Craftsman Floor Jack - worth rebuild?

[windward]

My neighbor has a 2 ton craftsman floor jack from the mid 80's. He said it is not working (not sure yet what that means), and he thinks the check valve needs replaced. He was willing to give it to me if I want to rebuild it.

I know that it is not worth re-building most Chinese jacks. But what about one that was made in Japan during the 1980s? The rebuild kit is about $47.

I rarely need a jack, so I was going to grab a 3 Ton Rapid Pump Low Profile jack from Harbor Freight for $85 with a coupon.

Just wondering if these Craftsman jacks are worth the effort of rebuilding.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[jimindm]

I have a craftsman jack that is several years old. It is the old blue and white color. While I have bought a few more, more expensive jacks, that craftsman jack just keeps going and going.

For a forty buck seal kit, I would drag it home.

 

[Flat-rate]

Do a search here for the Craftsman green. They jap ones were built like tanks. My landlord has one that was used in his gas station 35 yrs ago and still works great.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If it is painted green it was made in Japan and yes, it is worth repairing. I think some of the blue ones were also made in Japan.

 

[HEEP]

I've got the one I bought right out of high school with my first paycheck from the service station I worked at. Bought it for $99 at Sears, and it is blue. It still is the jack of choice in my garage. Has never given me an issue at all. I say get it.

 

[davep67]

I just today put my Craftsman aluminum 2 ton jack back together after replacing the seals and O-rings. It is about 20 yearsold and I expect another twenty or so years out of it. It is a great jack -- model #950239. I concur with HEEP - get it!

davep67

 

[Cyberbear]

My story and experience is the same, my 1 1/4 ton Craftsman green and white floor jack is still going strong after nearly 40 years. I've used it a bunch and I'd have no problem replacing any seals, rather than taking a chance on something I don't know anything about it's quality.

 

[boobag]

I rarely need a jack, so I was going to grab a 3 Ton Rapid Pump Low Profile jack from Harbor Freight for $85 with a coupon.

thats a great jack for the money.

forget rebuilding the old one.

 

[gungatim]

My neighbor has a 2 ton craftsman floor jack from the mid 80's. He said it is not working (not sure yet what that means), and he thinks the check valve needs replaced. He was willing to give it to me if I want to rebuild it.

I know that it is not worth re-building most Chinese jacks. But what about one that was made in Japan during the 1980s? The rebuild kit is about $47.

I rarely need a jack, so I was going to grab a 3 Ton Rapid Pump Low Profile jack from Harbor Freight for $85 with a coupon.

Just wondering if these Craftsman jacks are worth the effort of rebuilding.

Thanks,
Matt

To each his own, but I have rebuilt several old (ok and new) chinese jacks. people give them to me all the time. It's worth it to me, especially when a lot of times it just needs a good cleaning. I suppose if you spent more in parts than a new jack costs, it's a candidate for the scrap bin, but I have not run into one that fell into this category, if you don't consider bent/broken/missing/frame and wheel parts. It's just a jack, there isn't much too them really. read through Hiball's thread. use jackstands and be safe...

 

[Ponchoguy]

Some old green ones made in the USA were Walker/Lincolns in disguise, and the ones made in Japan were made by Yasui for Sears and are also good. The Yasui ones were "328" model prefix. I think the Walkers were "727" model prefix from what I remember.

The later ones were gray and were a generic Chinese import. They held up OK. I believe that they were Florida Pneumatic (I know my 2002 black painted unit is). I believe Torin may have bought out that end of FP and has the support.

You can get parts from the various sources here, and I'm sure Hiball will chime in when he can.

 

[windward]

I will at least go check it out this week and see if I can get a model # off it.

Thanks!

 

[theoldwizard1]

My story and experience is the same, my 1 1/4 ton Craftsman green and white floor jack is still going strong after nearly 40 years. I've used it a bunch and I'd have no problem replacing any seals, rather than taking a chance on something I don't know anything about it's quality.

Mine is a few years older, but just as dependable.

A couple of years ago, I pulled the "power unit" out so I could do a thorough cleaning. Several point needed grease (imagine that, after 45+ years !) and I topped off the oil. Works like new.

 

[windward]

Anyone ever tried this "Snake Oil"?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KKIBY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wantacoe]

I have a green one that I over thirty years ago, still works like new.

 

[windward]

Well, I am not sure it's a Craftsman. Anyone recognize this one? The model is DY-020. Made in Taiwan.

 

[Flat-rate]

junk

 

[Desertskyy]

I have a green one that I over thirty years ago, still works like new.

I have a Sears green jack from at least 1982. Japan made I think. I have had zero issues with it. No leaks and is very reliable. I would rebuild it if I had a problem with it. I have sometimes pulled the white handle and used it as a cheater bar extension. It is well built.