Scissor Lifts
86 Products Found
Scissor Lifts & Mid-Rise Car Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift raises a vehicle on a folding scissor mechanism instead of posts, giving you a compact, often portable lift that tucks away when you’re done. This category covers 80+ car scissor lifts — from low- and mid-rise pads ideal for detailing, brake, and tire work to full-rise alignment platforms — from brands like BendPak, QuickJack, AMGO, and AutoStacker.
Scissor lifts shine where floor space or ceiling height is tight. Portable models like QuickJack store flat against a wall, while mid-rise and full-rise units bolt down for heavier service. The key buying factors are rise height (low, mid, or full), lifting capacity (commonly 6,000–9,000 lbs), frame-contact vs. wheel-contact design for the jobs you do, and whether you need a portable or fixed installation.
A mid-rise scissor lift is one of the best answers for a low-ceiling garage — see our low-ceiling lift guide to confirm fit. Compare what you’ll spend across lift types in our car lift cost breakdown. If you also have room for a full-size lift, it’s worth weighing a scissor lift against our 2-post lifts. Whether you want a portable car scissor lift for weekend jobs or a fixed alignment platform, you’ll find the right scissor lift here.
How to Choose a Scissor Lift
Scissor lifts trade the posts of a traditional lift for a folding scissor mechanism, so they take up less floor space and many fold flat for storage. They’re the go-to answer for tight garages and low ceilings — from quick pad lifts for brake and tire work to full-rise platforms for alignment.
Low-Rise & Mid-Rise Pads
Low-rise pads raise a car 12–24 inches for detailing, brake, and tire work; mid-rise units reach roughly 36–48 inches for more comfortable access. Most are frame-engaging (they lift by the pinch welds), portable, and store flat against a wall. QuickJack is the best-known portable line, with BendPak and AMGO offering mid-rise options.
Full-Rise & Alignment Scissor Lifts
Full-rise scissor lifts raise the vehicle to standing height and often add drive-on runways with turn plates for wheel alignment. These are heavier, fixed installations aimed at busy service bays rather than occasional home use.
Frame-Contact vs. Wheel-Contact
Frame-contact (pad) lifts engage the chassis so the wheels hang free — ideal for brake, tire, and suspension work. Wheel-contact (drive-on runway) lifts keep the wheels loaded, which is what you want for alignment and exhaust work. Pick based on the jobs you do most.
Key Specs That Matter Most
- Rise Height — Low, mid, or full-rise. A mid-rise scissor lift is one of the few real options for a garage with a low ceiling — see our ceiling height guide.
- Lifting Capacity — Most home-use scissor lifts run 6,000–9,000 lbs. Match the rating to your heaviest vehicle with margin to spare.
- Portable vs. Fixed — Portable units (like QuickJack) roll away and store flat; fixed mid- and full-rise lifts bolt to the slab for heavier, daily service.
- Power — Many portable models plug into standard 110V; larger fixed lifts may require 220V. Always confirm the spec for the model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scissor lifts good for low-ceiling garages?
Yes — a mid-rise scissor lift is one of the best options when headroom is tight, because it has no overhead beam and folds away when not in use. Confirm the lift’s collapsed and raised heights against your space using our ceiling height guide.
What’s the difference between low-rise, mid-rise, and full-rise scissor lifts?
Low-rise pads raise a car 12–24 inches for detailing, brakes, and tires. Mid-rise lifts reach roughly 36–48 inches for more comfortable access in a home garage. Full-rise scissor lifts raise the vehicle to standing height and are usually fixed, shop-grade units — often set up for wheel alignment.
Are portable scissor lifts like QuickJack safe?
When used correctly, yes. Portable frame-engaging lifts have mechanical safety locks that hold the load independently of hydraulic pressure. Always lift at the manufacturer’s recommended frame points, engage the locks before going under the car, and stay within the rated capacity.
Do scissor lifts need to be bolted to the floor?
Portable models are freestanding and don’t require anchoring — they just need a flat, sound slab. Fixed mid-rise and full-rise scissor lifts should be bolted down per the manufacturer’s instructions, typically into a minimum 4-inch concrete slab. See our concrete guide.
Can I do a wheel alignment on a scissor lift?
Only on a full-rise alignment scissor lift with drive-on runways, turn plates, and slip plates. Frame-engaging pad lifts let the wheels hang free, which is the opposite of what alignment requires. If alignment is your goal, look specifically for an alignment-rated model.
How much weight can a scissor lift hold?
Most home-use scissor lifts are rated 6,000–9,000 lbs. Choose a capacity comfortably above your heaviest vehicle’s weight, and remember that where the load sits on the lift matters — follow the manufacturer’s positioning guidance.
Do scissor lifts run on standard 110V power?
Many portable and mid-rise scissor lifts run on standard 110V household power, which is a big advantage for home garages. Larger or full-rise commercial units may need a 220V circuit. Always check the power requirement on the specific model and make sure you have a dedicated circuit. Find a certified installer near you.