Draining vehicle oil can be a messy undertaking without the correct equipment, especially an oil lift drain with a huge funnel that is placed close to where the oil is drained from. Oil drains are among the most overlooked tools in vehicle maintenance. However, oil lift drains are essential if you want to avoid the mess arising from oil spill. These should fit your cars and let you do the job right. Although, as a vehicle owner you may opt for the conventional homemade bucket, this solution will not provide the convenience and efficiency associated with oil drains.
The best oil lift features an easy-to-pour spout, thick and strong body and a mess-free design. Such oil drains are not easy to find given the many brands available in the market. If you are contemplating owning an oil drain, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we recommend the 10 best lift oil drains.
- Features to Consider in Good Oil Lift Drains
- Top 10 Best Oil Lift Drains 2024
- 1. Lincoln 3601 Oil Drain
- 2. ARKSEN 20 Gallon Portable Waste Oil Drain Tank Air Operated, Red
- 3. XtremepowerUS 20 Gallon Portable Waste Oil Drain Tank Air Operated Drainage, Red
- 4. Lisle 11102 Oil Lift Drain - 8 Gallons
- 5. Dragway Tools 18 Gallon Oil Waste Drain Tank Pan for Lift Jack Hoist Shop Crane
- 6. Dannmar Portable Oil Drain - 8-Gal. Capacity
- 7. Portable 5 Gallon Telescopic Oil Drain Dolly
- 8. OEMTOOLS 87032 9 Gallon Portable Oil Lift Drain
- 9. Goodyear Waste Oil Drain Tank Air Operated Heavy Duty- 30 Gallon
- 10. Goplus 20 Gallon Portable Waste Oil Drain Tank
- Guide to Buying the Best Oil Lift Drains
- Conclusion
Features to Consider in Good Oil Lift Drains
We have narrowed down the design features that when considered will get you the best oil lift drain for your vehicle. Here are the features:
Size
As you look for an oil lift drain, you should select one capable of holding the oil in the engine of your vehicle. You should be aware of the amount of oil contained in the engine of your vehicle to help you decide the size of the oil lift drain tank. Purchasing an oil lift drain with a small tank will result in oil spillage. So take care as you select the size of oil drain tank.
Height
Oil lift drains come in different forms that fit different vehicles. So, if your vehicle is low profile, select an oil lift drain with low height. Choosing a tall one to be used in a low profile car will result in a useless oil lift drain. The product should fit perfectly beneath the car.
Opening
Select an oil lift drain with a large funnel opening. This will let you direct oil flow easily when using large funnels that can accommodate all the oil, eliminating spillage and the associated mess.
Durability
Whatever oil lift drain you settle for, you should make sure it made from a durable material. This will guarantee you that the oil drain will serve you a long time before replacing it. Ensure the drain tank is made from a tough and sturdy material that can withstand any professional garage or home use.
Portability
Almost all oil lift drains can be carried around. Ensure you look for an oil drain that meets your needs and is lightweight to fit in a small when not in use. Most huge setups are complicated to carry or store in small spaces since they are often used in large professional garages.
Top 10 Best Oil Lift Drains 2024
1. Lincoln 3601 Oil Drain
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
It comes with an all steel design body that incorporates reinforced caster and axle to guarantee its dependability and durability. With this product, you get an 18-gallon tank with a preset air regulator which allows the use of standard shop air. The maximum operating pressure is 150 PSI. The telescopic funnel has an adjustable height that ranges between 45 inches to 72 inches.
Convenient features
This Lincoln oil lift drain comes with a reinforced dispensing hose that doubles as a sight gauge to avoid overfilling. Also, you get a safety valve on this oil drain. The safety valve releases excess pressure to ensure proper draining of the fluid from the drain tank. This oil drain does not require an evacuation pump to transfer oil. The whole is easy to carry around as needed. The wide, adjustable funnel ensures that when draining a suspended car on a lift the fluid does not spill or drip on the floor. As well, the strengthened axles and casters in this oil drain guarantee its efficiency and make the movement of the fluid an easy job. The funnel, like most of the parts of this oil drain is made from metal.
Overall
The design of this affordable oil drain provides a safe and quick option of draining, transferring and evacuating vehicle fluids such as oils, transmission and power steering fluids. This oil lift drain provides excellent mobility, simple funnel positioning and an easy-to-use pressurized evacuation. If you are looking for these features, you should consider this Lincoln 18-gallon oil drain.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Made from strong heavy duty steel metal
Cons
- After some time the drain pipe will need to be replaced
2. ARKSEN 20 Gallon Portable Waste Oil Drain Tank Air Operated, Red
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
This oil lift drain tank has an adjustable height that ranges from 45” to 72,5”. Also, it is equipped with a regulator together with a gauge. This oil drain requires to be assembled before use. It comes in color red. The size of the 2 fixed rear casters is 6” and while the size of the 2 front swivel casters is 3”. The working pressure of the drain tank is 10 PSI. Thus, if you are after such features, this Arksen 20 gallon portable oil drain tank is a decent choice for you. It is made from rugged steel.
Convenient features
This oil lift drain is great for draining fluids from vehicles suspended on lifts. The oil drain tank comes with swivel casters as well as polyurethane wheels that allow for quiet and smooth maneuvering. The gauge can measure working pressure from 0 to 23 PSI with 0,5 increments. The regulator and gauge feature a ¼ inch NPT air coupler.
It comes with a heavy duty 15” diameter funnel that features a filter screen. The oil lift drain has a special valve that allows easy transfer of used oil from the tank to the recycling container regardless of the height. Uses the standard shop air pressure to sufficiently drain used fluids from the oil drain tank. The evacuation hose is 8 feet, 9 inches long and has a diameter of 1 inch.
Overall
This rugged steel oil lift drain is portable and features smooth rolling casters and wheels. If you are looking for a durable and portable oil lift drain. This is Arksen oil drain is a great choice.
Pros
- Features 20-gallon tank
- Appropriate from both business and home use
- Easy to use
Cons
- The fitting at the bottom may leak
3. XtremepowerUS 20 Gallon Portable Waste Oil Drain Tank Air Operated Drainage, Red
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
This oil lift drain tank features 4 wheels and includes a gauge and a regulator. It comes with an adjustable height that ranges from 45 inches to 72,5 inches to make it easier to drain fluids from cars mounted on lifts. It comes with 6” casters. The working pressure of the drain tank is 10 PSI. The oil lift drain is made from rugged steel.
Convenient features
As you may have noticed, this product very similar to the previous one. The oil drain tank features swivel casters as well as polyurethane wheels that allow for quiet and smooth maneuvering. The gauge can measure working pressure from 0 to 23 PSI with 0,5 increments. The regulator and gauge feature a ¼ inch NPT air coupler.
It also features a heavy duty 15” diameter funnel that comes with a filter screen. The oil lift drain has a special valve that allows easy transfer of used oil from the tank to the recycling container regardless of the height. The evacuation hose is 8 feet, 9 inches long and has a diameter of 1 inch. Great for extracting fluids from cars using venturi-vacuum extracting mechanism or draining by gravity. Can use the standard shop air pressure to sufficiently drain used fluids from the oil drain tank.
Overall
If you are looking for a portable and durable oil lift drain at an affordable price, this ExtremepowerUS 20 gallon is an excellent choice. This oil lift drain product is efficient at this price point. This is a must-have tool for your garage.
Pros
- The 20 gallon makes it great even for commercial use
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Efficient
Cons
- Difficult to pick up when the tank is full
4. Lisle 11102 Oil Lift Drain - 8 Gallons
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
This translucent 8-gallon oil lift drain is a specifically designed jug that holds 8 gallons of fluid. The base has been strengthened to prevent the oil drain tank from warping when hot oil comes into contact with the container. Also, the handy tool features a heavy duty adjustment clamp as well as a huge handle that provides for easier grip. Together with the lowered center of gravity, it ensures the tool is stable when in use.
Convenient features
This oil lift drain features a large pour spout that features a threaded cap. Also, it includes a quick release height adjustment and locking ring that guarantees fast raising and lowering of the upper tube. The working height ranges from 36,5 inches to 74 inches. The lower center of gravity raises stability and the four 2,5 inches ball bearing wheels swivel and are easy to roll. It also features a huge 15-inch funnel with built-in strainer to collect drain plugs. The oil drain is strong enough to last for years and the design is good.
Overall
This oil lift drain is of excellent quality and eliminates the mess when draining fluids from vehicle mounted on lifts. Neck adjustment is fast, stable and easy. The ergonomic handle design makes it easy to transfer the used oil from the drain tank. If you feel this drain tank is not the right size for you, check out the other options we have listed. This true for a busy professional garage.
Pros
- Strong tank
- Comes with ball bearing casters
- Well-built drain tube with a simple slide/locking mechanism
Cons
- Crude assembly instructions
5. Dragway Tools 18 Gallon Oil Waste Drain Tank Pan for Lift Jack Hoist Shop Crane
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
The 18-gallon drain tank from Dragway Tools makes it possible to drain oil with ease, thanks to its features and huge capacity. The working height of this oil drain tank ranges from 46” to 76”. The 6-inch rear wheels are made from solid rubber while the front wheels are swivel casters which are 3 inches. This oil drain tank features an adjustable air regulator and a maximum of 120 PSI working pressure. This oil drain tank requires to be assembled before use. It comes in color red.
Convenient features
The only thing you need to easily drain the oil from the tank before disposal is to close the ball valve leading to the tank and then connect the air hose. It uses the standard shop air pressure to sufficiently drain used fluids from the oil drain tank. The 6” solid rear tires will not deflate. The oil drain tank comes with an 8 feet long and 1-inch diameter premium hose used for discharge. Also, it includes Ari pop off valve for safety purpose. The oil drain tank is coated with a durable red powder finish that will keep the unit shinning for years. Also, you get a 1200 metal hook end that allows for easy disposal. With this product, you get a one-year warranty.
Overall
This oil lift drain is made with quality in mind. It is a durable product so it is of reliable quality. If you are looking for these features, this 18-gallon oil drain tank from Dragway Tools is a decent option.
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Strong body design
- Durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- No assembly instructions included in the package
6. Dannmar Portable Oil Drain - 8-Gal. Capacity
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
This affordable 8-gallon Dannmar portable oil drain features a durable and functional design. The revolutionary in-built screen ensures no debris gets into the oil tank. Also, the tank features an oil level indicator so that you can easily monitor the level of the oil. The adjustable working height of this oil lift drain varies from a minimum of 48 inches to a maximum of 67 inches.
Convenient features
You don’t want to hold an oil drain pan over your head as you drain oil from a car mounted on a lift, do you? This Dannmar portable oil lift drain has an adjustable funnel height for easy use and efficiency. The 17 ¼ inch funnel diameter is connected to a wide drain pipe that ensures a quick and mess-free draining of fluids from suspended vehicle. The unit comes with smooth-rolling casters to ensure the user can maneuver with ease. As well, with this oil drain tank, you get a convenient hand grip to provide control as you drain use oil from a suspended vehicle. With this product, you get a limited 12-month warranty. The oil drain adjustable funnel is high enough to provide perfect draining height with less mess and spills.
Overall
This is a durable, affordable and functional oil lift drain. It is not a good choice for business use given its small oil drain tank. However, if you are looking for a smooth rolling, tough oil lift drain with suitable capacity for use at home, then this Dannmar 8-gallon oil lift drain is a good choice.
Pros
- The wide drain pipe guarantees fast draining of fluids
- Affordable
- Perfect for home mechanic
Cons
- May leak where the 2 drain pipes connect
- Feels cheap
7. Portable 5 Gallon Telescopic Oil Drain Dolly
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
The oil drain features a 5-gallon tank. The minimum adjustable height of the funnel is 3 feet and 4 inches while the maximum height is 5 feet and 7 inches. The size of the handle grip is 3 inches. The 5-gallon tank is made of galvanized steel and comes with an easy-to-pour spout. The precise size of the funnel is 13 1/8 inches in diameter. This unit comes with four 1,75 inches swivel wheels that are made from high-grade polypropylene to ensure smooth rolling.
Convenient features
The oil drain provides an easy way of draining hydraulic fluids and oil from vehicles mounted on overhead lifts. This oil drain unit is easy to assemble. The strong casters work well on your garage floor. The design of this oil drain tank is such that it cannot be sealed for transportation. However, the nice handle allows you to pour easily the drained oil in the tank into another container if you want to transport it to the recycling plant. The funnel has a built-in strainer to ensure the drain plug does not fall into the container.
Overall
Are you looking for a light oil lift drain that is easy to use without the gimmick associated with oil lift drains? Then this Portable 5-gallon telescopic oil drain may be what you are looking for.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great unit, which makes it worthwhile
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- You may have to seal the area where the funnel meets the drain tube to prevent leakage
- Not appropriate for draining oil from engines with large oil capacity
8. OEMTOOLS 87032 9 Gallon Portable Oil Lift Drain
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
This oil lift drain features a height adjustable funnel with a minimum height of 32 inches and a maximum height of 62 inches. The 17-inch diameter funnel is designed to fit the drain pipe to extend the drip catching area. The unit is equipped with a built-in drain valve which enables gravity drain. The evacuation spout can transfer the drained oil either by using the large handle to pour out the used oil or using a pump to transfer the oil.
Convenient features
The 9-gallon oil drain tank is made from a translucent green plastic that allows the user to monitor the level of oil as it drains from a vehicle mounted on the overhead lifts. When the tank is full, the oil drain has an evacuation spout as well as a drain valve that makes it easy to dispose the drained oil. This handy garage tool is equipped with a tool tray complete with rag hangers for storing your tools within reach as you work. The heavy-duty swivel casters installed on this oil drain makes it easy to transport and maneuver around the garage or shop.
Overall
The tool is designed for easy use and versatility, which makes this 9-gallon oil drain from OEMTOOLS an efficient way of evacuating used oil. The oil drain has an in-built valve for gravity drain. If this strong and affordable oil drain sounds like something you need for draining your vehicle mounted on overhead lifts, then consider giving it a go.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Comes with a convenient tool tray
Cons
- Feels cheap
- Plastic tank may leak
9. Goodyear Waste Oil Drain Tank Air Operated Heavy Duty- 30 Gallon
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
This is air operated oil lift drain features an adjustable oil collecting bowl and funnel. The collection bowl is made from high-quality, long-lasting lightweight material. The collection capacity of the bowl is 4,8 gallon or 18 liters with a diameter of 16 inches or 400mm. The adjustable funnel has a sieve to help catch any debris before reaching the oil drain tank. The diameter of the funnel is 23,8 inches or 606mm. The maximum draining pressure for this unit is 1 bar or 14,5 PSI. This product has a ¼ inch quick plug air inlet connection. The drain is 1.6 meters or 63 inches.
Convenient features
This oil drain with a 30 gallon or 115-liter tank capacity is great for repair shops, automobile dealerships, rental car facilities and quick lube centers of DIY environment where a service pit or lift is available. The height adjustable collecting bowl with a jack lift delivers precision during oil drain. The handle is ergonomically designed to enhance handling. Also, the superior design of the draining hose makes it resistant to abrasion, oils or acids at temperatures as low as -400F (400C) or as high as 2120F (1000C). The unit comes with 2 front and back wheels for movement of the oil drain tank. Also, you get an efficient built-in oil scale on the tank to accurately measure the amount of drained oil in the tank.
Overall
This heavy-duty oil drainer has a reliable design that lets it drain waste oil from engines, differentials and gearboxes through gravity. This 30-gallon oil drainer from Goodyear is mobile allowing the user to move the unit when servicing.
Pros
- Heavy-duty design
- Ideal for commercial use
- High-quality
Cons
- Expensive
10. Goplus 20 Gallon Portable Waste Oil Drain Tank
Editor’s Rating:
Design features
This oil drain is equipped with four wheels that help ease the movement of the oil tank. The capacity of the oil tank 20 gallons. The product is only available in red. The height adjustable funnel is versatile enough to support various overhead lift heights. Assembling the product is necessary before using it. The product is made from premium material to guarantee durability. The diameter of the oil drain pan/funnel is 14,8 inches. The height can be adjusted from 44,5 inches to 69,5 inches. The drain hose 8 feet long and has 1-inch diameter. The maximum working air pressure for this unit 2 bar.
Convenient features
This oil drain tank uses an air operated mechanism to empty the drained oil in the drain tank. The principle empties the tank in a very short time. The unit features two premium fixed wheels as well as two universal wheels that help move the unit around comfortably and safely. The product is versatile enough for use in different spaces such as repair shop, home use and tire factory to drain, transfer and evacuate fluids and oils. The smooth, big oil drain pan is ideal for transferring oil and preventing oil spills. The ability to adjust the height of the funnel allows the oil drain to meet various operational needs. Also, upon purchase, you get clear and detailed instructions on how to assemble the unit.
Overall
This is a good, durable oil drain available at a very good price. The Goplus 20 gallon oil drain tank provides great value for money with the impressive premium body built.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons
- The handle may be on the wrong side for some people
- Main valve easily damaged
Guide to Buying the Best Oil Lift Drains
Oil lift drain is a must-have for anyone operating a garage or an auto shop. This handy tool plays an essential role in draining used oil from your vehicle or another person’s vehicle. Decision making while contemplating the purchase of an oil drain is a tough one and it can get worse if the purchase is necessary. Check out this video for some of the best oil lift drains.
A lot of concerns arise around the features to look out for, affordability, and productivity among others. These concerns are addressed below. The purchase decision can be on your personal criteria and preferences. You are best suited to select the perfect oil lift drain that meets your needs.
What is an oil lift drain?
This is basically a handy tool that helps drain used oil or fluids from a vehicle that is mounted on an overhead lift. The oil drains is usually equipped with a tank that temporarily stores the drained oil or fluids before transferring the content to another container for recycling. Oil lift drains have transformed the way car owners or garage owners drain used oil to avoid the mess that is synonymous with oil change.
These oil drain tanks come in different sizes that support both commercial and home uses depending on how fast they operate. These drain oil tanks are gaining popularity among vehicle enthusiasts as they warm up to more efficient and cleaner ways of draining oil and fluids from vehicles.
Types of oil lift drains
Oil lift drain tanks come in different forms and sizes. The most common feature a telescopic tubing that allows the oil collection pan to have an adjustable height. These tanks rely on air pressure or gravity to evacuate the content in them for recycling or combine both. Depending on the height of the overhead lift, these oil lift drains provide a mess-free way of draining used fluids and oil without hassle.
Things to Consider in an Oil Lift Drain
Before embarking on the shopping process for an oil lift drain, take into account the following things:
Price
In oil drains, price is influenced by various factors. The most notable is the capacity of the oil drain tank. The capacity of the oil drain tanks varies but the common ones vary from 5 to 25 gallons. Your choice will depend on the intended use.
When looking for a home use oil drain tank, you don’t need the expensive, bigger options. However, commercial users may have to invest in expensive oil drain tanks if they need one that performs faster and capable of accommodating more oil. Check out this video demonstration on the use of a heavy-duty commercial oil lift drain.
The shape and size of the funnel may also influence the price of an oil drain. Round and bigger funnels are much more efficient and are a bit expensive compared to the common funnels. Also, the height may play a role in the pricing as taller drain tanks are great for vehicles on overhead lifts.
Generally, expect to spend between $70 and $200 for a decent oil lift drain. Avoid the very cheap oil lift drains since they may lack enough capacity or may have few features, which can make the task of draining oil from vehicles tedious.
Features
Although oil drain tanks do the same job, they usually have varying features. Some are equipped with larger funnels and new designs, as others are simply basic and have the features you can expect in an oil drain tank. Taking this into account, it is paramount to get your priorities right and understand the essential features for you and forego the rest.
This checklist is handy when searching for an oil lift drain tank:
- The appropriate tank capacity
- Portability and stability
- Long drain hose
- Nice shaped funnel
- Adjustable height to cater for different cars
- Gauge and regulator for accurate calibration
Construction and design
You need to consider several things when it comes to the oil drain construction and design such as material, height and capacity. The capacity of the tank will determine if the oil drain is fit for either home or commercial use. When looking for an oil lift drain for home use, then consider tank capacity between 5 and 10 gallons. However, for commercial use, consider tank capacity that exceeds 25 gallons.
The funnel material and design will differentiate between a clean a garage after the draining process or messy one with spilled oil all over. Most funnels are equipped with tight-fitting caps that hinder spillage. Selecting a strong material such as steel will enhance its durability. If you need more convenience, purchase an oil drain equipped with rubber wheels for easy transport.
Ease of use and Performance
We acknowledge you like tools that require minimal or no assembly. Choose, oil drain tanks that are constructed with efficiency in mind. These tools are basically ‘plug-and-play’. Besides the drain hose that you may have installed in place for evacuating the oil to another container, the tool should be straightforward. Provided you have closed the valve leading to the tank, you can attach the air hose to start the process. It can’t get easier than that!
Conclusion
Oil drains are a necessity in your garage either at home or professional shop. You never know when you may need to change engine oil or leaking transmission fluid or antifreeze fluid. Choosing the right lift oil drains is important. Oil lift drains have made the messy and cumbersome process of draining vehicle oil, easy. These handy tools have revolutionized the process of draining oil making it a lot faster and cleaner. We acknowledge establishing the best oil lift drain for you can be a challenge. In this guide, we have shown you some of the best oil lift drains and factors to consider when purchasing a decent oil lift drain.
