Residential / Hobby Lift Guide
So, you’ve decided to get a car lift for your home garage - welcome to the club! You may need it for storage for your toys or to do some DIY work. Now, the decision! What home garage car lift to buy? The discussion below focuses on 4-post lifts as they are by far the most common for Home/DIY. If you have not settled on a lift style yet, please refer to Home/DIY- What Style of Lift is Best for Me?
Now, admittedly these things are not high tech rocket ships. There's not really that much to them. Bunch of steel, some hydraulics, add a power unit, and off to the races. Might as well get the cheapest one you can. Not so fast... let’s spend some time on this.
How about we narrow our search to a brand, then we can choose the model after that? Quick Google search for hobby/DIY lifts, and we find brands such as BendPak, Direct Lift, Rotary Revolution, Challenger, Atlas, Quality, Titan, Rhino, Torin, Gemini, Tuxedo, Auto Lift (Tuxedo), United Products (Tuxedo), Dannmar, Worth, and on and on.
We need an approach to cut through all this. Let’s start with Safety, an important consideration for a car lift for your garage.
CAR LIFT SAFETY
ALI CERTIFICATION
The Gold ALI / ETL certification label is the only North American recognized standard for automotive lifts. Known as ANSI/ALI ALCTV (Current Edition) and ANSI/UL 201, it governs the design and construction of automotive lifts. The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) offers a rigorous testing and certification program for lifts. The program uses an independent third-party testing laboratory called Intertek (ETL).
Their main purpose is to ensure that the highest industry safety and performance standards are built into each lift carrying the Gold label. All components and the tensile strength of the steel used are tested. Lifts are subjected to thorough safety tests such as a 1.5 rated load test and deformation tests.
One critical safety test for vehicle lifts is the cable cut test. All ALI/ETL-certified lifts are required to include a backup slack cable safety system. This redundant secondary locking mechanism activates instantly in the event of a cable failure, preventing potential injuries.
When a lift passes rigorous testing and the factory producing it adheres to strict standards (verified through periodic inspections), the lift earns the prestigious Gold ALI Certified/ETL label. It’s important to note that each lift model must undergo its own individual certification process.
In contrast, uncertified lifts are not subjected to any independent testing or standardized requirements. Buyer beware: choosing uncertified equipment can compromise both safety and quality.
By selecting a lift with the Gold ALI/ETL certification label, you’re investing in safety, reliability, and durability. Yes, these certified lifts may cost more upfront due to their higher manufacturing standards, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial expense. Remember, the lift is a significant investment—one that will hold not only your vehicle but also protect you, your family, and your property.
Why Research Matters
We strongly recommend visiting the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) website at autolift.org. This resource lists all ALI/ETL-certified lifts by manufacturer and provides a helpful FAQ section. Taking the time to research ensures you make an informed decision and select a lift that meets the highest safety and quality standards.
Beyond Certification: Consider Design and Quality Differences
Once you've committed to purchasing an ALI/ETL-certified lift, you might think the decision is as simple as choosing the one with the lowest price. However, even among top-rated lifts, there are significant differences in quality and design that can impact performance and longevity.
Make sure to thoroughly compare features, warranties, and construction quality to ensure your investment delivers long-term value. Ultimately, choosing a lift with the Gold ALI/ETL label means prioritizing safety, performance, and peace of mind.