I agree, if I were only allowed one jack, the Hi-Lift would be my first choice. It is a very versitile tool, not only can it lift, clamp, spread, but it can be modified to do much more. If you have tow straps and or tow chains you can use the Hi-Lift as a winch, and the handle can be detached for use as a breaker bar. However, I have been in a few situations when a small bottle jack would have been very desirable over the Hi-Lift, for example: trying to change a tire in an extreme off camber situation.