Are Car Scissor Lifts Safe?
Are car scissor lifts safe? We get asked this all the time - not just about our car scissor lift, but any car lift for garage, for that matter. You’re lifting thousands of pounds potentially overhead and then getting underneath the vehicle, so it’s not something you can take lightly.
The good news is you have nothing to worry about if you:
- Buy a reliable, well-made car lift from a trusted brand
- Operate it safely per the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Keep it in good working condition with regular maintenance
Shops around the world use car scissor lifts all day, every day, without issue - and you can too. We’ll talk more about car scissor lift safety below and introduce you to the best car lift brands at My Garage Supplies so you can work with peace of mind!
Benefits of Car Scissor Lifts
These types of car lifts raise a vehicle straight up using crossed steel arms driven by hydraulic cylinders. The lift sits low to the ground when not in use, then expands vertically - so the footprint is pretty compact compared to other styles. Additional benefits include:
- Low ceiling compatibility: Most low-rise and mid-rise scissor lifts operate well under standard residential or older commercial ceiling heights, so they’re more practical for at-home use in particular.
- Fast setup and spotting: Drive-on or pad-based designs cut positioning time compared to arm-heavy 2-post lifts, so you can get to work quicker.
- Stable lifting platform: Even weight distribution (thanks to the wide scissor structure) keeps vehicles secure during brake, tire, and suspension work.
- Minimal concrete requirements: A lot of surface-mounted scissor lifts don’t need the same type of thick reinforced slabs or core drilling that 2-post lifts call for.
- Portability options: Many models can be moved around the shop to save space when not in use. You can quickly prop up temporary service bays during busy seasons.
- Cleaner floor layout: No posts or overhead crossbars, so techs have all the access they need around the vehicle perimeter.
- Lower entry cost: Scissor lifts are almost always more affordable than full-size commercial 2-post or 4-post lifts with similar weight capacities.
These are some of our best-selling styles for tire work, brakes, inspections, detailing, and even light mechanical service. But are car scissor lifts safe?
Are Car Scissor Lifts Safe?
The short answer is yes, at least, they can be with clear boundaries and intentional sourcing/maintenance. Safety all comes down to how the lift is built and installed, what it’s rated for, how it’s used, and the level of care you provide for essential safety components.
Load Capacity and Vehicle Fit
Scissor lifts have narrower safety margins than full-size 2-post or 4-post lifts. Exceeding rated capacity, lifting vehicles with uneven weight distribution, or placing lift pads outside approved contact points can overload the scissor structure.
This doesn’t always cause immediate failure. What it does do, however, is slowly but surely wear down pivot pins, cylinders, and lock teeth. You’ll eventually pay for it - so make sure to choose the right lift for your vehicle classes from the get-go.
Locking Systems and Lift Height
Unlike post lifts, scissor lifts rely heavily on mechanical safety locks integrated into the scissor stack. Cheaper models are tempting for residential users especially, but they almost always have fewer lock positions or lighter lock engagement. Incomplete lock engagement at mid-rise and full-rise heights increases the consequences of hydraulic pressure loss.
Hydraulic Dependence
Most scissor lifts use synchronized hydraulic cylinders. Platforms can drift out of level if seals wear unevenly or air enters the system. We have professionally-made lifts that counter this with dual synchronized cylinders and mechanical locking redundancy, though.
Really, that’s half the battle - choosing the right car lift. Some models have ALI or ETL certification, which assures you of their durability, dependability, and safety. These cost more upfront, but it’s a small price to pay just for the peace of mind alone.
That’s why homeowners turn to My Garage Supplies for the best residential garage car lifts.
Get Peace of Mind With a Car Scissor Lift From My Garage Supplies
My Garage Supplies helps commercial automotive shops and home garages alike work more safely and productively with industry-leading car lifts from trusted brands. We handpick every model in our collection so you can trust that you’re getting the quality you deserve.
Shop low-rise options like the AMGO LR06, a 6,000-lb portable lift for tire, brake, and body work in low-ceiling spaces. Or, explore heavier scissor platforms like the AMGO AX-12 (12,000 lbs) with dual synchronized cylinders, mechanical safety locks, and wide diamond-plate runways.
Every lift we sell comes from manufacturers with documented load ratings, clear installation requirements, and available replacement parts. We’ll walk through ceiling height, slab thickness, electrical needs, and vehicle mix before you buy, not after something goes wrong.
We can also talk about other styles that could be a better fit for your shop, be it a single-post car lift, 2-post car lift, or 4-post car lift. That’s the thing - our team is never here to sell you something specific. Only what makes the most sense for YOUR needs and budget.
Take the next step towards streamlining your approach to vehicle servicing with a safe scissor lift today. Get in touch with My Garage Supplies for one-on-one guidance!
Tips on Safely Operating Your Car Scissor Lift
So, are car scissor lifts safe? As long as you know how to use them correctly! There are a few basic safety measures we want to touch on before wrapping things up today.
Verify the Floor and Placement
A scissor lift has to sit on a flat, solid surface. Every lift manufacturer rates its equipment with a concrete thickness and PSI rating. Never shim a lift with scrap metal or wood. Uneven loading leads to binding and uneven wear in the scissor arms.
Confirm Vehicle Weight and Balance
Check the vehicle’s curb weight and axle distribution before lifting. Position the tires or lift pads exactly where the manufacturer specifies. Off-center loading increases side load on the scissors and stresses pins, bushings, and cylinders.
Use the Mechanical Safety Locks
Raise the lift past the first lock position, then lower it onto the locks before working underneath. Hydraulic pressure alone is never the support system. Audible or visual lock engagement confirmation matters every time.
Keep Clear During Lift and Lowering
No one should stand near the scissors, runways, or pinch points while the lift is moving. Tools, hoses, and creepers need to be clear before lowering as well to avoid sudden shifts or damage.
Inspect Before Each Use
Look for fluid leaks, loose hardware, bent pins, cracked welds, or uneven pad wear. A quick walk-around catches small problems before they turn into downtime or failure.
Follow Rated Height and Use Limits
Low-rise and mid-rise scissor lifts are not full-height service lifts. Don’t exceed rated lift height or attempt service work that require suspension droop unless the lift is designed for it.
Use the Correct Power Source
Operate the lift on the voltage and amperage listed by the manufacturer. Extension cords, incorrect outlets, or undersized breakers all increase the risk of failure and shorten motor life.
Closing Thoughts on Car Scissor Lift Safety
In closing, are car scissor lifts safe? They certainly can be when you buy the right one for the types of vehicles you service, install it correctly, and know how to operate/maintain it. That’s really all that it takes to use a car lift safely, be it a scissor lift vs 2-post lift.
Whether it’s Bendpak vs Atlas, make sure you’re buying a quality piece of equipment that you can trust in your garage. Better yet, get a personalized recommendation from My Garage Supplies so you can start working with peace of mind. Shop today!