Let me be honest with you. I’ve spent years working on my own cars at home. From oil changes to brake jobs, I’ve had my fair share of struggles under a car.
At first, I only had a simple floor jack and a pair of jack stands. Later, I tried out portable car lifts like QuickJack. That’s when I realized there’s a big debate out there:
Portable Car Lift vs. Traditional Jack Stands—Which is better for your home garage?
If you’re stuck trying to figure this out, don’t worry. I’ve been there. In this article, I’ll share my real thoughts, my experience, and what I’ve learned from using both.
We’ll talk about safety, price, ease of use, and even which option makes more sense for you depending on the type of work you do.
So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore this together.
What Is a Traditional Jack Stand?
A traditional jack stand is the tool many of us grew up seeing in our dad’s or granddad’s garage.
You lift the car with a floor jack or a car jack, then place the stands under the frame. They hold the car in place while you work.
Jack stands are simple. They don’t need power. They’re small enough to tuck in a corner. And they’re cheap. That’s why so many home garages still use them.
What Is a Portable Car Lift?
A portable car lift is the modern cousin. Think of the QuickJack system or other hydraulic lifts.
These use power to raise your car quickly and evenly off the ground. Some can handle thousands of pounds—like the QuickJack 3500 vs 5000 models—which makes them great for different types of vehicles.
Portable lifts are faster, easier, and safer in many cases. But they also cost more and need space.
Safety: The Biggest Concern
When I first started, I trusted my life to jack stands. But let me tell you, setting them up always gave me a little fear in my gut. One slip, and things could go wrong.
Portable car lifts are designed with safety locks and even double protection systems. They spread the weight evenly.
That’s why many people ask: “Are quick jacks safe?” The answer is yes—when used correctly, they’re much safer than relying only on jack stands.
Still, some people feel more secure with heavy steel jack stands because they’re simple and don’t rely on hydraulics or electricity.
So, the truth? Both are safe if used right. But portable lifts give me more peace of mind.
Ease of Use: Which Saves Time?
With jack stands, you have to:
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Roll out your floor jack.
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Jack up one side.
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Place a stand.
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Repeat for the other side.
It’s tiring. And if you mess up, the car sits uneven.
With a portable lift like QuickJack, you just roll the lift under the car, push a button, and in seconds the car is in the air. No sweat, no crawling around with a heavy jack.
For someone who does a lot of work—like brake jobs, exhaust repairs, or tire rotations—portable lifts save tons of time.
Cost: Budget vs. Investment
This is where many people stop and think hard.
Traditional jack stands: Cheap. You can get a decent set for $50–$100. Add a floor jack, and you’re set for under $200.
Portable car lifts: Expensive. QuickJack models can cost $1,200–$1,500 or more. BendPak models are even pricier.
But here’s the thing: If you only do an oil change once or twice a year, jack stands make sense.
If you’re someone like me who works on cars every month, a portable lift is worth the money. It’s like buying better tools—you use them so often that they pay for themselves.
Space and Storage
My garage isn’t huge, and this matters.
Jack stands are small and easy to store. A floor jack takes a bit of room, but you can tuck it in a corner.
Portable car lifts are larger. The QuickJack, for example, has two heavy frames you slide under the car. You can stand them up against the wall, but they do take space.
So, if your garage is already cramped, think about where you’ll keep it.
What About Car Ramps?
Some people ask, “Why not just use car ramps?” Ramps are great for quick oil changes. You drive up, and the car is lifted enough to slide under. But ramps don’t let you take off wheels or do suspension work.
That’s why for me, ramps are just a backup tool, not the main solution.
BendPak vs. QuickJack
If you’ve looked into portable lifts, you’ve probably seen BendPak vs QuickJack comparisons. BendPak makes big, professional lifts—the kind you see in auto shops. They’re heavy-duty but not very “portable.”
QuickJack, on the other hand, is designed for home garages. It’s lighter, easier to move, and simple to use.
So, for most home users, QuickJack is the smarter choice.
My Real Experience
When I first bought a QuickJack, I wasn’t sure. The price scared me. But after the first use, I was sold. The car went up in seconds, locked safely, and I had all the room I needed to work. No wobble, no crawling around with jack stands.
Still, I keep a set of jack stands in my garage. Why? Because sometimes I just need a quick lift for a small job. And I’ll be honest—if my lift ever failed, I’d want a backup.
So, I don’t see this as “one or the other.” I see it as:
Jack stands are basic tools every garage should have.
A portable lift is a serious upgrade if you work on cars a lot.
Which One Should You Choose?
Think about these questions:
Do you work on your car often?
Do you have space in your garage?
Can you afford a bigger investment?
If your answers are yes, then a portable car lift will make your life much easier.
If you just need a safe way to hold your car for the occasional oil change, jack stands are enough.
Both tools have their place. It all depends on how much you wrench at home.
FAQ
Q: Are portable car lifts safe for home use?
Yes. Portable car lifts like QuickJack have built-in safety locks and hydraulic systems. When used correctly, they are safer than traditional jack stands.
Q: Can I replace jack stands with a QuickJack?
Yes, in most cases. A QuickJack can replace jack stands for most jobs. But many people still keep jack stands as a backup.
Q: How do QuickJacks work?
QuickJacks use hydraulic cylinders powered by a pump. You slide the frames under your car, connect the hoses, and press a button to lift the car.
Q: Which is better for small garages: jack stands or QuickJack?
For small garages with little storage, jack stands take up less room. QuickJacks need more space but can still be stored upright against a wall.
Q: Are car ramps safer than jack stands?
Car ramps are safe for oil changes or light work, but they don’t allow wheel removal. Jack stands or lifts are better for full repairs.
To Sum Up
Choosing between a portable car lift and traditional jack stands isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about your needs. Jack stands are cheap and simple. Portable car lifts are faster, safer, and easier, but cost more.
For me, I use both. Jack stands are my backup, but my QuickJack is my everyday tool.