THSCC Forums

I'm in the market for a new floor jack. I've got a couple of the old heavy steel jacks which, for the most part, have served me well over the years- but I need a new one. I also have a couple of the el-cheapo aluminum HF-type jacks, which don't seem to hold up very well the way I use them- but they are invaluable when it comes time to schelp them across a dirt field.


I saw a decent looking ~3 ton steel jack at WalMart the other day for ~$70, I believe it was a "Black Jack" brand. It was the "low profile" type that had a tapered nose to fit under low cars- looked like a good deal to me.


I also saw this:


Someone on one of the BMW Boards got this from Costco for ~$99. It's a 2 ton low profile aluminum jack. Looks a bit more substantial than the HF cheapies. I might have to check out the new Raleigh Costco for this one.

Then there's this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Omega-OME29023-He ... automotive

and a video of it in action on a Honda S2000:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIqXeeaFmlo

Looks like a NICE jack, but not sure I'm ready to drop $200 on it.


IF I was ready to drop some $$$ on a floor jack, it'd probably be this DK20: http://www.asedeals.com/hydraulicjacks2.html
(you'll have to scroll down a bit to see the DK 20.)



So, anyone care to toss in their 2 cents worth????




Bret.

I have a Sears Aluminum as well as a standard Harbor Freight steel. I use the Sears all the time, the HF is the backup/for when I need two jacks (bought it first).

If you join Craftsman Club and wait for it to go on sale, I think it goes for $150 or so.

The tapered-nose low-profile one you posted looks interesting.

Regards,
--Ashraf

I got the Costco one and am quite pleased with it. It's very well made and seems like it will hold up over time. Great deal for the price.

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Marek Rozanski

mdroz@me.com
919-648-2433

I've been very happy with the Craftsman jack so far. I haven't had any of the funky problems people have reported with the Harbor Freight jacks. It is a bit heavy though.

--Kevin H.

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2003 WRX (again!)

If I had the $$$, I'd go with a Brunnhoelzl. I think that they come with their own jack man.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

Also consider how far back the jack must go beneath your car. The tapered front end may not be as useful if the pumping end is too bulky. And I noticed various pump handle angles. I prefer one where the handle pumps at a more horizontal angle on my car.

Donnie has one of those, and I will say, it is a phenomenal jack. - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

Damn well better be! Honestly, I just can't comprehend what would make a jack worth that much dough, I mean, you still have to pump the damn thing don't you? For that much money I would expect to just push a button on a remote control if not what Wes said...

I have the Sears Craftsman one - $99 all aluminum (2-ton I think). Very easy pump action, and lowers with a twist of the handle. It's pretty light, but sturdy.

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David Ekstrom
NOV 28
2005 Mustang GT

I bought the aluminum one that PepBoys has had on sale. Really light and breaks down easy, making transporting to events less of a hassle. I think it is usually $89-$109 depending on the sales they are running.

Picked up the 3 ton steel (i.e.- heavy as a mofo) Black Jack brand made by Torin at Wally world today. It was ~$62, it's got the low profile saddle on it, something like 3.25" minimum clearance needed to slide under the car.

I'll get some pics + a full report sometime this weekend.




Bret.

I can be a tool snob at times, but my HF (classic blue aluminum unit) is working fine for me. I could have, what ? 12 of those for one Brunnhoelzl. That would make for a solid lift!

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Colin O'Connell

'94 BMW NASA SPEC 3
'02 F350 tow vehicle (not bad for a tow vehicle)
'97 Miata STO (autoX and sunny day spoils vehicle)
'97 BMW 328i (loaner to the kids when their cars don't work vehicle)
'05 Toyota Highlander

Our Harbor Frieght aluminum is getting sticky and has a hard time lowering now. :/

My friend has the same jack and it takes 3-4 pumps for one pump of mine so something is wrong there too.

How serviceable are these HF jacks?

If you still have the instructions that came with the jack (I know, that's usually the first thing I throw away........), there should be instructions on how to bleed the jack. I've done that a couple of times with the HF aluminum jacks I've owned and it gives them a little more life. Seems to help the most when it takes too many pumps to lift the jack- bleeding the air out of the jack oil should help.



Bret.

Right off the instruction sheet.

1. Turn handle 1 1/2 turns counterclockwise..
2. Remove Seal Bolt oil fill plug.
3. Rapidly pump handle several times to purge air.
4. Close release valve by turning handle completely clockwise.
5. Top off fluid to bottom of plug hole.
6. Replace Seal Bolt (plug).

Make sure the lift part is flat down at the bottom of its travel. I had to add some to mine after I got it because it wasn't filled enough. I did the process a couple of times. 4 pumps and the car is up. The jack is 3 yrs old and works fine.

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http://www.greywinds.com