Is Harbor Freight Tools Daytona Jack an Exact Copy of Snap On’s 3-Ton Floor Jack FJ300?
If you’ve been around the auto industry for awhile then you’d probably never would of ever thought there would be any reason to compare a Snap On tool to a Harbor Freight one. Harbor Freight Tools recently came out with the Daytona 3-Ton Floor Jack; and it’s nearly identical in every way, so much so that Snap On even sued them for “copying” their design. That was settled outside of court.
Check out the two 3-ton jacks side by side and you’ll see for yourself.
Is the Daytona Jack a Re branded Snap-On Jack?
No not exactly, Harbor Freight isn’t making jacks for Snap-On or vice versa. But, they are likely built by the same factory making them nearly identical jacks minus some cosmetics. These jacks are both made in China and Snap-On has never manufactured there own lift equipment. For this they have always been a re-branded. To name a few companies that have made jacks for Snap-On in the past are Walker/Lincoln/Hein Werner (Shin fu)/Gray.
While on the other hand, Harbor Freight Tools doesn’t have it’s own factories building their own tools and equipment. This also means that they’re products are re-branded. It’s very plausible that Chinese manufacturers such as Torin, Sunex or Shinn fu to name a few are making jacks for both Harbor Freight and Snap-On which means they could be sharing components with many of the other popular different brands out there.
To further explain what companies like Harbor Freight do; they go to the manufacturers with their own design or have one made for them and then strike a deal. Lets say they plan to sell 1000 units of Daytona 3-Ton jacks and purchase them for $50 a piece and then ship them over to America and sell them at their stores for lets say $200. Now on the other hand Snap-On might only buy 100 units of their jack from a manufacturer and can only get them for $200 a piece since they are buying less and then of course they have the snap-on name so lets jack it up several more hundred dollars. Now we’re not saying that one is better then the other, but in this case, Harbor Freight Tools Daytona 3-Ton jack for the money is a much better value.
Daytona DJ3000 Comparison to Snap-On FJ300
Specifications
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Daytona Model DJ3000 |
Snap-On Model FJ300 |
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Head-to-Head Comparison Video
Why Daytona 3-Ton Jack beats Snap-On 3-Ton Jack
It seems the Harbor Freight Tools Daytona jack is made of comparable quality to that of the Snap-On one. However, the Snap-On one is a few pounds heavier, which could be from a better hydraulic pump, bigger wheels or a little more reinforcement. Not to take anything away from the Daytona, for the average person that works on cars as a hobby and isn’t lifting cars up and down several times a day, the Daytona jack is the best option. But really for the price of a 3rd less with the same warranty, why wouldn’t you just get the Daytona?
In it’s first year of service most consumers haven’t had many complaints about there’s failing. While, yes both jacks have the same warranty and seem to be nearly identical in design, parts and quality there is one thing the Snap-On jack really has going for it. It has nearly every part available for purchase for replacement if one where to fail, but then again at a much lesser cost, if the Daytona where to break 5-6 years down the road, it would still be cheaper to just buy a new one.
Harbor Freight Tools Daytona 3-Ton Jack Features
Consumer Ratings 
(4.8 / 5)
The super duty Daytona 3-ton floor jack was designed with stability and strength in mind. It’s premium piston seals combined with an internal magnetic filtration system helps prolong it’s pump life to over 5,000 lifting cycles. It’s rapid pump technology makes lifting easier with fewer strokes needed of the handle. The low profile design with a minimum height of 3-3/4″ allows this jack to fit under many lower vehicles that a standard jack would not fit under. Along with it’s lifting height of just over 23 inches, makes this jack a very versatile addition to your garage.
- Best-in-class 3 Ton Professional Steel Jack is built to work longer and faster
- Innovative hydraulic pump system with internal magnetic filtration for extraordinary pump life
- Low profile design lifts from 3-3/4 in. to 23-1/8 in.
- Heavy duty all-welded steel construction with durable finish
- Universal joint release provides precise load control in any handle position
- Knurled handle grip for secure hold, equipped with non-marring bumper to prevent damage to vehicle finish
- Removable saddle
- 3-Year Warranty
What Consumers say about Their Daytona 3-Ton Jacks
- Incredible jack for the money.
- Money well spent for a quality tool that will certainly meet expectations.
- Amazing clearance with a long reach and high lift. It even has grease fittings. Really glad I bought it.
- I cannot see anywhere a better jack close to this price range. My buddy has the snap on version, this one seems every bit as good.
- Has been lifting my 4×4 trucks like butter in just a few pumps for a year now.
- I looked at many jacks, even some of the “better” rated ones out there. This thing is one of the best investments I made. Having 4 SUV’s and even a large motorcycle, this thing lifts so easily and the max height is perfect for trucks, and the low 4″ profile perfect for cars.
- This is my first floor jack, purchased so I could work on my F150 at home. Very pleased with the product, sturdy & well made.
- I was hesitant to purchase this jack and do not regret it at all. I didn’t even have a hard time with my lowered Subaru STI because of my body kit. This jack is well made and a clone of the snap on model that’s several hundred dollars more expensive.
