Choosing a workshop lift – how to do it? How to choose tyre service and car repair tools

There’s a really wide range of workshop lifts available on the market. This means, choosing the right one could be challenging. Even though you may have some idea as to which lift is the best choice, we got some ideas for you. Check out this short guide and.

What workshop lifts are included in this article? These are the types of lifts that we described in this text:

• axle stands,
• car jacks ,
• pneumatic jacks,
• gearbox lifts.

Apparently, all the workshop lifts mentioned here could be a great fit for further resale. Actually, we could end the article here. However, we wouldn’t do that. Instead, read through this guide of choosing a workshop lift.

Which axle stands are the best?

The best axle stands are the ones that provide good working safety. They should come with flaps that activate whenever you are lifting the car. There should also be pins that save them against falling off the base.

Which axle stands are the safest? First up, it is the material. For instance, the REDATS axle stands are made of top-notch steel. This means, the material is resistant both to mechanical damage, as well as bending or chemical products.

Car jack

This is a very universal tool. It could be used both at a car workshop, as well as tyre service. After all, car jacks are oftentimes bought by DIY lovers, who fix their cars themselves.

What should you consider while choosing a car jack for resale? Capacity is the first thing that comes to mind. If you’re looking for a jack that deals  with passenger cars, a 3 ton one is a great choice.

Working comfort is another thing. A good car jack should come with a quick lift pedal. How does it work? You simply press the pedal and the saddle comes up. As a result, the car gets lifted much faster.

Does it make sense to have a car jack?

Definitely! It is often used by DIY lovers. However, it is a great choice for car mechanics as well. Don’t forget that oftentimes all the lifts are taken. So, the customer would have to wait for a long time, in front of the garage. For many, this might be a discouraging experience.

And having a car jack means much easier work. The mechanic can easily lift the car up and put on the stands. Obviously, this is definitely not the perfect position for more challenging jobs. However, simple works are much easier.

Car jack advantages

• could be used anywhere (no need to have a power source)
• easy work
• low price
• wide working scope – e.g. 135-435 mm

Do car jacks have disadvantages?

Sure they do. They won’t be the best choice for more advanced jobs. Also, using them for lifting hundreds of cars every day means too much pressure on the jack’s mechanisms.

However, don’t forget these jacks could be used as an additional tool at the workshop. They could be handy when the mechanic is need.

Pneumatic jacks – how to choose them?

The capacity is the most important thing. They have a wide variety of capacities to choose from. Here’s a few examples:

• pneumatic air jack 2T
• pneumatic baloon jack 3T
• pneumatic air jack 4.5T
• pneumatic air jack 8T

If your clients are in doubt as to which air jack they should choose, tell them it depends on the type of cars they work with most often. For passenger cars, the 3T jack would be the best choice. For car-derived vans think about 4.5 or 8 ton version.

Looking of the right air jack, don’t forget about providing some extra capacity. Or take two pneumatic jacks, with different capacities. After all, this means,  less pressure put on any tool

Why choose car jack if you can get a pneumatic one?

That’s a good question. Keep in mind that the two jacks have different applications. The car jack is just an additional tool you can use in emergency. Especially when all the other lifts are taken.

Also, a car lift does not need any external source of power. The balloon jack won’t work without compressed air.

Gearbox hoist

Is it possible to take out a gearbox without a hoist? Well, it is. But – it’s pointless. Gearboxes aren’t the lightest things out there. Is it really necessary to put pressure on the spine? Seems like repairing the car’s chassis kneeling, instead of pushing it up on a lift. Whatever – a gearbox lift is a necessary thing. They are not expensive. Think about offering them to your clients.  

Gearbox hoists – what else to consider?

Think about an additional adaptor. This is a special head that provides a secure grip of any item. For reference, see the parameters of REDATS hoist adaptors:

• regulation scope: 35 degrees
• regulation left-right: 75 mm

These adaptors are usually universal tools. You can mount them to any hoist. Quick and easy procedure.