Single or dual point release?

[ms fowler]

I am nearing the time to order a 2 post lift. ( I think I have settled on 2 post rather than 4 post--but I change with the wind).

Is the single versus dual point release feature worth being an issue? Is having to release the safeties at 2 points merely inconvenient ( or not all that inconvenient) or safer (or less safe) than a single point release?

What other features are "must haves"?

 

[Jlbc212]

A single point release uses a steel cable to release the remote safety lock. Steel cables have many varied uses ranging from suspension bridges, lifting garage doors, to releasing a remote safety lock. It is a nice convenience on a lift

 

[JJThrasher]

I prefer the dual so that I don't have to stand there and hold two levers at once.

 

[egnorant]

I prefer the 2 point as it gives me a good chance for a final walk around to check for problems.

Bruce

 

[Falcon67]

Mine uses a single point. IMHO that's the best way because you can stand by the pump while lowering the load and stop/lock or reverse/lock quickly if something goes wrong, like crushing the **** out of a 2 gallon dog water jug because you forgot you pushed it out of the way under a lift arm.

You want to tune the lift so that your locks snap over at the same time, so I'm not sure why a double release would be anything more than a PITA. Raise, push the lock release and hold, lower the load.

It should be standard practice to clear the lift area before lowing the load.

 

[ms fowler]

It should be standard practice to clear the lift area before lowing the load.
Sounds like knowledge gained through experience.

 

[mmb617]

It should be standard practice to clear the lift area before lowing the load.
Sounds like knowledge gained through experience.

I can relate. I have these wheeled metal carts I use to hold tools while I'm working and once lowered the lift and caught a corner of one that wasn't quite clear. I noticed it pretty quick but not before it bent a corner of the cart down an inch or so.

Now it's standard practice to make certain the underlift area is clear before lowering.

I didn't know there even was such a thing as a dual point release. I can't figure out what the advantage would be of such a setup.

 

[lakeroadster]

I am nearing the time to order a 2 post lift. ( I think I have settled on 2 post rather than 4 post--but I change with the wind).

Is the single versus dual point release feature worth being an issue? Is having to release the safeties at 2 points merely inconvenient ( or not all that inconvenient) or safer (or less safe) than a single point release?

What other features are "must haves"?

Single point would be preferred.

Asymmetric 2 post allows for roomier door-to-post clearances.

If you are still in a quandary related to 2 post vs 4 post.... what I did to convince myself which would be better was to use duct tape and mark the location of the lift on the floor. It became apparent quickly that a 4 post lift was in the way of freely moving about in the shop.

Make sure you have enough space to move about in the shop when a vehicle is located on the lift, and the lift is lowered. My 1st shop only had about 2 feet of clearance between the post and the wall... it worked, but was a bit of a nuisance when rotating tires.

The best features are quality and safety. Buy from a reputable company that designs, builds and tests their own lifts.

What brand / type of lift are you looking at?

 

[coljar]

I have a two point, but I've used both and it really doesn't make any differents to me. I got a great deal on the two point Ben-Pak that I have and that is what is important to me.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I think 6 in one and a half dozen in the other.

 

[ms fowler]

Thanks for all the replies. It appears that the choice is not a deal-breaker, one way or the other. I see the single-point as being more convenient. How bid a deal is it to convert dual point release to single? Has anyone done it?