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When you want a small floor jack that gives you enough lift capacity while also being compact enough to fit easily in a small garage, apartment, or car trunk, your best bet is one of these types. Jacks of this size are strong enough for most smaller vehicles (remember, typically you’re only lifting one corner off the ground) and stable enough to give you all the support you need to get your ride up on jack stands.
Here we take a look at two of the best 1.5-ton floor jacks currently available and that will give you the best bang for your buck.
Note: If you have room for a 2-ton or 3-ton capacity model to make as your primary jack, we recommend going with one of those since these 1 ton jacks are fairly limited in what they can lift. As a secondary jack or for taking to the track, a small jack such as one of the two below would be fine in most cases.
Top Pick:
Pittsburgh 1.5 Ton Compact Aluminum Racing Jack
This aluminum racing jack by Pittsburgh is our top pick when it comes to picking a small, portable car jack that gives you the most value. Not only is this jack super lightweight, but it also has an aircraft aluminum billet that provides the utmost in durability. Combine that with its knurled aluminum handle, and you get a jack that provides you with the ability to lift your load quickly and easily.
This lightweight jack also has a universal joint release mechanism, meaning that you get a smooth and rapid lift every time. The special rapid pump feature also means that you can lift your load in 3-4 easy pumps.
Weighing in at just under 30 lbs., this model has an impressive lift range of 3 3/8 inches – 14 ¾ inches. Because it measures in at only 22 1/3 inches long, it’s lightweight and compact enough to store and transport with ease. While this compact, aluminum model isn’t suitable for larger vehicles, it would work just fine for a Civic, Miata, or Prius.
Users of this portable jack rave that it has surpassed their expectations when it comes to smaller, compact floor jacks. While jack stands are necessary (like any other model), it will get the job done on any small or mid-sized vehicles with ease.
If you are looking for a suitable floor jack at a lower price-point and decent specs, this 1.5 ton model is a great pick. If your budget allows, you may want to also consider a 2-ton racing jack instead in case you get a heavier vehicle in the future.
- Dual parallel pump system
- Lifts most vehicles to an appropriate work height in just 3-1/2 pumps!
- Constructed for professional race teams
Runner Up:
Powerzone 380049 1-1/2 Ton Aluminum Jack
This 1 ½ ton aluminum jack from Powerzone is an impressive piece of equipment for its size. Despite its impressive 3000 lb. rated capacity, maximum lift range of 14 ¾ inches, and low 3 ½ inch clearance profile, this jack is all about functionality when not in use. The retractable handle folds forward for easy storage, and because it weighs in at only 27 lbs., it’s incredibly easy to haul.
Don’t let this lightweight and compact jack fool you, however. It still has plenty of extra features that will come in handy when in use. This model is equipped with safety valve to prevent overloading beyond rated capacity to ensure safety, as well as rubber pads, which serve to protect the vehicle frame. While it is not the best option for specialty use on super low profile cars, it’s a solid compact jack that may very well exceed your expectations.
- Rated capacity: 1-1/2 Ton (3000 pounds), light weight weighs 27 pounds
- Lifting range: low clearance profile of 3-1/2 inch to a height of 14-3/4 inch
- Take the light weight jack with you anywhere and you will never lose the handle...
Rosetta says
May 9, 2015 at 8:27 pmWhat do you think about the jacks sold at Harbor Freight?
Tim says
May 16, 2015 at 5:34 amHi Rosetta. If you’re on a tight budget, they will do. Many of their jacks have been reported to have slow hydraulic pressure leaks so using jack stands is SUPER important. Personally, I love Harbor Freight for certain tools but they wouldn’t be my first choice of place to get a floor jack.
Lacie Elder says
November 10, 2015 at 1:33 amIm looking for the best aluminum low profile Jack at least 3 tons, that can with stand multiple uses every day. I have to find a replacement for my husband’s jack that is 100 lbs.
Tim says
November 12, 2015 at 3:37 pmDefinitely consider the Arcan on this page: https://www.floorjackshop.com/best-aluminum-floor-jack/
Good quality, low minimum height, and weighs a little over 50 lbs.
brian says
January 24, 2016 at 5:52 pmHi, the previous owner of my car put some pretty aggressive lowering Springs on the car that make it almost impossible to wiggle even these low profile jack stands underneath it; and even more impossible when I have a flat. So far i have managed but am wondering if you know of any 1 inch clearance profile Jacks that are also lightweight and portable. The Jacks featured on this page are all a little too cumbersome to lug around in my trunk 24/7 and my gas mileage is lower than I’d like as is. Thanks for reading
Tim says
January 28, 2016 at 5:02 pmUnfortunately you won’t find a jack with a 1″ clearance. Even if one existed, I wouldn’t trust the structural integrity. The lowest profile you will find is in the 2.5 to 2.75″ range such as the Arcan or Omega. Of course, these extreme low profile models are made of steel so they won’t help with your weight requirement. Your only other options are a can of Fix-a-Flat (my preference in your case) or run flat tires (not a fan).
Bo says
October 31, 2016 at 11:44 pmor carry a 2×4 to pull up on to clear the taller jack
Julius says
November 12, 2016 at 10:51 pmHello, looking at Rosetta’s post about freight harbor jacks. I particularly found one which is a 3 ton Low Profile Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack with Rapid Pump on freight harbor’s website. On the reviews it seems that it is a very reasonable priced jack, and the quality is great. Can anyone say otherwise? Thanks for reading.
Tim says
November 13, 2016 at 4:22 pmHi Julius. That particular jack is actually the very first jack I bought. I won’t lie, the steel (not aluminum) jacks at HF are a good value. I had no issues with it up until about year 3 where it developed a slow leak. I’m not saying they all will leak but friends in the auto industry and on forums show this is fairly common after a certain time. Also, it’s a very heavy jack (almost 75 pounds). Personally, I would spend the extra money on any of the 3-ton jacks on this page: https://www.floorjackshop.com/best-3-ton-floor-jack/
But for the money, the 3-ton steel jack at Harbor Freight is still a pretty good deal, even if you end up replacing it a few years down the road.
Samantha Rogers says
November 30, 2016 at 4:49 amMy husband recently got a car jack that he loves, but it is too big for him to take along to the track. You mentioned that these jacks are not great for big lifting, but that they are very portable and could work well in a pinch. Do you think that these models last long enough to be worth the price?
Tim says
December 2, 2016 at 5:15 amSamantha – Absolutely. I always recommend either a 2 or 3 ton jack for home use, but for occasional weekend use at the track, either model will hold up fine for years and years.
Dennis says
March 25, 2017 at 1:45 pmHello. I own a 2016 Toyota Tundra and was looking for a small compact floor jack to store behind the rear seat . The OEM bottle jack is unstable on uneven surfaces. The clearance under the seat is 3″. Does anyone make a compact light weight jack that I can use for changing a flat? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Tim says
March 30, 2017 at 3:58 amI don’t know of any floor jack that would fit but you may want to consider using a High-Lift jack base to provide better stability for the OEM jack.
It would be similar to what this guy did.