How to Anchor a 2 Post Car Lift: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
By 2PostCarLifts.com Editorial Team
Updated: March 2025 | ~12 min read
In This Guide
- Why Proper Anchoring Is a Safety Requirement
- Concrete Requirements Before You Drill
- Anchor Bolt Types
- Tools You'll Need
- Step-by-Step Installation
- Torque Specifications
- Common Mistakes
- Thin Slab Solutions
- Maintenance
- FAQ
Why Proper Anchoring Is a Safety Requirement
A 2 post car lift puts huge pressure on just a few anchor bolts. When a vehicle is lifted, both vertical and side forces act on the posts.
If anchoring is weak, the lift can fail completely — which is extremely dangerous.
👉 Always follow manufacturer instructions.
Concrete Requirements Before You Drill
Minimum Requirements
- Up to 9,000 lbs: 4 inches, 3,000 PSI
- 10,000 lbs+: 6 inches recommended
- Heavy lifts: 8+ inches
Important Checks
- Concrete must cure for 28 days
- Stay 6–8 inches away from cracks or edges
- Surface must be level
- Avoid drilling into rebar
- Repair old holes before reuse
Anchor Bolt Types
Wedge Anchors (Recommended)
- Standard choice
- Common size: 3/4″ × 5.5″
- Strong and reliable
Epoxy Anchors
- Strong in weak concrete
- Require clean holes and curing time
- Use only if recommended
👉 Best practice: Use manufacturer-provided anchors.
Tools You'll Need
- Rotary hammer drill
- SDS drill bit
- Vacuum / air blower
- Wire brush
- Tape measure
- Level
- Torque wrench
- Hammer
- Safety gear
- Shims
⚠️ Never use an impact gun.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Position & Mark
Place posts correctly and mark holes.
2. Drill Holes
Use correct depth and keep straight.
3. Clean Holes
Blow + brush + blow again.
4. Insert Anchors
Place anchors through base plate.
5. Level Posts
Use shims if needed.
6. Torque Bolts
Use torque wrench (not impact gun).
7. Re-Torque
After a few lift cycles, tighten again.
Torque Specifications
- Standard lifts: 85–125 ft-lbs
- Heavy-duty: up to 150 ft-lbs
👉 Always follow your manual.
Common Mistakes
- Not cleaning holes
- Drilling near cracks
- Using impact gun
- Skipping re-torque
- Too many shims
- Weak concrete assumption
If Slab Is Too Thin
Option 1: New Footings
Dig and pour stronger concrete base.
Option 2: Full Re-pour
Best long-term solution.
Option 3: Use 4 Post Lift
Less stress on anchors.
Maintenance
- After 10 lifts → check bolts
- Every 6 months → inspect
- Yearly → re-torque
- After impact → full check
FAQ
Q: What size anchors are used?
A: 3/4″ × 5.5″ wedge anchors.
Q: Can I use 4-inch slab?
A: Yes (for lighter lifts), but 6-inch is better.
Q: Wedge vs epoxy?
A: Wedge anchors are standard.
Q: Torque required?
A: 85–125 ft-lbs typically.
Q: Distance from crack?
A: Minimum 6 inches.
Q: Re-torque needed?
A: Yes, after initial use.
About This Guide
Created by 2PostCarLifts.com team using industry standards and real-world experience.