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If you’re looking for a portable floor jack, you’ve probably narrowed it down to two popular options: the AV Steel 1.5 Ton (3300 lb) jack with a case or the TONDA 2 Ton (3800 lb) model. Both are competitively priced and promise easy maneuverability, but they take different approaches.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a jack they can easily carry and store, not just roll around the garage. The key trade-off is capacity versus convenience. I’ve tested both to see which one truly wins on portability.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best for Storage & Protection: AV Steel 1.5 Ton Jack
Includes a hard storage case for easy transport — Check Price →
Runner-Up (Lighter Weight): TONDA 2 Ton Floor Jack
Weighs just 14.3 lbs and has a handy carry handle — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I’ve laid out the key numbers side-by-side so you can see exactly how these jacks differ on paper.
The TONDA wins on raw capacity and is lighter, but the AV Steel offers a slightly higher lift and that crucial storage case.
Individual Product Breakdown
Here’s my take on each jack after looking at their features, handling them, and seeing what real users say. I’ll tell you who each one is really for.
AV Steel Floor Jack 1.5 Ton (3300 lbs)
3300 lb Capacity | 5.13″ – 12″ Lift | 16.97 lbs | Includes Storage Case
- ✅Capacity & Versatility: We offer a durable floor jack 1.5 ton designed...
- ✅Storage Case: The trolley jack will come with a storage case for easy...
- ✅Overload Protection: A safety measure in the hydraulic car jack serves...
I think this jack is perfect if you need to store your tools neatly or carry them in your trunk. The included hard case is a big improvement for keeping it clean and protected. It lifts to a full 12 inches, which is great for most cars. The trade-off is that it’s the heavier of the two at nearly 17 pounds, and its 3300 lb capacity is lower than the TONDA’s.
✅ Pros
- Includes a solid storage case for transport
- Highest max lift height at 12 inches
- Meets ANSI/ASME safety standards
- Has a 360° rotatable saddle
❌ Cons
- Lower 3300 lb capacity than the TONDA
- Heaviest option at 16.97 pounds
- No dedicated carry handle on the jack itself
TONDA Floor Jack 2 Ton (3800 lb)
3800 lb Capacity | 4.9″ – 11.8″ Lift | 14.3 lbs | Carry Handle
- FLOOR JACK PARAMETER: Minimum lifting height: 4.9", Maximum lifting height...
- SAFETY BYPASS SYSTEM: Built-in safety valve prevents over-loading and...
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: Equipped with 2 large steel casters and 2 360-degree...
This TONDA jack is the one to grab if you prioritize raw lifting power and the lightest possible weight. At just 14.3 pounds with a 3800 lb capacity, it feels noticeably easier to pick up and move around. The integrated carry handle is super convenient. The limitation is the lack of a storage case, so you’ll need to find a spot for it in your garage or trunk where it won’t get banged up.
✅ Pros
- Highest capacity at 3800 pounds
- Lightest weight at just 14.3 pounds
- Has a dedicated carry handle
- Lowest minimum height of 4.9 inches
❌ Cons
- No storage case included
- Slightly lower max lift (11.8 inches)
- More exposed to dust and damage without a case
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both jacks are solid for the money, but the best one for you comes down to how you plan to use and store it. I’ll match you with the right tool based on your specific needs.
AV Steel 1.5 Ton Jack is right for you if…
- You need to store the jack in a trunk or toolbox and want it protected by a hard case.
- You work on standard sedans and crossovers and don’t need more than 3300 lbs of capacity.
- You value that extra 0.2 inches of maximum lift height for a bit more working room.
TONDA 2 Ton Jack is right for you if…
- You frequently lift heavier vehicles like SUVs or small trucks and need the 3800 lb capacity.
- You prioritize the lightest weight possible (14.3 lbs) and love the built-in carry handle.
- You have dedicated garage storage and don’t need a case, or you’ll provide your own.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re working on a full-size truck, a large SUV, or need to lift a vehicle high for major repairs, you should look at a heavier-duty 3-ton or larger floor jack. These are designed for passenger cars and lighter duty.
For most people who just want a reliable jack to keep in their car, I recommend the AV Steel. The included case makes it a complete, protected package that’s ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which jack is easier to carry, the AV Steel or the TONDA?
The TONDA is definitely easier to pick up and carry. It weighs 14.3 pounds compared to the AV Steel’s 16.97 pounds, and it has a dedicated carry handle. The AV Steel is heavier and doesn’t have a handle on the jack itself, though its case does have one.
Is the TONDA’s higher 3800 lb capacity worth it over the AV Steel’s 3300 lbs?
Only if you regularly work on heavier vehicles like SUVs or small trucks. For most sedans and crossovers, 3300 lbs is plenty. The extra 500 lbs of capacity is a nice safety margin, but you pay for it by giving up the storage case.
Does the AV Steel’s storage case make it more portable?
Yes, but in a specific way. The case makes it much better for transporting and storing the jack in a car trunk or toolbox without getting everything dirty. For simply picking it up and moving it across a garage, the lighter TONDA with its handle feels more portable.
Which floor jack has a lower minimum height?
The TONDA wins here. Its saddle starts at 4.9 inches off the ground, while the AV Steel starts at 5.13 inches. That 0.23-inch difference can matter if you need to slide the jack under a car with very low clearance.
Are these jacks safe for changing a tire?
Yes, both are safe for tire changes when used correctly on a flat, solid surface and with jack stands. The AV Steel meets ANSI/ASME safety standards, and the TONDA has a built-in safety bypass valve. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
Which one should I buy if I can only have one jack?
I’d go with the AV Steel 1.5 Ton. The included hard case protects your investment, keeps your trunk clean, and makes it a complete package. The 3300 lb capacity and 12-inch lift are sufficient for the vast majority of passenger car jobs.
My Final Verdict
My clear winner for portability is the AV Steel 1.5 Ton Floor Jack. Portability isn’t just about weight—it’s about having a complete, protected package you can grab and go. The included hard storage case is the deciding factor, turning the jack into a single, clean unit you can toss in your trunk. The TONDA is a fantastic, lighter runner-up if your garage has a dedicated spot and you need its higher 3800 lb capacity.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself this: will the jack live in your car trunk or get moved between storage spots? If yes, get the AV Steel with the case. If it has a permanent home in your garage and you lift heavier vehicles, the TONDA is your pick.
Best Overall: AV Steel 1.5 Ton Jack
- ✅Capacity & Versatility: We offer a durable floor jack 1.5 ton designed...
- ✅Storage Case: The trolley jack will come with a storage case for easy...
- ✅Overload Protection: A safety measure in the hydraulic car jack serves...
This is the best choice for most people. The hard case makes it truly portable and protects your tool, offering a great balance of 3300 lb capacity and a 12-inch lift.
Runner-Up: TONDA 2 Ton Floor Jack
- FLOOR JACK PARAMETER: Minimum lifting height: 4.9", Maximum lifting height...
- SAFETY BYPASS SYSTEM: Built-in safety valve prevents over-loading and...
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: Equipped with 2 large steel casters and 2 360-degree...
Choose this if you need the highest 3800 lb capacity and prioritize the lightest weight (14.3 lbs). It’s perfect for a dedicated garage space where a case isn’t needed.
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