Opininions on HF floorjack as a gift.

[evintho]

I'm looking to buy my stepson a floorjack. He doesn't have many tools and he just bought an Econoline pickup. 302, Cragars.....somewhat of a hot rod. He needs basic toolage. His wife bought him a mini floorjack/jackstands combo. Utterly useless! My budget is about $80. With a 20% off coupon I should be right there. I know this is chinese garbage but will it last for a few years with light to medium useage? Anyone have something similar? Is it still going strong or did it leak from day one? Opinions are appreciated!

http://www.harborfreight.com/floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-3-ton-heavy-duty-68048.html

 

[Davefr]

I don't think HF allows the 20% coupon to be used on floor jacks.

I'd personally pay the extra $10 and go to Costco and get the Arcan. It's pretty well regarded here.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36136&highlight=arcan

 

[Eric Commarato]

I bought that one, it is very well made for a Asian jack. The fit and finish a very good, I am very happy with mine.

 

[Givl Reggin]

...I know this is chinese garbage...

Ask yourself this; would you be happy if someone gave you "chinese garbage?" I wouldn't... I'd be embarrassed to give it and insulted to receive it.

Why not just give him the $80 cash?

 

[Greg_R]

I know this is chinese garbage but will it last for a few years with light to medium useage? Anyone have something similar? Is it still going strong or did it leak from day one?

I haven't had any problems with a similar asian brand. It weighs a ton but doesn't leak. Having said that, I would never trust ANY jack... get a set of stands.

 

[toolstools]

Funny you should ask this. I recently sold my blown Eclipse and went to harbor freight to spend my earnings. ($275 of it to he exact) my dad was with me and I told him to pick any jack he wanted as his is leaking off when its fully raised. Obviously he went with the 4 ton. Got the 2 year warranty no questions warranty and it ran me 165 iirc. Like he tells me, if your going to get something, make it worth your while. Get the 4 ton.

 

[pipsters]

I have the 2.5 ton low profile, it's been excellent for me.

 

[Airframer]

I was in a similar position as your son and picked up the 3 ton jack for $89 last weekend on sale. It is not a $400 jack, but will do all I need it to for a few years. Well worth the money in the short term, and when it does eventually die, I'll pick up something nicer.

I'm not sure if it is still on sale, but the 20% coupon is not supposed to apply to floor jacks.

 

[jabberwoki]

Teach your son the value of backing up America go buy a US made one and tell him why you did it.

 

[upndown]

HF sidewalk sale this weekend, 3 ton jack 69.99

 

[HaroRider]

I have purchased the HF one when I was low on cash and figure I would eventually upgrade it, but honestly I have MOVED many cars with it and really use it for what its not for and its working fine. I can say if your low on cash its an amazing choice.

(Its the older orange two ton)

 

[hemislave]

I bought the 3 ton jack, so far I"ve been pleased with it.

 

[Presto_z]

I have the low profile 3 ton aluminum jack from hf and like it quite a bit.

 

[Airframer]

HF sidewalk sale this weekend, 3 ton jack 69.99

Well, ****.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Bought the exact same one on Black Friday for $69. Have used it several times since then and can't complain. I was impressed it had grease fittings. There's several more expensive brands that don't. Simple things like that catch my eye.

 

[sselander]

I also have the older HF orange 2 ton one as well. No leaks and it has been hauled up to my dad's house many times when working on his truck. It is heavy as hell , but is pretty sturdy. No complaints.

 

[tribbles]

I bought one a few months ago and it's worked fine so far. Beats the hell out of that beat up 2-ton trolley jack with the missing wheels I've been using for years. I settled for it because I have an old Walker waiting along with the rest of my late dad's tools as soon as I can go haul them back from SE Texas.

 

[96snma]

I have one that looks almost identical purchased from princess auto (Canada's hf). It's far from garbage! Going on 5 years of heavy use. Hasn't failed or given me troubles one time. Picks up everything from my skyline or evo to my 1/2 ton with a 5.3

 

[nine4gmc]

HF sidewalk sale this weekend, 3 ton jack 69.99

This and a set of jack stands imo. I have the 3 ton and it's not used daily but between my two vehicles, my girls and my two neighbors, it does get used pretty good and has held up well so far. The only problem with mine is the screw that retains the handle got broke when someone borrowed it a couple years back

 

[Rickster]

Get him the tool cart instead.

 

[ihatelaramie]

We have the older orange one, and its spent more than its fair share of time holding up 3/4 & 1-ton Ford's, been doing it for years. Never any trouble with it, even though it lives outside. I will say this, however.. it is very difficult to get it to lower gently. Precise downward movement can take a bit of finesse.. Other than that, its proven to be a good value.

 

[Modifieddriver]

If I was a kid again and a relative gave me a floor jack I'd be thrilled.

Wouldn't have to be new, made in USA, 3T, 4T, red, etc..

I'd just be happy if it worked and was safe.

He needs a good jack to go with his new jack stands?

 

[Presto_z]

If I was a kid again and a relative gave me a floor jack I'd be thrilled.

Wouldn't have to be new, made in USA, 3T, 4T, red, etc..

I'd just be happy if it worked and was safe.

Does the kid have jack stands?

Agreed, and jack stands are a must!

 

[The Ratchet Man]

I will say this, however.. it is very difficult to get it to lower gently. Precise downward movement can take a bit of finesse.. Other than that, its proven to be a good value.

If I'm not mistaken the one you speak of has the two gears connecting the handle to the pump, correct? The current model has a universal joint making the connection. It has a lot more control when lowering. Another feature I forgot to mention that I really like.

 

[ihatelaramie]

If I'm not mistaken the one you speak of has the two gears connecting the handle to the pump, correct? The current model has a universal joint making the connection. It has a lot more control when lowering. Another feature I forgot to mention that I really like.

Yes, mine has the two gears.. if they've changed this, and it provides better downward control, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

 

[evintho]

HF sidewalk sale this weekend, 3 ton jack 69.99

Excellent timing! I'll stop in after work tomorrow and pickup the jack and a set of stands. Thanks for the info!!

 

[Skin]

Funny you should ask this. I recently sold my blown Eclipse and went to harbor freight to spend my earnings. ($275 of it to he exact) my dad was with me and I told him to pick any jack he wanted as his is leaking off when its fully raised. Obviously he went with the 4 ton. Got the 2 year warranty no questions warranty and it ran me 165 iirc. Like he tells me, if your going to get something, make it worth your while. Get the 4 ton.

The issue with the higher tonnage jacks is the low lifting height, and lesser so the additional weight of the jack. 4 ton starts at 4 inches and stops at 20, a 2 ton starts at a little over 2 inches and stops at 23.

I didn't like the way their aluminum jacks are built but I think their basic steel (use to be orange, now grey) models are a hell of a bargain. This thread has been pretty civilized without anyone bashing the brand but if you need any proof the jacks are decent, beyond the good remarks in this thread, look no further than the youtube personality of eric the car guy. He's been posting vids for 3+ years and all I've seen him jack up vehicles with is orange HF jacks. If they can survive a full time mechanic [who doesn't have a lift meaning he relies on the jacks daily] that's certainly passing the test in my book.

 

[toolstools]

The issue with the higher tonnage jacks is the low lifting height, and lesser so the additional weight of the jack. 4 ton starts at 4 inches and stops at 20, a 2 ton starts at a little over 2 inches and stops at 23.

I didn't like the way their aluminum jacks are built but I think their basic steel (use to be orange, now grey) models are a hell of a bargain. This thread has been pretty civilized without anyone bashing the brand but if you need any proof the jacks are decent, beyond the good remarks in this thread, look no further than the youtube personality of eric the car guy. He's been posting vids for 3+ years and all I've seen him jack up vehicles with is orange HF jacks. If they can survive a full time mechanic [who doesn't have a lift meaning he relies on the jacks daily] that's certainly passing the test in my book.

Something I didn't know. To each there own

 

[Justin1776]

I've had the 4 ton HF jack since Christmas to replace my dying Craftsman 3 ton and it has done well (used it about 5 times). It is pretty damn heavy though so I may get an aluminum jack for times when I go to a friends to help out, something to consider.

 

[peterbilr98]

I would be down there wright now buying a HF jack there good jacks

 

[Danglerb]

HF jacks are fine, replacing the semi worthless jack his wife got him, not a good plan.

Give him some cash, or find some other item, or quietly drop off the jack without fanfare.

 

[upndown]

I'm sure the wife meant well, but how else is she gonna learn? Hurt feelings are way better than a hurt husband!

Picking up another jack and a few more stands tomorrow, they're great for the quads, trailers etc.

 

[Spider308]

I was looking for a floor jack.
After many options and sales going by. I look in CL and found a roll a car floor jack from the 1920's full mechanical price was $100.00 plus trip + time is long and heavy but with history and is made in good old USA. I like the character and my kids are interested in the technology. Hey it lift my 99 suburban with no problems. That is a jack of all trades to me, Jack.

 

[BerninicaCO3]

isn't there a risk of an older jack requiring a pricey re-sealing, if old seals are rotted and leaking?

I bought the 2 ton aluminum harbor freight "racing" jack. It works, it never gave out on me, but it's awfully flimsy. For a heavy van, definitely jump to 3 ton. It's MUCH heavier duty.

Also, height isn't an issue. Just stick a short stub of 4x4 on top, and you're golden.
If he doesn't have a smooth driveway, if there are stones at all, and he's doing work outside there; be sure to get a length of plywood so that the jack wheels can roll forward as the vehicle comes up. Learned that lesson early.

 

[Modifieddriver]

That small economy jack he was already given............tell him to use that as his roadside assistance jack to carry in his vehicle.

I really think that's what they are originally intended for. I have one with a plastic case.

 

[RECox286]

If you do opt for a jack from HF, look at it before you buy it.

The things I look for are simple enough: Simplicity, don't get

caught up with bells and whistles like double pump, which is

just extra stuff to break. Heavy duty, is is rated to do the

job you have in mind, I look at 2X the working load of what I

want to lift. Maintenance, how easy will it be to disassemble,

clean, repair, reassemble, service, grease. Price, you don't

get something for nothing, but HF usually has floor jacks on

their sale flyers just about every month. I would also check

out other places like Tractor Supply, C'man, Northern, Craigs

List, and the like. Be somewhat leary of Craigs List unless you

are handy enough to possibly tackle a rebuild right off the bat.

(Not saying that used can't be as good as new, or that new is

better than used.) You should be able to get something that will

fit the bill for around $100. with no trouble.

Uncle Bob

 

[mattamd_xp]

I have abused my 3 ton HF jack almost daily for over 7 years and I just can't kill it. I would highly recommend it for the price. Not everyone needs the highest quality/best that money can buy. I purchased it as a temporary jack to upgrade once it broke, and it hasn't yet. I was short on cash at the time and it was about the only jack I could afford. While it is made overseas, there are many people in the US that are employed by HF and it is an American owned company. Considering many places are not American owned and sell the same type of thing for more money, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase certain things from HF. The Jack and the jackstands are very hard to beat for the price. I have 3 sets each of the 3 and 6 ton stands and I can't say the quality is any less than the Craftsman and similar ones.

 

[BTC]

I just bought the 2 ton low profile jack, 68050, with a coupon for 99 bucks. If I had received it as a gift, I wouldn't have been upset. It's a heavy jack and has a good lifting range.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Get yourself a nice scissor lift...Give him a card that says, "Anytime you need to use my lift, just come on over." (Slip $50 in it, you'll both be happy.)

 

[pendragon1998]

You could also consider a set of ramps.