Procrastination Racing

I did a search but it looks like the hydraulic floor jack discussions are all about 6 years old or more. Since the quality of jacks seem to get worse as companies try to reduce costs, I thought I'd better start a new discussion.

My trusty Sears 2 ton floor jack from 30 years ago gave up a couple of years ago, and a pair of cheap Chinese WalMart clearance jacks ($15 each) that filled the gaps and supplemented the Sears have finally given up. I haven't had any luck finding any place that rebuilds jacks, so it looks like buying new is the only option.

And with old age (at least I feel that way when lifting a jack), I figure aluminum is the way to go. The obvious options are Sears and Harbor Freight, but I'd like to get something that isn't going to die in 3 or 4 years and that will last like my old Sears did (roughly 25 years).

What have you?

Sigforty

I have an omega black magic. It is a very low profile Jack. It works great for my c5 since it can get under the nose without hitting.

13611

I've had great luck with my Harbor Freight low profile aluminum jack. Going on about 10 years now and I use the heck out of it.

Iceaxe

Ditto

fleming23

Surprisingly, me too. It has not leaked or had any issues to speak of. I do have a much nicer, more expensive, aluminum jack that looks nearly identical as well, but the smaller Harbor Freight seems to be my go-to. I use to carry it in my ramp truck and still take it to the track with me.

0Fred@ReverseLogic

The Compac 90555 jack has a 3" saddle height and 5" frame height. It's 37" long and can reach front central jack points without restricting handle travel on most cars. Three year warranty. Spare parts availability. This a jack that your unborn grandkids will be happy to inherit.

http://www.reverselogic.us/shop.html...tegory=6233010

jnb5101

I have the HF low profile steel jack (about $80). It's low enough so that it will fit under the front of the car and reach the front cross member and have a 2x6 as a pad (don't yell at me about this). Heavy as a bitch but it's on wheels! Also, since my garage floor has huge expansion joints (thank's for nothing Shea Homes!), when the wheels of my engine hoist fall into one of the joints, the jack will fit under the hoist frame and lift it out.

gungatim

rebuilding hydraulic jacks is EXTREMELY easy. there are several tutorials out there. that said, most of my jacks are freebies that I fixed, except my two HF aluminum low profile jacks. I love 'em. I have two because we used them to jack up a small building to move it. The building slipped and crushed one on its side, but I was able to take it apart and press the side plate flat again and it is as good as new...a great deal for a nice light low profile floor jack...

C3_ERROR

HF here also. I picked this one up for like $59.00 on one of their sidewalk sales.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-s...ump-69227.html

hipocars1

Pull the hydraulic cylinder and send it to these guys for rebuilding.
http://hydraulicrepairmi.com/kawkawl...ack-repair.htm
They rebuilt two cylinders for me from Sears jacks that were built in the '70's. They have been trouble free for many years.
If you attempt to rebuild your jack yourself, be aware that there's "heavy metals" contaminents in the cylinder, not something you want to fool with.

69_Shark

A tidbit about floor hydraulic jacks I was told is to store them flat on their own wheels.
Do not stand them on end to save floor space! I was told that is bad for the gaskets and such. It greatly shortens their lives if stored improperly.

I'm no expert but my current floor jack sits flat on its own wheels not on its side or on end and has already outlasted my other improperly stored jacks by a factor of 2 and is still going!

Scott

BLDun

Harbor Freight here also!! Blue aluminum racing low profile with quick lift. Been using it about 10 years and no complaints or failures!!

rajin cajin

This one!!! Got tired of the cheap ones going out or not having enough lift clearance. This one will lift the entire rear high enough to slide the old steel ramps under both wheels at the same time. Will also lower an auto transmission with said car on the steel ramps and able to clear frame pulling transmission out. Has the quick foot pump also which is nice.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-L...ump-68050.html

CA-Legal-Vette

I agree with all the others. If you kept your trusty old Sears, you can fairly easily rebuild it. Do a search on the garage forum for instructions.

If you tossed it, give one of the Harbour Freight aluminum jacks a try. They seam to last very well and if they don't, at least you got it cheap!

SS164

Hein-Werner Well built and "Made In USA"

brent319

I caught that one on sale and love it. It is heavy, but I don't do nascar style pit stops so I just like how low it is and how high it will go. And the price.

Jeff_Keryk

I have 4:
30 year old steel monster from an old school auto parts store
Costco Aluminum jack; strong but it leaks
2 cheapo HF jacks; one is pretty old and well used.


Love 'em all; get the most use outta the HF cheapos

gungatim

Heavy metals contaminents? where did you hear that? it's just hydraulic fluid and a couple rubber seals...are you filling your jacks with mercury or something? I rebuilt a cylinder from a '50's tractor loader about 8 yrs. ago. the seals were leather...no cancer yet...

it's much more dangerous changing your engine oil. used motor oil WILL cause cancer given enough time and exposure. yet we all do it...

NJStingray

I was looking to pick up a HF jack, at least this confirms I'm not doing the wrong thing

redvetracr

ballpark price for a rebuild?