never crawl under the car with just the jack holding it – use axle stands if you need to get underneath.
- Change the wheel or do your repair, keeping an eye on stability all the way.
- Slowly wind the jack the other way until the car’s safely back on the deck.
- Whip the jack out, tidy away your tools, and double-check everything’s secure before you drive off.
- Always read your handbook and never lift more than the jack’s weight limit allows.
Choosing the right scissor jack – a short buying guide
Weight capacity
This one’s crucial – you need a jack that can actually lift your car (and safely hold it). Most scissor jacks are rated between 1 and 2 tonnes. That’ll do nicely if you’ve got a standard hatchback, estate or compact SUV. If you drive something beefier – say a large van or a heavy 4×4 – don’t try your luck with a lightweight model; look for one with a higher load rating. Always check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s kerb weight, and err on the side of caution. It’s far better to have a jack that’s a bit overkill than one that’s struggling.
Build quality
Let’s be honest – you would rather not be putting your trust (or your car!) in something flimsy. The best scissor jacks are made from solid steel, have smooth welds, and a reassuringly sturdy feel when you pick them up. Avoid anything that looks cheap or feels wobbly, as these can buckle or warp under load. A good paint or zinc coating helps fight off rust – something to consider if the jack will live in your boot year-round, braving the good old British weather.
Lifting range
Not all cars sit at the same height, and scissor jacks vary in how low they go (minimum height) and how high they can lift (maximum height). Take a look at your car – if it’s a sporty number with low ground clearance, make sure the jack can slide underneath it when collapsed. SUVs, crossovers, or cars with after market wheels might sit higher, so you need a jack that can reach far enough to get the wheel clean off the deck. Grab a tape measure and check before you buy!
Vehicle fit
Every motor has specific jacking points – these reinforced spots along the chassis designed to safely take the jack. Double-check that the saddle (the bit that touches the car) matches your car’s fitting: some jacks are universal, but others have notches or shapes designed for certain vehicles. Get this wrong and you risk damage or, even worse, a wobbly lift.
Ease of stashing
It might sound daft, but storage really does matter, especially if you’re tight for space. The whole point of a scissor jack is being able to sling it in the boot and forget about it until you need it. Check the folded size – does it tuck away under the floor or inside your spare wheel well? Some even come with their own carry bags to keep them from rattling or scratching up your boot.
Operation style
Traditional manual jacks use a winding handle or spanner – simple, rugged, and works as long as you do. If you want to save your arms (or if mobility’s an issue), electric scissor jacks are worth a look. They’re usually powered from a 12v socket (the old ciggie lighter), raising the car at the push of a button. Just bear in mind that they’re pricier, might need a bit more boot space, and you’re reliant on your car’s electrics working.
Safety certs
Never scrimp on safety. Always check for British Kitemarks or the CE mark, and that the jack is tested to relevant UK or European standards (look for EN or BS numbers). That means it’s been independently checked and won’t let you down. A good warranty is the cherry on top – shows the manufacturer stands by their kit, and gives you peace of mind if something’s not up to scratch.
Why buy scissor jacks from our store?
✔️ All our jacks are properly road-tested—no cheap knock-offs here.
✔️ Fast, reliable UK delivery, so you’re never left stranded.
✔️ Simple returns, no quibbles—if you’re not chuffed, just send it back.
At the end of the day, a decent scissor jack is the unsung hero in any car’s boot – there when you need it, barely there when you don’t. If you want peace of mind that you’re ready for anything the road throws your way, have a browse through our range and pick out a scissor jack that’ll do the job—no fuss, no bother. Give yourself a bit of insurance for life’s little motoring mishaps and get sorted today!
