Floor Jack Parts Name and Their Functions

Published: 14 Oct 2025

A floor jack is a must-have tool in any garage or workshop. It helps lift vehicles quickly and safely for repair or maintenance. With the help of hydraulic pressure, a floor jack can raise even heavy cars with ease. But have you ever wondered how it works or what its parts do? In this article, we’ll explore the floor jack parts name and their functions so you can better understand how this powerful lifting tool operates.

Floor Jack Parts Name and Their Functions

A floor jack is made up of several key parts. Each part plays an important role in lifting, balancing, and lowering a vehicle safely. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Saddle / Bearing Pad

The saddle, also known as the bearing pad, is the round plate at the top of the jack. It’s the part that makes contact with the vehicle’s lift point. The saddle holds the vehicle firmly and keeps it from slipping while you work. Some saddles have a textured surface to improve grip and prevent movement during lifting.

2. Socket

The socket connects the handle to the pump mechanism. When you pump the handle, the socket moves up and down, pushing hydraulic fluid through the system. This movement helps the jack lift the car smoothly and efficiently.

3. Lifting Arm

The lifting arm connects the saddle to the jack body. It’s responsible for raising and lowering the vehicle. As you pump the handle, pressure builds inside the hydraulic system, pushing the lifting arm upward. It carries most of the load, so it’s made of strong, durable metal.

4. Cover Plate

The cover plate protects the inner hydraulic parts from dirt and damage. It also gives you access to the inside of the jack for cleaning or maintenance. Keeping this cover clean helps extend the life of your jack.

5. Handle

The handle is one of the most important parts of a floor jack. It’s the long bar you move up and down to operate the hydraulic system. Each pump builds pressure, allowing the jack to lift the car with little effort. The handle also helps you control the jack’s movement and positioning.

6. Leveling Arm

The leveling arm provides extra balance and support while the vehicle is being lifted. It keeps the lifting arm stable and prevents the jack from tipping over. This ensures that the lift remains smooth and safe from start to finish.

7. Caster Wheels

The caster wheels make it easy to move the floor jack around your workspace. These wheels can rotate 360 degrees, giving you full control over movement and direction. They also help you position the jack under the car with precision.

8. Frame

The frame is the main body that holds all other parts together. It provides the base and strength of the jack. Some frames are straight, while others are curved. A curved frame design helps you fit the jack under cars with low ground clearance.

9. Hydraulic Cylinder

The hydraulic cylinder is the heart of the jack. It holds the hydraulic fluid and then converts pressure into lifting power. When you pump the handle, the fluid moves inside the cylinder, creating a force that raises the lifting arm.

10. Pump Piston

The pump piston helps move hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the cylinder. This creates pressure that allows the jack to lift heavy loads easily. It’s a key part of the hydraulic system that makes the jack work.

11. Reservoir

The reservoir stores hydraulic fluid. It keeps the system running smoothly by supplying fluid to the pistons. Regularly checking the fluid level ensures your jack performs well.

12. Release Valve

The release valve helps lower the jack safely after lifting. When you turn it slowly, it releases the pressure inside the hydraulic system, letting the saddle come down safely. Always lower the jack slowly to avoid sudden drops.

13. Screw Plug

The screw plug lets you refill or check hydraulic oil inside the reservoir. Keeping the oil clean and at the right level ensures smooth operation and prevents damage to the jack.

Conclusion

A floor jack is more than just a lifting tool—it’s a smart system built with precision and safety in mind. Each part, from the saddle and lifting arm to the release valve and caster wheels, works together to make lifting easy and reliable. By understanding the floor jack parts name and their functions, you’ll be able to use it safely, maintain it properly, and get the best performance every time. So, the next time you lift your car, you’ll know exactly how your floor jack does its job with strength and stability.