1.5 Ton Harbor Freight Racing Floor Jack - Any Good

tenorplayer23 · Nov 5, 2009

This might have been discussed before somewhere in the forum, but thought I'd ask for an updated opinion.

Harbor Freight has good and bad - how's this floor jack for occasional use, changing/rotating tires. I have a 2 1/2 ton steel floor jack for the bigger stuff.

Thx. in advance.

See ya. :hellobye:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039

View media item 2053

Mickey O · Nov 5, 2009

Junk, my friend bought one, returned it and bought an OTC. Personally I don't like the wide single wheel up front, I prefer 2 separate wheels.

tenorplayer23 · Nov 5, 2009

Just curious, what OTC jack did he buy? If it is in the price ballpark with this one, let me know......I'd trade this one in for sure. But, there's a gigantic price differential between the ones I scanned through online from OTC and the HF cheapie (~$59 on sale).

My other go to jack is a Walker 2 1/2 ton hydraulic that was like $300-400 ~25 yrs. ago. That's the BIG jack. I don't think Walker is available anymore new. I see reconditioned ones. But, it will never fail anyway, that's for sure.....will only need hydraulic seal replacement in it's lifetime, if ever. The body is heavy, heavy steel. Hence, I thought a cheap, light one would be a good companion for token use.

I too was wondering about the aluminum roller vs. two wheels, but it's for carrying around and the quick tire change (all aluminum, only 25 - 30lbs. or so). Plus, I thought the very low front end would be good. Based on what I saw at HF, most of their jacks would never be good for everyday garage use......at least not for very long. On the other hand, they have ridiculous warranties (some you buy) for the price and they take everything back it seems......so maybe, even if it could fail, it's worth a shot for the bucks?

Let me know about the OTC model & price though. Would be interested in what he traded up to.

Thx.

See ya. :hellobye:

Mickey O said:
Junk, my friend bought one, returned it and bought an OTC. Personally I don't like the wide single wheel up front, I prefer 2 separate wheels.

chromemoly · Nov 5, 2009

Mickey O said:
Junk, my friend bought one, returned it

Maybe your friend didnt know how to use it, or maybe misused it :bounce:

As for the single or two wheels up front, thats just personal preference.
Just go there and buy it and if for some reason you dont like it or God forbid it breaks....... take it back :thumbup:

no worries :beer:

humpty · Nov 5, 2009

I have had one for about a year, works fine for me. I'd love a better one but the price was right on this it is hard to complain.

humpty

BTG · Nov 5, 2009

I bought one to stow away in my hot rod. I wouldn't jack up a truck with it, but it does my 2,000 lb roadster well, and it it fairly light weight. :thumbup:

eborcim · Nov 5, 2009

I have a couple of them that are work good. I have lifted a corner of my full size truck with it, no problem. Something heavier I get out the 3T. But for the price, they are hard to beat. You can get one for $60 with a coupon or watch for sales.

Mickey O · Nov 5, 2009

tenorplayer23 said:
Just curious, what OTC jack did he buy? If it is in the price ballpark with this one, let me know......I'd trade this one in for sure. But, there's a gigantic price differential between the ones I scanned through online from OTC and the HF cheapie (~$59 on sale).

My other go to jack is a Walker 2 1/2 ton hydraulic that was like $300-400 ~25 yrs. ago. That's the BIG jack. I don't think Walker is available anymore new. I see reconditioned ones. But, it will never fail anyway, that's for sure.....will only need hydraulic seal replacement in it's lifetime, if ever. The body is heavy, heavy steel. Hence, I thought a cheap, light one would be a good companion for token use.

I too was wondering about the aluminum roller vs. two wheels, but it's for carrying around and the quick tire change (all aluminum, only 25 - 30lbs. or so). Plus, I thought the very low front end would be good. Based on what I saw at HF, most of their jacks would never be good for everyday garage use......at least not for very long. On the other hand, they have ridiculous warranties (some you buy) for the price and they take everything back it seems......so maybe, even if it could fail, it's worth a shot for the bucks?

Let me know about the OTC model & price though. Would be interested in what he traded up to.

Thx.

See ya.

The OTC was not comparable in price, it cost considerably more. I'm not sure OTC offer a jack at a comparable price. I had similar ones that I picked up at Wal Mart (forgot the brand, I may have some pics, I'll look) for $20 each on clearance (sold them on eBay), I thought about keeping one but I didn't like it, seemed like you had to pump and pump and pump to get the car off the ground and it took a lot of force to pump. It was a different brand but looked quite similar if not identical. The one my friend bought was the same and his complaints were similar, but he uses his floor jack quite often, maybe it'd be okay for occasional use. And it's not a made in China thing because I'm fully aware that it's hard to find a floor jack that isn't.

Here's what I have, both from Wal Mart ($20 each on clearance), the one on the left is an aluminum trolley jack, I got that to replace the one similar to the one you're looking at by Harbor Freight.

tenorplayer23 · Nov 16, 2009

................. :bounce:

redsky49 · Nov 16, 2009

I have had mine for several years. Only used occasionally, but no complaints from me. Reasonably light weight, great price, and from an outward inspection, very well made. The low approach height is useful for many lowered cars, and the cylinder hasn't leaked down whenever holding up half of any of my cars that I use it for.

Certainly not commercial quality, but then neither am I :bounce:

sammon287 · Nov 16, 2009

I have the one in the picture and just used it to rotate tires on my 3500 lb Mustang. It's no substitute for my old Craftsman SUV floor jack, but it's so much lighter and I just use for our cars, not the Jeep or XTerra. It's a great second jack.

Red Green · Nov 16, 2009

The HF jack pictured is short and narrow compaired to most floor jacks. I have one I bought. I use it in the pits as a second jack. It's ok but I think you will be disapointed I was when it showed up. I would recommend the next size bigger aluminum jack if you are buying at HF.

pfbz · Nov 16, 2009

I bought one of these several years ago when they first came out. I used it extensively when I had a track/street car that needed track-side brake pad and tire changes.

It drops very low (which was needed, S2000 with lowered coil-overs) and is light enough to just throw in the trunk. Build quality very good.

It mostly sits in the corner of the garage these days as the track car is gone, but it still gets used once in a while. I almost never pull out the heavier Sears monster.

I noticed last time I used it it had a minor fluid leak... Not uncommon with these types of jacks. I haven't even investigated the cause yet as I didn't notice the small fluid puddle until after I put it away.. Hopefully just a loose cap screw or minor seal.

**RECOMMENDED**

gte718p · Nov 16, 2009

I've been using mine for almost 4 years now. Its light easy to work with and it lifts everything I ask it to. Not sure what else you want in a jack.

tenorplayer23 · Nov 16, 2009

I think we, collectively, have got this about right.

A small, lightweight, second jack that will probably last a while w/typical home mechanic use. I have a big steel jack, as well, that is heavy, bulletproof and will never fail under my duty cycle. And use it for raing the whole back-end of the car safely. But, this little HF model, for $59 is so much easier to use for just a tire, etc..

AND, it looks cool with the blue anodized finish!!

Smart marketing by HF.......just remember, "if it don't go......chrome it"!!!

Thx. for the input.

See ya. :hellobye:

redsky49 said:
I have had mine for several years. Only used occasionally, but no complaints from me. Reasonably light weight, great price, and from an outward inspection, very well made. The low approach height is useful for many lowered cars, and the cylinder hasn't leaked down whenever holding up half of any of my cars that I use it for.

Certainly not commercial quality, but then neither am I

sammon287 said:
I have the one in the picture and just used it to rotate tires on my 3500 lb Mustang. It's no substitute for my old Craftsman SUV floor jack, but it's so much lighter and I just use for our cars, not the Jeep or XTerra. It's a great second jack.

Red Green said:
The HF jack pictured is short and narrow compaired to most floor jacks. I have one I bought. I use it in the pits as a second jack. It's ok but I think you will be disapointed I was when it showed up. I would recommend the next size bigger aluminum jack if you are buying at HF.

pfbz said:
I bought one of these several years ago when they first came out. I used it extensively when I had a track/street car that needed track-side brake pad and tire changes.

It drops very low (which was needed, S2000 with lowered coil-overs) and is light enough to just throw in the trunk. Build quality very good.

It mostly sits in the corner of the garage these days as the track car is gone, but it still gets used once in a while. I almost never pull out the heavier Sears monster.

I noticed last time I used it it had a minor fluid leak... Not uncommon with these types of jacks. I haven't even investigated the cause yet as I didn't notice the small fluid puddle until after I put it away.. Hopefully just a loose cap screw or minor seal.

**RECOMMENDED**

gte718p said:
I've been using mine for almost 4 years now. Its light easy to work with and it lifts everything I ask it to. Not sure what else you want in a jack.

Hiball · Nov 16, 2009

Mickey O said:
The OTC was not comparable in price, it cost considerably more. I'm not sure OTC offer a jack at a comparable price. I had similar ones that I picked up at Wal Mart (forgot the brand, I may have some pics, I'll look) for $20 each on clearance (sold them on eBay), I thought about keeping one but I didn't like it, seemed like you had to pump and pump and pump to get the car off the ground and it took a lot of force to pump.

Otc is nothing more than a glorified, overpriced China import. UNLESS you get into there "Older" service jacks which are painted up "Weaver Jacks" The Pump, Pump, Pump is typical for your "Newer" Imported jacks mainly because the Pump with its Oring sealing surface cant move enough oil or more imporantly maintain that pressure required to unseat the ball to allow oil to enter the cylinder.

tenorplayer23 · Nov 16, 2009

Hi, I see you have a jack repair business and that you list Walker jacks.

I have a 1.5ton Walker that I purchased ~25+ yrs. ago and it is a very good piece of equipment. Noticed the cylinder stuck the other day.....had to give it a couple of taps to jar it free. Works OK now, but, since it's so old......is it reasonably easy to get parts/have these serviced?? The company I bought it from is still in business, but have long since stopped selling floor jacks for the obvious reasons. The owner remembers the model and says a guy in his shop still does rebuilds on the side........but, maybe parts/rebuild kits were not so plentiful.

Any input would be helpful. Thx. in advance.

See ya. :hellobye:

Hiball said:
Otc is nothing more than a glorified, overpriced China import. UNLESS you get into there "Older" service jacks which are painted up "Weaver Jacks" The Pump, Pump, Pump is typical for your "Newer" Imported jacks mainly because the Pump with its Oring sealing surface cant move enough oil or more imporantly maintain that pressure required to unseat the ball to allow oil to enter the cylinder.

Hiball · Nov 16, 2009

Its probably a 93632, They were very plentiful in the day and the norm for most Garages. It is a quality jack and yes "Some" hard parts are still available and All soft parts (rebuild kits) are still available. Hydraulic jack repair is somewhat of a lost art and there are very few repair shops around anymore. This is attributed to the takeover of overseas cheaper jacks and our "Throw it away and buy a new one" American Mentality. The sticking of the Pump could be from numerous things but probably just got off center and hung up a bit, As far as ease of service? Depending on what type of Tank nut you have it varies from hand tools to a specialty tool or luck. I do have those kits in stock and they are very popular across the US. If i can be of more assistance lemme know.

tenorplayer23 said:
Hi, I see you have a jack repair business and that you list Walker jacks.

I have a 1.5ton Walker that I purchased ~25+ yrs. ago and it is a very good piece of equipment. Noticed the cylinder stuck the other day.....had to give it a couple of taps to jar it free. Works OK now, but, since it's so old......is it reasonably easy to get parts/have these serviced?? The company I bought it from is still in business, but have long since stopped selling floor jacks for the obvious reasons. The owner remembers the model and says a guy in his shop still does rebuilds on the side........but, maybe parts/rebuild kits were not so plentiful.

Any input would be helpful. Thx. in advance.

See ya.

Mickey O · Nov 16, 2009

Hiball said:
Otc is nothing more than a glorified, overpriced China import. UNLESS you get into there "Older" service jacks which are painted up "Weaver Jacks" The Pump, Pump, Pump is typical for your "Newer" Imported jacks mainly because the Pump with its Oring sealing surface cant move enough oil or more imporantly maintain that pressure required to unseat the ball to allow oil to enter the cylinder.

OTC still sells US made jacks.

1320stang · Nov 16, 2009

I can't recommend any of the Chinese made aluminum jacks with a clean conscious.

I know of too many that have failed on drag cars at the track, luckily there were no injuries. We're not talking slow leakdowns, seal goes and car crashes down.

Hiball · Nov 16, 2009

Mickey O said:
OTC still sells US made jacks.

90% of there Hydraulic jack line is IMPORTED, The exceptions... Some of there in house bottle jacks, and the Weaver jacks they paint with there colors, everything else is addicted to dramamine.

After reviewing OTC's current catalog, Im gonna raise my percentage to 95% of there "current" line is imported. Im not saying there products are junk and they have some damn fine warranties on some of there hydraulics, NOT there service jacks, but some. It appears they no longer offer the Weaver painted jack and they have out sourced some of there bottle jacks. Ill give OTC another 5 years and they will be completely outsourced, They currently do not make a american made floor jack and havent for along time.

tenorplayer23 · Nov 16, 2009

Thx. for the info.

Yes, it is a 93632! Very good jack and has lasted a long time, like I said, at least 25yrs. and I know it has to be more. The shop I bought it from was formed in 1976, and I moved here in 1979.......bought it sometime after that.....I'm guessing '81/'82 maybe. Glad the parts are still around....with the seals available, it could last another 25 yrs.

And, glad you know a lot about these products......helps to know that resources are out there. Thanks again.

See ya. "hellobye:

Hiball said:
Its probably a 93632, They were very plentiful in the day and the norm for most Garages. It is a quality jack and yes "Some" hard parts are still available and All soft parts (rebuild kits) are still available. Hydraulic jack repair is somewhat of a lost art and there are very few repair shops around anymore. This is attributed to the takeover of overseas cheaper jacks and our "Throw it away and buy a new one" American Mentality. The sticking of the Pump could be from numerous things but probably just got off center and hung up a bit, As far as ease of service? Depending on what type of Tank nut you have it varies from hand tools to a specialty tool or luck. I do have those kits in stock and they are very popular across the US. If i can be of more assistance lemme know.

tenorplayer23 · Nov 17, 2009

................. :bounce:

1.5 Ton Harbor Freight Racing Floor Jack - Any Good

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