Do-it-yourself car lift. Do-it-yourself car lift for a garage: types, installation

Lifting mechanisms vary in design. First of all, they are divided depending on the number of racks. Today, there are many two-rack models on the market, as well as four-rack modifications. At the same time, traction devices are installed in them hydraulic or mechanical.

Among motorists, parallelogram lifting mechanisms are considered to be the most popular. They are also called scissor models. Additionally, there is a plunger type of device. To independently make a model at home, you should familiarize yourself with the design features of the most popular modifications in more detail.

Double shoe model

To do this with your own hands, you must first deal with the lower beam. To this end, many experts recommend preparing a clamp in advance. With its help, it will be possible to hold the central pin. However, first of all, it is important to fix the frame. To do this, you will have to use a welding inverter.

Further, in order to assemble, it is important to choose a high-quality hydraulic device for raising the beam. After its installation, the handle is mounted. The reducer for these purposes is suitable single-channel. The lift stand can be made from aluminum plate. The supports for the mechanism are installed last. Before doing this, it is important to check the strength of the clamp. In order to weld the supports, you will have to use a welding inverter.

Triple shoe device

Assembling a do-it-yourself car scissor lift with a shoe on three legs is quite simple. In this situation, the base is prepared U-shaped. After that, it will be possible to fix the pickup. For this purpose, many experts recommend using a clamp. Directly the hydraulic mechanism can be mounted on screws. At the same time, it should not overlap the supports.

Next, to make a lift for you need to fix the gearbox. For this from steel sheet not a large plate is cut. It must be welded at the top beam. In this case, the indent from the edge must be at least 2.2 cm. After that, the shoe is attached directly. The first support is installed at the hydraulic mechanism. At this time, two other supports should be located at the front edge of the model.

U-beam model

And with a U-shaped how to make a lift with your own hands? Answering this question, it must be said that in this case it will be difficult to make the base. To do this, you will have to cut a lot of long plates from a steel sheet. In this situation, experts recommend installing a cast-iron type shoe. In this case, the hydraulic mechanism must be located at the lower beam. Next, to assemble the lift with your own hands, you need to mount the gearbox.

To do this, you will have to use a clamp. The first support is welded only after fixing the clamping nut. The beam should be cut on the machine. In this case, the distance between its corners must be at least 230 mm. Some modifications of the specified lifting mechanism involve the use of pumps. They are necessary in this case for the lubrication of the hydraulic mechanism. To install this part, it is important to weld an additional support at the rear beam. In this case, much depends on the dimensions of the piston pump.

Lift with L-shaped rear beam

And with an L-shaped rear beam, how to make a do-it-yourself lift? In order to qualitatively assemble a model of this type, the base is first prepared. For this, the plates are selected steel type. Their minimum thickness must be 2.2 mm. Next, to assemble the lift with your own hands, you need to attach the side supports. For this purpose, it is not necessary to use a clamp.

The next step is to weld the beam directly. To make it yourself, you will need three equal-sized sheets of metal. Their minimum length must be 120 mm. After welding, the upper beam is fixed. In this case, it is more expedient to use a small-sized hydraulic mechanism. Thus, the reducer can be placed next to it.

Model with rivets

Folding this type of lift with your own hands (the drawing is shown below) is quite difficult. First of all, it is necessary to prepare for the rivets. Next, it is important to process the basis for the lifting mechanism. To do this, you need to use two plates. Cast iron in this case is used quite rarely. In turn, steel surfaces are less prone to corrosion, and this should be taken into account. On the lower beam, rivets are made at intervals of 23 cm.

Further, in order to assemble the lift with your own hands, it remains only to fix the hydraulic mechanism. In this case, pneumatic modifications are used quite rarely. The piston in this situation should be at least 4.5 cm in diameter. Shoes are most often used of the steel type. A lever is installed to adjust the lifting mechanism. For greater stabilization of the base, supports are welded. The platform itself is made with rubber gaskets.

Device with aluminum rod

To make a do-it-yourself car lift with an aluminum rod, you need to pick up a pipe with a diameter of about 4.4 cm. After that, its upper part is carefully sharpened. This is necessary in order to weld the pickup to it. Supports in this case, you need to prepare four. The stabilization of the hydraulic device is increased due to the use of special clamping nuts. In some cases, caissons are installed in the structures.

In models with pumps, they are quite in demand. Supports are most often selected steel. The minimum thickness of the metal in this place should be 3.5 mm. Next, to do it yourself, you need to install a gearbox. The mechanism must be controlled through a lever. The rod itself must be mounted on a longitudinal platform. For this, the beam is prepared rigid.

Modification with steel rod

To make this type of lift to the garage with your own hands, the pipe should be selected with a diameter of about 4.5 cm. Then you need to prepare the basis for the device. Most often it is installed U-shaped, but other modifications also have the right to exist. In this case, much depends on the dimensions of the hydraulic device. You should also consider the power of the pump, which is designed for lubrication. If we consider the most simple model with a steel rod, then the base is better to choose L-shaped. Cast iron beams are perfect for her. To make a lift to the garage with your own hands, then you need to install the traction platform directly. For this purpose, sheets are used mainly of steel type. However, aluminum alloy is also quite durable. The rod itself should be installed in the middle part of the lower beam.

For this purpose, a recess is made in this place. To fix the top beam, it is better to use a clamp. After fixing the hydraulic device, the gearbox is installed. For this type of lifting mechanism, it needs a single-channel. The rack in this case must be installed under the supports. In this case, the pickup is welded last. In this case, it is necessary to pre-calculate the length of the lever so that it does not come into contact with the supports and the upper beam.

Drywall lifts

Assembling with pads with your own hands is quite problematic. In this case, you can not do without a clamp. First of all, it is important to weld the base for the device. To do this, you will have to use the machine. The pads in this case are easiest to make from steel plates. At the same time, the supports for them must be selected quite strong, the minimum thickness of the metal should be 2.2 mm. At the same time, there are a wide variety of pickups. The lower beam in this situation can be made of steel sheets.

To do this, they are cut out with a width of about 120 mm. Caissons in these devices are used quite rarely. It should also be noted that hydraulic mechanisms are suitable for different capacities. In this case, much depends on the area of ​​​​the lower beam. To stabilize the device during operation, many experts recommend welding rigid supports in the lower beam. It is necessary to install the rack on the lifting mechanism only after fixing the hydraulic device. In this situation, the linings must be mounted on upper part pads. A regular nut is used as a clamping device. To adjust the tension of the mechanism, as a rule, a conventional lever is used.

Models with four clamps

To make a model for three pickups, the base will have to be made in an L-shape. In this case, the pads should be located at its corners. For their fixation, as a rule, screws are used. The upper beam itself can be steel. In this situation, it is more expedient to buy sheets with a thickness of about 2.3 mm. Pumps for the system are only suitable for piston type. In this case, two-channel gearboxes can be used with great success.

To install the upper beam, the pickup is first mounted. A clamp is used to fasten it. In this case, the rod in this case can be selected aluminum to stabilize the platform. Fixation of overlays is carried out last. However, before this, the pads must be thoroughly cleaned. For this, it is best to use sandpaper.

A garage is the dream of every car enthusiast, it makes it possible to carry out car repairs in comfortable conditions. But if it is not equipped with special equipment, then even simple replacement wheels will be a huge problem. Also, its size must be large enough to perform various work associated with comprehensive service Vehicle.

Minimum garage equipment

The garage is not only a place under the roof for general machine maintenance and various motorcycle and bicycle equipment, but it is also a workshop in which you can do many other jobs. For example, you can make furniture, organize a painting laboratory, create small production plastic windows and much more. But when it comes to car repairs, without an accessory like electric or hydraulic lift he cannot become a full-fledged workshop.

Benefits of garage lifts

By installing a car lift in your garage, you provide yourself additional features in the field of qualified vehicle maintenance. The choice of equipment should be based on the type of work performed, the category of vehicles serviced and other factors. Anyway The presence of a lift makes the job much easier., saving the car mechanic from having to crawl under the car to perform each manipulation. In addition, the car lift will provide the repairer with the following advantages:

Types of car lifts

Car lift - this is a very useful and handy piece of equipment, with which you can do a lot of work, making it easier for yourself and increasing the speed of car maintenance. But it is precisely because of the constant movements from under the car and directly under it that not only a lot of time is taken, but it is very difficult. Especially when the employee suffers from any diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Car lifts must be durable, reliable and convenient, which is why manufacturers are constantly new even more reliable and versatile equipment modifications. Today in Moscow you can buy different in design, functionality and features practical application car lifts.

First of all, all models are worth divided according to the principle of work:

  • hydraulic;
  • mechanical;
  • combined.

In the first type, the lifting of the platform or special brackets with support points is carried out using hydraulic cylinders, into which oil is pumped by means of a mechanical (plunger) or electric pump. With quality performance and sufficient reliability sealing cuffs the piston remains in the raised state for a long time. Pumped up pressure by means of either a second hydraulic cylinder or a pressure pump with a check valve. Due to the design features of the working cylinder, a large control force is not required.

Mechanical are types of lifts with screw supports. Raising the platform is carried out due to the rotation of the shaft and the movement of the nut along it, to which the brackets and platforms are rigidly attached, on which the car is located.

You can also allocate combined lifting devices Vehicle. Such designs are called scissor or unfolding. They are a mechanism similar to the device of scissors. Depending on the length of each of the segments, different height lift, and the platform is held in the raised state by a blocking system.

Lift control systems

All car lifts can be divided into 2 types according to the control method:

Lifts should be distinguished depending on the type of drive unit:

  • equipped with hydraulic motors;
  • with electric motors and gearbox;
  • with pneumatic system.

Pneumatic lifts are structures, in which the extension of the piston is carried out by means of compressed air. This lifting principle is most often used on scissor lifts. The equipment allows you to speed up the process of servicing vehicles by reducing the time for lifting and lowering them during repairs, plus everything is provided with free access to all wheels at the same time.

Separation by type of construction

Car lifts are also subdivided according to the type of design:

Deciding to buy a car lift for your workshop, you need to pay attention to a number of its performance indicators that determine the scope and maximum physical capabilities. But first of all, it is necessary to determine the type of construction and the type of work performed.

To the main lift features include:

It is quite possible to make car lifts with your own hands. In extreme cases, you can buy a used one. And such components as a screw-nut, hydraulic or plunger cylinders can be purchased at specialized stores. Blueprints ready-made solutions are freely available for various types structures.

Lift prices

Today in Moscow buy lifts with delivery from different manufacturers, each of which sets its own prices. You should choose based on practical considerations, according to the reviews and evaluation of the manufacturer by other buyers. When buying from specialized companies, the price is usually indicated along with the installation.

In any case, all manufacturers equip their lifts with special safety systems that improve the quality and practicality of the installation or mobile design. But the price even for a used lift in Moscow is high, so many motorists decide to design a lift for a car with their own hands. Having the ability to find channels or profile beams, several swivel joints and other details, it is quite possible to design an installation for specific purposes. The easiest for own production is an scissor lift.

Safety system

If you want to be completely sure of your safety, then buy garage lifts with additional systems locks. Usually, These are mechanical stops., which block the lifting mechanism in case the cylinder leaks for some reason or the nut starts to twist.

Not in every garage a person can equip viewing hole. But for the repair of vehicles, it is essential. So best solution It is considered to make a car lift with your own hands. It is not difficult to do this, having elementary skills in working with elementary mechanisms.

Varieties of lifts

Do-it-yourself lifts can be:

  • screw;
  • hydraulic;
  • chain.


According to the method of raising the car, they are divided into platform, scissor, forklift. Each of them has its own design features. The screw fork type is most in demand. A long threaded shaft is used as the base. It is made of tool steel and can withstand a load of up to three tons. But it is almost impossible to make such a lift on your own.

Screw platform lift

In this case, it is recommended to give preference screw type in the form of a platform. To make a lift for a car of this type, a structure is made in the form of rolling elements placed parallel to each other with ribs down. They are fixed to the drive mechanism, which ensures the lifting of the platform.

In these types of lifts, the requirements for shafts are significantly lower. This is due to the presence of them in the amount of four pieces (and not two). The main disadvantage of such lifts is the need to use a jack to repair the suspension. This is due to the fact that the wheels of the car do not hang in the air, but are located on the surface of the channels.

Other popular types of lifts

Very often, forklifts and platform lifts for cars are made with a chain drive. By their own performance characteristics they are not inferior to screw ones. But it is quite difficult to make such a design on your own. This is due to the need to ensure the coordinated operation of engines and braking devices.

scissor type lifting mechanisms most often operates due to the hydraulic drive. But many craftsmen decide to equip them with a screw or chain mechanism, which they most often do with their own hands.

Do-it-yourself lift assembly instructions

To make a car lift with your own hands, you need to prepare the appropriate materials. Their list includes:

  • several powerful steel corners;
  • worm gear. Minimum load capacity - 0.3 t;
  • metal plate 10 mm thick. You can get it with your own hands from an old machine for working with metal;
  • bolts;
  • two powerful chains, where the diameter of the constituent elements is not less than 2 cm;
  • hook;
  • steel cable 5 mm thick;
  • two dowels with different diameter. You can easily remove it from an old moped on your own.








To make a lift on your own, you must follow a fairly simple instruction:

  1. Steel corners are embedded in the walls of the garage. The hood of the car should be placed under them.
  2. A centimeter plate is installed on the corners. It is fixed using eight M8 bolts.
  3. The slab will not be integrally connected to the corners. If necessary, you can easily change its location.
  4. A worm gear is fixed on the surface of the plate.
  5. The key is put on the drive shaft and fixed.
  6. A hole with a diameter of 2 cm is made in the plate, where the chain is inserted, after which its ends are connected.
  7. Another smaller sprocket is mounted on the output shaft and connected to each other.
  8. Two holes with a diameter of 3 cm are made in the plate. A chain is passed through them, putting it on a smaller key.
  9. At the end of the second chain there must be a hook that can support the weight of the engine.

Making a do-it-yourself tipping lift

To make a lift with your own hands, you can use a completely different constructive scheme. It allows you to create a tilting device. Such an apparatus consists of several main parts - a shoe, a platform, a rack, a system of beams and various connecting parts.

To make a lift, you must follow a simple instruction:

  1. The shoe is made of steel sheet, carefully adhering to the dimensions indicated in the drawing.
  2. The rack for the tipper is formed from corners 32, having a length of 1.5 m. Squares are assembled from them and welded together.
  3. In the lower part, several holes are made to fix the support pipe.
  4. A platform in the form of a box is formed from a steel sheet. The sides are welded or bent.
  5. A piece of wood is mounted inside the box, which is fixed with fasteners previously inserted into the holes of its ends.
  6. A piece of rubber is placed on the tree.
  7. An eyelet is welded to the bottom of the box.
  8. The upper beam is formed from two 1.5 m corners welded in the form of a U-shaped profile.
  9. A metal insert is welded in the middle of the beam for better fixation of the jack.
  10. A rectangular plate of the same length is welded to the resulting U-profile of the beam to obtain a square pipe.
  11. A plate is welded to one end of the beam (a sleeve is attached to connect it to the rear beam), on the other side - jack guides.
  12. The rear beam is made from four corners of 1.5 m. Two square profiles are made from them.
  13. A node is welded in the middle of the rear beam to connect all the beams to each other.
  14. The lower beam is made by themselves according to the same principle as the previous ones.
  15. Install the jack and stoppers.

Do-it-yourself car lift - drawing

Rules for the operation of the lift

To make a lift yourself, you need to make a lot of effort. But in order for this unit to work more efficiently, it is necessary to follow all the rules for its operation:

  1. Before using the lift, be sure to remove the bolts that hold the engine and vehicle frame together.
  2. Under the engine start a loop of steel cable. A lift hook is thrown at its end.
  3. Run through the chain.
  4. Over time, the movement will transfer to the drive shaft, which will transfer the force to the load shaft, which will lead to the tension of the cables.
  5. The power unit is lifted slowly and carefully to avoid damage.
  6. After removing the engine using a lift, it is necessary to stop its operation. The load will now be held by the gearbox.
  7. The vehicle can be moved and put in its place durable table that can withstand the load from the engine.

How reliable and safe are handmade lifts?

To make a lift with your own hands, you need to work hard. But will such equipment be safe? Some experts strongly doubt this. On average, the weight of a car exceeds one ton. If the lift has little power or low-quality equipment, there is a possibility of the vehicle falling. This is fraught with serious injury or even death for the mechanic.

The reasons for the development of such emergency called:

  • the large weight of the car, for which the drive or actuating unit is not designed;
  • incorrect design of the do-it-yourself locking assembly;
  • destruction of the locking mechanism under the action of a large load;
  • improper fastening of the supporting parts of the car lift.

If you need to make this equipment, you have to use someone else's drawing or calculate everything yourself. In each case, there is a possibility serious mistakes which can lead to irreparable consequences.

Video: Homemade garage lift

For small spaces, garages, auto repair shops, many install a hydraulic lifting mechanism. Now some craftsmen make a scissor lift with their own hands.

Choosing a design

Consider how to make a lift for a car. This device is used to fix the car and raise it to a certain height in order to provide access to the chassis, suspension, and mechanisms of the car.

First choose the scheme of the lift. The most popular fixtures with 2 racks. Such a design may have an electromechanical drive. There are designs with several racks, they distribute the load better. The scissor design is a platform with a lever system.


This device may have an electromechanical drive that will transmit the load. You need to make a homemade lift, taking into account that the device is safe and securely holds the car. It must be borne in mind that when performing work, the master will be under the machine, the mass of which exceeds a ton.

Create a lift

Before you make a scissor lift with your own hands, drawings and design diagrams must be drawn up. The drawing should indicate the dimensions of all parts and show the places of welding of units and systems of the structure being created.


DIY instructions for making a scissor car lift design:

  1. First, supports are created using steel corners, which are hammered into a solid wall.
  2. A 1 cm thick plate is installed on these corners and fixed with bolts.
  3. Load transfer will be carried out through a system of hydraulic cylinders. Now you can easily find such mechanisms, as they are used in different devices.
  4. Holes are made in the plate for the chain, then it is threaded and closed.
  5. A key is installed on the gearbox shaft.
  6. Then a sprocket is installed on the output shaft, which is suitable for working with the chain.
  7. In the plate, 2 holes are made to pass the chain, at the end of which a steel hook is installed.


The resulting design can be used in a private garage to lift a small car. The lifting device will allow you to independently inspect and repair the chassis of the car and other mechanisms and systems.

Which is better: assemble the lift yourself or buy

People often assemble the lift themselves because a new factory design is expensive. It should be borne in mind that making a homemade lift is not always simple task. In addition, if the design is not assembled correctly, then its use can be dangerous.


The installed vehicle falls off the device if:

  • the weight of the car shows the load that the homemade lifting unit cannot hold;
  • the locking mechanism does not work well;
  • the supporting device does not withstand the existing load;
  • at homemade device the supports are incorrectly installed, or they are loosely fixed.

Also, difficulties in creating the device arise because some structural elements cannot be performed without special equipment. For example, it is difficult to manufacture lead screws of great length. So do it yourself this design hard enough. Many craftsmen make a tipper for a car instead of this device, as it is easier to manufacture.

To service the car at the service station, it is used great amount tools and special equipment, from cheap to expensive, absolutely inaccessible to a private trader or an ordinary motorist. Such equipment includes a rather narrow-profile device, which a simple driver can use no more than one or two times during the year. But there are also those, without the use of which it is impossible to carry out repair or maintenance work. These are car lifts.

Undercarriage lift for cars

It is designed to lift a vehicle, mainly for passenger cars.

The mobility of the structure does not depend on the location of the wheels and axles of the vehicle. The device is easy to store, mobile, does not take up much space. The structure is made of steel, reliability in operation is guaranteed.
But buying new lifts for your own use is unprofitable. Many try to buy a used mechanism or make a homemade car lift.

If you think about it, the scissor model of the lifting device, as the most reliable, costs from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and twenty thousand rubles. It is especially disappointing to acquire such a mechanism when your old vehicle is several times cheaper. At the same time, cheap versions of lifting mechanisms are sometimes not reliable.

In order not to spend extra money, let's try to figure out how to make such a device on our own, having the necessary drawings that can tell interesting idea so as not to copy exactly all dimensions, taking into account the dimensions of your garage.

Hardware Requirements

The main purpose hydraulic lift– raise the machine to the required height so that it is convenient to service it. Sometimes it is necessary to do this at the height of human growth. The second condition is the most basic. The mechanism must be absolutely safe for people, maintain the integrity of your vehicle.

Consideration should be given to the lifting device drive system, how to operate, adjust and secure the lifting device to the garage floor. It is possible that the model will be mobile, so as not to constantly occupy free place. It should be noted that in order to prevent tipping and injury, many provide for the possibility of securely fixing lifting devices to the concrete floor.

Technological features of manufacturing

To make a scissor lift, certain technical skills and the right details. The platform and the base of the structure can be made of channel iron with a U-shaped section. For scissors, you will need an I-beam, in cross section resembling the letter "H". In addition, you will need:

  • hydraulic cylinders;
  • bushings;
  • pump unit;
  • a device that distributes forces to both sections.

Positive and negative sides

The main advantage of a homemade lift is minimal financial costs. For own application device will be very useful. A short platform will allow you to get access not only to the body, but also to the bottom of the car, provide vertical lifting. The main disadvantage is safety and lack of synchronism in work. When working, consider additional measures security.

Low cost lifting options

It has already been said above that you can buy a used device that will still be of high quality and will not require significant cash outlays. Sometimes in a garage you can get by with a jack or a traverse, a ditch mechanism, with the help of which many works are performed.
Making a lifting device with your own hands takes a lot of time to find materials and work. Sometimes it's easier to turn to a car service for help. But if you decide to do it - you should not be afraid of anything - the task is difficult, but quite solvable.