The 10 Best Fluid Evacuators

The JohnDow Industries Crew Chief (appx. $227) is a stout little machine, as it's made of heavy-duty steel, making it a smart choice for shops filled with busy mechanics. The 7-inch wheels make it easy to move from spot to spot without throwing your back out.

The Jabsco DIY (appx. $160) hooks up to a boat or car battery with its 6-foot leads and alligator clips, and can drain hot oil in just a few minutes. Everything is stored in the large plastic bucket, making transporting it down to the recycling center as easy as possible.

You don't even need to lift your car off the ground to get the oil out if you have the EWK Portable (about $64) on hand. It has a special angled spout that lets it get into tight spaces without spilling fluid all over the floor, making cleanup a breeze.

The 12-inch base on the Air Power America Topsider (around $50) gives the whole thing a stable foundation, so it's unlikely to tip over even if you start to pump vigorously. It's designed for boats, but don't be surprised if you find uses for it all over your garage.

The Briggs & Stratton 5431K (about $38) has a large jug with plenty of room for oil, but it's also a bulkier option and can be difficult to squeeze under vehicles with little clearance. Still, it works quickly, so you shouldn't have to be cramped for very long.

If you have a large job in front of you — or if you simply don't like having to empty the container very often — the 20-gallon Arksen Drain Tank (about $150) is just what the doctor ordered. The height is adjustable, allowing you to bring it up when working on raised vehicles.

The 2.3 gallon reservoir on the Mityvac 7201 Plus (around $103) gives you more than enough room to drain most consumer machinery, and it's made of a rugged polyethylene, so you can leave the contents inside without worrying about leaks or corrosion.

You can drain your vehicle of all liquids, not just oil, with the OEMTools 24389 (around $81). It works well on coolant, power-steering fluid, and water, and can empty out the dipstick tube, thanks to its two specialized adapters that insert directly inside.

It's not the largest option, with only a 7-ounce capacity, but the Mityvac MVA6851 (appx. $27) can be quite handy in tight spaces. It clamps down on the hose and locks it in place while draining, allowing you to pump with all your might and not worry about the tube popping off.

You can use air power to speed up the job with the Mityvac 7300 PneumatiVac (appx. $89). It hooks up to a compressed air canister and can suck up every last drop of fluid in just a few minutes, giving you extra time to spend on more pressing matters (like watching TV).