Aluminum jack purchase

[franksinatra]

Im looking for a light weight jack for my son. He lives in an apartment and I dont think a steel jack is something he would want to deal with. The aluminum models look they should fit the bill. Im wondering if there are some better models than others. They all look identical but usually its whats inside that counts, right? I have been on E-bay, etc. and Im open to whatever model you guys think is of good quality. I would like to keep it in the 100-150.00 area if possible. Any suggestions or tips on things to look for would be great. thank you

 

[saturnman]

living in a apartment, does he really need a big floorjack? for the occasional project, i would use the little, 20 buck one from walmart, or some other store. they are light, rise as much as the big ones, serviceable, and stow easily....

 

[franksinatra]

Its kind of a gift so I was looking for something fairly nice. Something a little more simple might be an idea.

 

[PoorOwner]

There is one available at Costco right now Arcan 2.5 ton Steel/Aluminum it looks more beefy than my previous Arcan "aluminum" jack.

 

[Ridri]

I'd definitely recommend a standard size service jack over the small trolley jacks. I used (/suffered through) a small $20 jack for years until finally buying a 3ton unit (Powerzone via Amazon). Though they might not store as easily, but putting them to actual use it makes a world of difference. Lifting speed is faster, lifting height is greater, and stability is MUCH higher. Being as he is in an apartment a fully aluminum jack may be worthwhile vs the steel/alum combination, depending on what he has to lift.

Be sure to grab a set of jack stands too if he does not already own a set.

 

[Ign]

I've been wanting one of the 1.5T HF aluminum models for a long time, for Craigslist deals, swapping wheels, checking wheel bearings etc. $59.99 w coupons that are easy to find.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

If he has a car, get the HF 1.5 aluminum. (Truck-get the 2.5/3 ton.) I use that sucker all the time and love it. It's a good jack. But, if you learn anything on here, remember, only a small seal holds all that pressure. PLEASE use jackstands. It could save a life.

 

[oldtools]

How about bottle jack?

 

[franksinatra]

I believe he has a bottle jack already. Im not sure of the weight but the aluminum sounds like it would be easier to carry in and out when needed. He just likes to puttz around with his wheels and tires. I thought I could make his life a little easier with a better jack. When he gets his own place I will get him a quality American made product. I looked at Costco online but I could only find NOS jacks. Does anyone have a link to the arcan jack? Thanks again.

 

[Ridri]

New At Costco: Arcan HJ2500 Hybrid Floor Jack

This was where the new Arcan was mentioned earlier this week. I think they are an in-store only sale item. Haven't read the whole thread though.

 

[iajonesy]

I think the Costco jack is only available at certain stores if I read the link right.

Mike

 

[oldldh]

HF 1 1/2 Ton Aluminum "Racing" Jack...

On sale right now for $69.99...with the appropriate coupon...

The "Mostest or the Leastest"...

 

[jhelrey]

Hello from MN! Does he live close to home where he can come home and use it?

 

[erty67]

definitely go with the Harbor Freight 1.5 ton if it's a car. I've had mine 3 years now and can't beat it for $60 with a coupon.

 

[franksinatra]

Whats the coupon?

 

[Ridri]

Not sure which coupon Erty is referencing (possibly a 25% off one, or a previous sale price 3 years ago?), but if you head over to HF's home page they have the 1.5 ton advertised with coupon for $69.99 currently. Also some 3 ton jack stands for $19.99 a little further down the page.

 

[oldtools]

25% coupon

http://www.harborfreight.com/20off-...edium=aff&utm_campaign=wts-coupons&hftref=cj#

There are two version of the 1.5 tons. The heavier duty cost a little more if you could afford it, but still pretty light.

http://www.harborfreight.com/compact-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-15-tons-69252.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-15-tons-68054.html

 

[oldtools]

Also, if you have a smartphone or any device that can display image, download the coupon into the device and show the cashier the coupon from your device. No need to print. I did that all the time. Use as many times as you like (until it expire of course).

 

[erty67]

Not sure which coupon Erty is referencing (possibly a 25% off one, or a previous sale price 3 years ago?), but if you head over to HF's home page they have the 1.5 ton advertised with coupon for $69.99 currently. Also some 3 ton jack stands for $19.99 a little further down the page.

sorry, scanner issues.

 

[tshetter]

If he lives in an apartment and will be storing his tools in the apartment as well, something with a case might be a better solution. After rolling the jack around on the ground and possibly through grease/oil, the case would keep things a little cleaner in the apartment.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-1-4-ton-floor-jack/p-00950523000P

Check that one out. Readily available at Sears, good weight capacity, and is easy to transport. A full size floor jack, even if it is aluminum is rather large for apartment living, and storing it in a closet or spare bedroom on the carpet might not be the best idea.

 

[Jagmandave]

Before you buy him anything, better make sure the apartment complex doesn't have rules about people working on their cars in the parking lot.....many strictly forbid it. Whether oil changes, tire rotations or whatever.

 

[franksinatra]

Thanks for the tips guys. I appreciate the help