I had a Sears 2 1/2 ton floor jack for many years, at least 15. It was a great jack- never leaked down, manuverable, large "head" to jack on, could start to pump up with very small strokes if necessary. It finally died and 2 local hydraulic shops refused to rebuild it. Should have looked harder, it was a great jack. Threw it in a car going to the crusher. Then I bought an orange one from Sams. It never was really right, always had a slow leak. It lasted about 3 years and died. My dad bought 1 around the same time and is was virtually the same. Then I went back to Sams and bought a red one-Allied I think. Heavier, less manuverable, don't like the "qwik-up" feature (only useful on very large ground clearance vehicles), and it has to have a large stroke to start up which is inconvienient for low vehicles. It still works, but I just don't like it.

I have one of those $100 aluminum lightweight racing jacks and it is OK, but I don't trust it for heavy, continuous use. So, does anybody have a recommendation for a good 2-3 ton floor jack that is strong enough for lots of use, starts up with small strokes, doesn't leak down, and will last more than 5 years? Doesn't necessarily have to fit under the Vette, I can start up with the aluminum jack. Does Lincoln still make a good jack? Sears have a good one? Thanks for your comments and suggestions.

 

I been thru the same thing, my "Cheap" one from sears 15 yrs ago finally gave it up and I got another cheap one that promptly bent!
Sears has one that looks pretty nice for about $200. Good Cheap tools I am afrain don't exist anymore

 

Sam's Club sells a very nice one under the Michelin brand. My dad and I each have one, they work wonderfully.

 

I'll go take a look. Thanks!

 

I went through nearly the same experience. Bought one from the local auto parts store and after 2 years it leaked.

I went back to Sears and bought a 3 ton Craftsman low profile jack with the twist handle. I love it and couldn't be happier.

Good luck,
Dino

 

Exactly what i was going to recommend, i bought mine 18 months ago
3 1/2 ton, one pump to chasis, 22.5 inch jacking height and it came
with 2 very large jack stands 26" if i remember right.

cost me $82 out the door.

 

I have a Sears 3 ton that is heavy as all getout but gets the job done. I also have a Sears 2 ton as a back up that I use on the "other" side when I'm lifting the entire front or back.

 

I have had one of these for several years. It's wonderful. Cheap, fast lift, removable pad, wide base, tall reach, and pretty blue. Check it out at your local Sams.

 

I bought a craftsman 3 ton a number of years ago and have never had a problem with it......you also have a better warranty with Sears.

 

They didn't have them for a while, but I saw them on the shelf again the last time I was there.

 

I have a Hein Werner jack for the last 20+ years. My dad got it for me years ago. He knew a rep from Hein Werner and got it for nothing. At the time I think it was priced at 250. It is a beast and it is heavy. Never had a problem but I would probably not buy one for home use. It is industrial quality.

 

Yeah I know...I'm tempted to go get another one. I always seem to need more than one jack.

 

I bought a 2 1/2 ton jack from my local Sears hardware store and less than a year later, it wouldn't work. I returned it with no receipt and they gave me a new 3 ton jack as a free replacement. So far, so good on the new one.

 

My 5000LBS Craftsman just gave out this weekend! Large pool of oil under the jack after lifting the Vette....Had it since 95....

 

That happened to a friend with a Craftman jack. Replaced for free, but that didn't cover the damage done to the car it dropped.

 

i bought the low profile alum from sears, one pump brings it to car..fits under a c-5

 

i ordered a one of these yesterday....

The extra-low profile AC Hydralics jack Vet is using in the photo is a little pricey. I found another low profile jack that looks like it might serve and it also has a long reach - the Omega OME29023. Tooltopia has it for about $190 here:

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?P...D&ProdID=11737


I think it's well worth the money............
plus they have free shipping right now....

 

Those long low profile jacks are great, but I hate making the extra room for them. Floor jacks are hard enough to store without the extra foot or length.

 

Easy: you need a bigger, detached garage with 3 bays, a lock on the door and a fridge w/ ice cold beer in it. (that's my dream, anyway).

 

I know that dream VERY well. Here is my buddy's garage fridge full of beer. I have a full size garage fridge that's usually well stocked, but it will be a few years before I have a 3-bay garage with lifts and a full fitment of tools and equipment.