I purchased this jack http://www.harborfreight.com/compact...ons-69252.html
Has anyone else used their jacks? I have had a 3 ton heavy steel jack for years and it works fine.
But this alum. jack worked once when putting my drag radials on. 2 weeks latter, was going to switch back to my street tires, and it wont pick the car up. Im wondering if they are junk and I should just get a refund or maybe I just got a bad one.
Looking for opinions and suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Edit to say, when I got it, I paid $59.95

 

I have had the same jack for 2 years now with no problems. Maybe you just got a bad one.

 

It's Harbor Freight with touch and go China quality. Take it back and exchange it. Sooner or later you should get one that works.

 

Rich - I believe that since there's a Harbor Freight in the "vicinity" I'd maybe give them "benefit of doubt" and see how they'll deal with a request for replacement. The physical condition would be an indicator of the usage. Based on their reaction I guess I'd make the decision "on the spot"!

 

I have the same Harbor Freight jack in the 2 ton model. It works fine.

 

Mine works fine. I very much like it as it will get under things that even my low profile London won't get under. It is also light enough to take with you to the track so you can change tires there.

 

Did you check the oil level? Also that sometimes happens with an air bubble. Check the directions, usually you loosen the lock bolt and cycle the handle rapidly. Opening the oil cap might be needed too.

 

I've got a small steel model that's been around for 3+ yrs and works fine.
I also have a PILE of other misc HF tools. Power tools, assorted hand tools.
About 1 of 4 times I will have to return a power-tool or some kind of mechanical item for exchange. They swap it no problem. If you pay the extra $5 or $10 at check out and get the extra warranty...its added piece of mind. I do not mind going back annually for a new grinder or drill....I have one now that has a 'date' for exchange....
The quality is marginal but most of the time the product DOES work right. Like I say, when something does NOT, it goes back for a refund or exchange and I've never had a problem and I've bought from HF at the Camarillo warehouse and a doz other stores since. Even the RC airplane worked fairly well...the pilot kinda sucked but the plane itself was great.
For tools that you need just to do a job they cannot be beat. if you want to collect and build an asset that's got actual value then buy snap-on. I have a buddy that's got well over $100,000 invested (insured for that much) in his cabinets, hand tools and counters that fill a 12 x 20' room...Mahogany work benches? really????
he has a warranty that's just as good or better, but I have more cash in my pocket than he does...its a matter of personal preference. ....and I don't freak out when something turns up missing. he DOES !

 

I have 2 of those light jacks from harbor, they work fine.
I don't trust them as much as I do my heavy jacks but when you have to lift the car that little bit to get a bigger jack to where you can jack up the car they are perfect for the job.

Just don't expect to lift the whole rear or front end using one, maybe one corner at a time but not the whole front or rear.

 

I've used the the 3 ton Aluminum floor jack for 3 years and it is Great!

 

Have you checked the fluid level? Always possible that it didn't get a full load of hydraulic jack oil. Is there any signs of leaking around the piston or the small cylinders (with the springs) that pump the fluid?

If everything looks clean and dry, it might be worth returning it for another one. Most of these small aluminum jacks are made by the same company but some of the HF versions are factory "seconds".

 

Just exchange it for another one and remember to use a jackstand before crawling underneath.

 

No problem here!

 

Jacking a car or truck is no place for Chinese junk.
Your much better to look for a Original Black Hawk or Watco floor jack. They can be bought for reasonable money. Rebuild kits are available for short bucks. They will not fail like Chinese Stuff.

My quick test for a floor jack.....If I can pick it up and set it on the work bench without hurting myself...pass it by. My 3 ton Watco weighs just short of 160 pounds and will lift all day, every day.

Dont get hurt with junk.

8Valve

 

A lil harsh!!! I have a steel 2.5 ton jack from 1986 and the HF 2 ton aluminum works GREAT.. picks up the vette or any car i lifted. and holds with ease..

 

I wanted to say thanks to everybody for your input. I will check for air, but I doubt it, since it worked when I purchased it. The invoice says 90 days return, so I will trade for another. I just wanted to see if others had problems with it, and if so, I would just get a refund.
FWIW I really just purchased it to take on track days etc. I have a heavy long 3 ton steel jack that I have had for years.
Again thanks to everyone!!

 

I have the single piston version of that jack and it's been fine for several years.

About a year ago I saw a pallet of Craftsman floor jacks on sale at O'Reilly's. The picture on the box was EXACTLY the same as my Harbor Freight jack.

 

OK I traded it in for another one. Thanks again, to everyone for their help.