How to Store a Floor Jack in Your Garage

On this page (8 sections)

1. How do you store a floor jack safely?
2. Where should a floor jack go in a garage?
3. Should you store a floor jack with the arm up or down?
4. How do you keep a floor jack from rusting?
5. Which floor jacks are easier to store?
6. Can a floor jack stay under a car overnight?
7. What should you check before putting the jack away?
8. What is the simplest floor jack storage routine?

To store a floor jack, lower its lifting arm, wipe it clean, and park it on a dry, level surface where it won't get bumped or exposed to moisture. Check the manual for handle position and hydraulic care before putting it away.

A good storage spot keeps the jack accessible without turning it into a trip hazard. Keep it away from standing water, corrosive chemicals, and items that could fall onto it.

How do you store a floor jack safely?

Lower the jack fully and store it on stable ground with the handle secured. The jack should be unloaded, clean, and out of the path of people, vehicles, and garage doors.

1. Lower the lifting arm completely.
2. Wipe off dirt, grease, and moisture with a cloth.
3. Check the jack for visible leaks or damage.
4. Put it on a dry, level surface.
5. Secure or remove the handle as the manual allows.

Don't leave a vehicle resting on the jack. If you've raised a car for work, use correctly rated jack stands on a firm surface, as explained in our guide to what size jack stands you need.

Where should a floor jack go in a garage?

Choose a dry, level spot with room to roll the jack out safely. A shelf or corner can work if the jack stays stable and the handle doesn't stick into a walkway.

Concrete floors can hold moisture, especially in an unheated garage. Wipe the jack dry after use and keep it away from leaks, wet tires, and damp outdoor gear.

Avoid storing it beneath heavy items that could fall, or where a car could roll over it. If you need to move the jack between jobs, check its weight and handle position first; our guide to how much a floor jack weighs covers what affects portability.

Can you hang a floor jack on a wall?

Only use a wall mount designed for the jack's weight and shape. A floor jack is heavy and awkward, so a shelf or floor-level parking spot is often easier to manage.

Don't improvise a hook or hang the jack by its handle. A mount must support the jack itself without bending parts or blocking access to the release controls.

Should you store a floor jack with the arm up or down?

Store the lifting arm fully lowered unless the manual says otherwise. A lowered arm takes up less space and avoids leaving the jack partly extended.

Don't rely on hydraulic pressure to hold the arm up during storage. Before putting the jack away, lower it in a controlled way according to its instructions; see how to lower a floor jack slowly and smoothly for the basic process.

How do you keep a floor jack from rusting?

Dry the jack before storage and keep it away from damp conditions. Remove surface dirt and moisture, then check exposed metal parts for rust or damage.

Don't coat the hydraulic ram, seals, or wheels with an unknown lubricant. Use only the care products and lubrication points named in the manual, and keep chemicals away from rubber parts unless the maker approves them.

If you see hydraulic fluid, stop using the jack until you identify the issue. Our guide to why a floor jack won't lift covers common lifting problems and checks.

Which floor jacks are easier to store?

A jack with a carry handle, compact shape, or storage case can be easier to put away, depending on your garage space. These details help with handling and organization, but they don't replace choosing a jack that suits your vehicle and lifting needs.

The BIG RED AT815016LR has a side handle and an aluminum-and-steel construction, which may help when carrying it to a storage spot.

The Yellow Jacket 1.5 Ton jack also has a side handle and a low-profile design. Its listing gives a minimum height of 3.5 inches, so check whether that suits your vehicle's clearance before choosing it.

The DNA Motoring kit includes a floor jack and 2 ratchet stands. The jack is for lifting only; use the stands to support a vehicle, and store each piece securely after use.

The Maxority floor jack comes with a blow-mold carrying storage case. That case can help keep the jack and included tools together when the case fits your storage space.

Can a floor jack stay under a car overnight?

Don't use a floor jack to support a car overnight. A jack can lose pressure or shift, so it isn't a substitute for jack stands.

For a longer repair, set the vehicle on correctly rated stands at approved support points and follow the vehicle manual. Read whether you can leave a car on jack stands before planning an overnight job.

What should you check before putting the jack away?

Look for leaks, bent parts, damaged wheels, and a handle that no longer fits securely. If anything looks wrong, don't put the jack back into service until you follow the maker's inspection or repair guidance.

Keep the manual with the jack or somewhere you can find it. Check the jack's capacity and lifting range before the next use, and don't exceed its rated load.

What is the simplest floor jack storage routine?

For routine storage, lower, wipe, inspect, and park the jack dry. Keep the handle secure, protect the jack from moisture, and use the manual for hydraulic maintenance.

Choose a floor-level spot if lifting or carrying the jack would be awkward. If you're deciding which jack to store in your garage, compare options in our guide to the best floor jacks for a garage.

Frequently asked questions

Should a floor jack be stored with the handle up or down?

Follow the jack's manual for the handle position. If it can be lowered or removed for storage, secure it so it won't fall or block a walkway.

Keep the jack's lifting arm fully lowered and store the handle where it won't be bent or damaged.

Can I store a floor jack outside?

A dry indoor space is preferable because rain and damp conditions can cause corrosion and affect hydraulic parts. If indoor storage isn't possible, use a weatherproof cover in a sheltered spot, keep the jack off wet ground, and follow the maker's care instructions.

Should I release pressure before storing a floor jack?

Lower the lifting arm fully before storage, and follow the manual's instructions for the release valve and hydraulic system. Don't loosen fittings or open the hydraulic unit as a storage step; incorrect handling can cause leaks or stop the jack from lifting.

Can a floor jack hold a car while it is stored?

No. A floor jack is for lifting, not for holding a vehicle during storage or while you work underneath it.

Use properly placed jack stands on a firm, level surface, and follow the vehicle and stand instructions.