Last Updated on April 19, 2023
When it comes to car repair or any such work which requires lifting heavy weights from ground level, a floor jack is an inevitable tool. It is a must have for anyone who owns a car or any other vehicle, as it comes in handy in various situations. There are different types of floor jacks available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits.
So which one should you go for? It can be tough to decide which of them is the best fit for you. Floor jacks come in two primary varieties: The two most popular options are the aluminum floor jack and a steel floor jack.
If you are not sure which type of floor jack is right for you, then we recommend reading our other articles on the subject. We will compare the two types of floor jacks and help you decide which one is right for you aluminum vs steel floor jack. Here is a look at the pros and cons of each type and much more related information to help you decide.
Aluminum Vs Steel Floor Jack: Benefits
- Aluminum floor jacks are affordable without compromising on quality or functionality.
- Aluminum floor jacks are easy to operate, making them perfect for anyone who needs to lift a car or truck quickly and easily.
- Aluminum floor jacks are incredibly lightweight, making them easy to transport and use.
- Aluminum floor jacks are the perfect choice for anyone who needs a reliable, lightweight, and affordable jack for their car or truck.
- Lightweight materials make transportation a breeze, even if you have to carry the jack a long distance.
- Made from high strength aluminum alloy, aluminum floor jacks are tough enough for even the most strenuous jobs.
- The bright red color is easily visible so that you can find your jack no matter where it is stored.
- The built in carrying handle makes it easy to take your jack with you wherever you go.
- The large rubber feet provide additional stability and prevent slippage while lifting a vehicle.
- The low height makes it possible to get under even the lowest cars without any trouble whatsoever.
- The low profile design of aluminum floor jacks allows them to fit under most vehicles with ease.
- The nonslip base provides stability and prevents accidents from happening during use.
- The quick release feature makes it easy to change out the jack for another type of equipment when needed.
- The self locking mechanism keeps the jack in place while in use, ensuring safe operation at all times.
- The smooth finish prevents scratches and damage to your vehicle while in use.
- The wide opening at the top allows you to position the jack exactly where you need it for maximum stability.
- Their compact size means they can be stored practically anywhere.
- Their high quality construction ensures durability and long term use.
- They are corrosion resistant, meaning they will not rust or corrode even when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- They come with safety features that help protect both the vehicle and the user during operation.
- They have a long lifespan, meaning you won’t have to replace them often, if ever.
- They have a wide lifting range, making them suitable for a variety of vehicles and lifting needs.
Advantages of Steel Floor Jacks in Comparison to Aluminum Floor Jacks
- Steel floor jacks are easier to operate than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are more straightforward to repair than aluminum Floor Jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are less likely to corrode or rust than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are more affordable than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are more durable and can last longer than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are more stable and less prone to tipping over than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are more versatile than aluminum floor jacks and can be used for a wider variety of applications.
- Steel floor jacks are stronger and can handle heavier loads than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks come in a wider variety of sizes than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel Floor Jacks come with either a manual or hydraulic pump, while most aluminum floor jacks only come with manual pumps this gives you more choices when it comes to using your jack.
- Steel floor jacks have a higher weight capacity than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks have a longer lifespan than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel Floor Jacks have a smoother operation than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel Floor Jacks offer a greater range of motion than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks require less maintenance than aluminum floor jacks.
- The cylinder on a steel jack is thicker walled and will not dent as easily as an
- aluminum jack.
- The seals on a steel jack are better quality and will not leak as easily as an aluminum jack.
- There is more surface area on a steel jack to disperse heat therefore, they run cooler than aluminum jacks.
Steel Floor Jack Vs Aluminum Floor Jack: Disadvantages of Aluminum Floor Jacks
- Aluminum floor jacks are less heavy than steel floor jacks, making them less stable when lifting heavy loads.
- Aluminum Floor Jacks are more expensive than Steel Floor Jacks.
- Aluminum Floor Jacks have a limited lifespan than Steel Floor Jacks.
- Aluminum Floor Jacks may need to be replaced more often as they are not as durable as Steel Floor Jacks.
- Aluminum Floor Jacks tend to wear out more quickly than steel floor jacks as they are less durable than Steel Floor Jacks.
- Aluminum floor jacks are not as heat resistant as steel floor jacks and may warp in extreme temperatures.
- Aluminum floor jacks are less sturdy than steel floor jacks and can be more easily damaged.
- Aluminum floor jacks can be more difficult to control than steel floor jacks due to their lighter weight.
- Aluminum floor jacks can corrode over time if exposed to moisture or chemicals.
- Aluminum Floor Jacks may not be compatible with all automotive lifts and jacks due to their smaller size.
- Aluminum floor jacks require more maintenance than steel floor jacks and need to be regularly lubricated to prevent corrosion.
- Aluminum is a poor conductor of electricity, meaning that Aluminum floor jocks are at risk of being electrocuted in certain situations.
- Aluminum is a softer metal than steel, meaning that Aluminum floor jacks can be scratched or dented more easily.
- In cold weather, the hydraulic fluid in an Aluminum Floor Jack can freeze, causing the jack to fail.
- Since Aluminum is a light metal, an Aluminum Floor Jack has to use more force to lift a load than a Steel Floor Jack, resulting in slower lifting speeds.
- Some Aluminum Floor Jacks have been known to leak hydraulic fluid, which can be dangerous if the jack is used in close proximity to people or animals.
- The hydraulic fluid used in Aluminum Floor Jacks is often corrosive and damages the seals on the jack over time, compromising its functionality.
- The lifting capacity of an Aluminum Floor Jack is often lower than that of a steel floor jack.
- The light weight of Aluminum Floor Jacks can make them more susceptible to being blown over by strong winds.
- The light weight of an Aluminum Floor Jack can make it more difficult to maneuver around tight spaces.
- The heaviness of the Aluminum Floor Jack can cause instability when used on uneven surfaces.
Aluminum Floor Jack Vs Steel Floor Jacks: Disadvantages of Steel Floor Jacks
- Steel floor jacks are more likely to leak than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are more susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures than aluminum floor jacks.
- Steel floor jacks are much heavier than aluminum floor jacks, making them difficult to move around.
- Steel floor jacks can be dangerous if not used properly. Aluminum floor jacks are much safer to use.
- Steel floor jacks can be difficult to clean, while aluminum floor jacks can be easily cleaned with soap and water.
- Steel floor jacks tend to be difficult to maneuver in small spaces, whereas aluminum floor jacks are easier to maneuver.
- Steel floor jacks may be difficult to operate, especially for those with limited strength. Aluminum floor jacks are much easier to operate.
- Steel floor jacks seem to be difficult to repair, but aluminum floor jacks are comparatively simple to repair.
- Steel floor jacks can be expensive, but in contrast, aluminum floor jacks are more affordable.
- Steel floor jacks can be noisy when in use, though aluminum floor jacks are much quieter.
- Steel floor jacks can be unstable on uneven surfaces, as opposed to aluminum floor jacks are more balanced on uneven surfaces.
- Steel floor jacks can dent easily, which can cause the jack to become unstable. Aluminum floor jacks are much more resistant to dents and scratches.
- Steel floor jacks can leak hydraulic fluid, and aluminum floor jacks will not leak hydraulic fluid.
- Steel floor jacks can require frequent maintenance, in contrast to aluminum floor jacks require little to no maintenance.
- Steel floor jacks can rust, causing the jack to become inoperable. In comparison, aluminum floor jacks will not corrode even if scratched.
- Steel floor jacks can scratch and damage floors, but aluminum floor jacks will not.
- Steel floor jacks can slip and slide when in use, aluminum floor jacks are more stable because of their plate like base.
- Steel floor jacks can take up a lot of storage space, but aluminum ones are much more compact.
- Steel floor jacks can tip over easily, however, aluminum jacks are more reliable and stable.
- Steel floor jacks have a shorter lifespan than aluminum floor jacks.
Are Aluminum or Steel Hydraulic Floor Jacks Safe?
Safety is important when using floor jacks because they can easily lift heavy weights. If the jack is not used correctly, it can easily cause crash injuries. An aluminum hydraulic floor jack is made of aluminum which makes it light weight yet durable.
The steel hydraulic floor jack is constructed of steel, making it more heavy duty. Aluminum hydraulic floor jacks are typically used for lightweight vehicles, while steel hydraulic floor jacks can be used for heavier vehicles.
When using a floor jack, always make sure to use jack stands to support the vehicle, never get under a vehicle that is only supported by a floor jack, and use caution when lifting heavy weights.
About Safety
Any hydraulic floor jack, let it be either an aluminum hydraulic floor jack or steel hydraulic floor jack, comes with a number of safety features, such as a built-in stop that will keep the car from being lifted too high. These jacks are made from heavy duty steel or heavy duty aluminum, which makes them very durable and unlikely to break under a range of tested pressure loads.
Hydraulic jacks work by using fluid pressure to lift heavy objects. The fluid is usually oil or water. The advantage of using a hydraulic jack is that it can lift very heavy objects with relatively little force.
Hydraulic floor jacks are safe in the sense that they use pressure to lift the car instead of force. This prevents any kind of sudden movement that could cause injury to you or damage to your car.
Hydraulic floor jacks can also be unsafe, but it depends on how you use them. If you lift a car with a hydraulic jack that is heavy enough and exceeds the load capacity, the piston can break, which can cause the car to fall and crush.
Aluminum Vs Steel Floor Jack: Some Associated Risks
The risks associated with using hydraulic jacks are usually related to incorrect use or misuse of the jack. For example, if you try to lift a car that is too heavy for the jack, or if you do not place jack stands under the car before getting underneath it, the risks of injury or damage are increased. If the jack is not strong enough, it might break.
You also need to be careful not to put too much pressure on the jack. If you do, the fluid could burst out of the jack and cause serious injury. Always make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to determine the safe load capacity for your jack. Be sure to use caution when lifting a car with a hydraulic floor jack.
Clear the area around the jack, and always position the jack that stands underneath the car before you get underneath it. This will help to prevent injury if the jack should fail. Always use a hydraulic floor jack that is in good condition and well maintained. If you have any doubts about the safety of your jack, do not use it. Using a hydraulic jack properly can be a very safe and efficient way to lift a car.