Cautionary tale: Lift failure

[bams50]

WARNING: Graphic images for Camaro lovers! Thankfully, nobody was injured...

We all want a lift, and for good reason; and they continue to be more and more affordable. But we do need to be aware of the dangers. See link:

http://www.chevyhardcore.com/news/p...gallery-lift-safety-and-a-destroyed-68-camaro

 

[ratdoggy]

Glad to see no one was hurt. One real good reason to make sure your project has insurance on it. Mine's been off the road for 3 years and I haven't had a day without insurance.

 

[carterbeauford]

there's always one idiot in the comments

Safety First!

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Glad to see no one was hurt. One real good reason to make sure your project has insurance on it. Mine's been off the road for 3 years and I haven't had a day without insurance.

Will insurance cover it if, like the article suggested, the owner disables the safety lock feature?

 

[Kevin54]

Will insurance cover it if, like the article suggested, the owner disables the safety lock feature?

He didn't disable it.

Hi, JD here in Canada, The hoist in question was not a hydrulic variety but a chain and screw type. The hoist was regularily inspected and was inspected and serviced a couple of months before the incedent. What happened was that the double nut safety device failed and the second safety device split and allowed one side of the hoist to fall. The car in question is my 1968 SS 396 4speed Camaro. It has since been repaired. One note is that to stay clear of the car while raising or lowering as we had removed the stands to lower the car when this transpired.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

He didn't disable it.

My question stands.

 

[bams50]

Will insurance cover it if, like the article suggested, the owner disables the safety lock feature?

Even if he did, it would be covered if he had that type of insurance. Most collector cars carry more than the basic liability.

This would be no different than if, say, a tree fell on it or a garage collapsed.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Even if he did, it would be covered if he had that type of insurance. Most collector cars carry more than the basic liability.

This would be no different than if, say, a tree fell on it or a garage collapsed.

I see - thanks.

 

[Zeke]

That had to be loud.

 

[Boomer343]

That hoist is an older model Stenhoj. Had one in a shop, if you ever find one for sale, no matter how cheap it is, pass on it.

There were updated parts available for the nut failure but they also may be prone to failure.

Your experience may vary.

 

[ZRX61]

jeeze, lot of bondo in that car...

 

[ElectroLight]

View media item 17905
That'll buff out...

 

[bgott]

jeeze, lot of bondo in that car...

Lots more, now.

 

[1steve]

jeeze, lot of bondo in that car...

I seen that to, just think how much it has now.

 

[nehog]

Generally insurance covers stupidity. For example, leave your keys in the car, and insurance (generally) has to pay.

 

[evs1]

Well, no one was hurt and the car is repairable. Two good things to come out of this. Sounds like a catostrophic failure of a key componant which is almost impossible to predict. He was lucky.
How many of us have stood next to a car that was being raised to get an early glimpse under it or worked on it without the safety locks? I'm guilty of the first but not the second.

 

[bad_idea]

That hoist is an older model Stenhoj. Had one in a shop, if you ever find one for sale, no matter how cheap it is, pass on it.

There were updated parts available for the nut failure but they also may be prone to failure.

Your experience may vary.

I have no knowledge on auto lifts but I can say with confidence you get what you pay for (again I don't even know if that lift is a cheapie). An auto lift is one tool I would not skimp on. Glad to see no one was hurt.

 

[James E]

Is it me or have these pictures been circulating the web for a few years now?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Is it me or have these pictures been circulating the web for a few years now?

Yep, I was going to say that I have seen that before. The first time I saw it, off hand, for a second I thought it was a Craftsman lift.

 

[Hiball]

The thing to keep in mind whenever you are working under a load supported by hydraulic jacks of any kind is simple: Your life depends on the single edge of a flat faced “O-Ring” seal.


I thought my Customers where the only ones that thought a 2 cent Oring would fix any Hydraulic Problem. Well.. Now its on the Internets.. Im screwed.

 

[brownbagg]

i had a hydraulic line break couple weeks ago, with a car on the lift, it just sit down on the locks.

 

[geologist]

 

[Northstar]

That had to be loud.

The crash or the incredible scream he let out since the article says he hadn't driven it yet.

 

[geotek]

Dont worry little Timmy, It's just resting.

 

[Falcon67]

That'll buff out...

Of the floor.

 

[pimp-boy]

Here's a 5 year old and 18 year old Rotary lift failing.

http://www.autoshopowner.com/topic/6391-lifespan-of-rotary-lifts/

Makes you wonder...

 

[abstamaria]

I am sorry to see that and feel badly for the owner.

Andy

 

[Lippyp]

I worked with a guy who put his brand new company car (thankfully!) Ford Granada Scorpio into the main agents for its first service and somehow they managed to drop it off the lift and through the block wall of the workshop. All he could say when they rang him to tell him was "Thank god it wasn't my 911!" Car was totalled.