Floor Jack recomendations

[jay11789]

Greetings!

Im interested in purchasing my very first floor jack. Been using a stock jack, along with ramps and jack stands lately. I see alot of choices on Sears website. However, I figured it would be a good idea to get advice from all of you. Im not looking to spend too much....maybe $80-$120. Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[nonhog]

Good idea getting advise . I'll tell you I am not overly happy with my Craftsman aluminum . Doesnt roll real well . My ol' HF (?) jack rolls great but it has not proven to be reliable as far as holding power.

 

[sharkfin]

I am real, real, happy with my Craftsman Professional (The black and gold ones). It rolls great, pumps up to the frame on the first pump, and most important, it never leaks down!

 

[The Muffin Man]

I've have no complaints with the two Harbor Freight floor jacks that I own ( the 3 ton jack as well as the 3000 racing jack.) The Jack stands that Harbor Freight sells are great too.

 

[jay11789]

I've have no complaints with the two Harbor Freight floor jacks that I own ( the 3 ton jack as well as the 3000 racing jack.) The Jack stands that Harbor Freight sells are great too.

You mean this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34271

 

[Roadsters.com]

Re: Floor Jack recommendations

I spent more but got more.

They're about $800, but Brunnhoelzl floor jacks are what you have seen copied, and they are guaranteed for life.

http://www.brunnhoelzl.com/

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

 

[Bo Heck]

thats a super nice jack. and security you got for it too. I have the 2.25 ton kobalt jack from lowes and it pretty much *****. Im looking for a new one myself and have been eyeballing the HFs and this one from northern:

Arcan jack

 

[kartracer55]

thats a super nice jack. and security you got for it too. I have the 2.25 ton kobalt jack from lowes and it pretty much *****. Im looking for a new one myself and have been eyeballing the HFs and this one from northern:

Arcan jack

Arcan makes some great jack's for the money. While the one I have been using at work isn't quite like that one, I would imagine the one you have linked will hold up just as well.

 

[ddawg16]

I think it boils down to if you plan to lift the jack much. The AL ones are a LOT lighter and don't rust.

Mine came from Costco...weights about 60 lbs and has been going well for about 10 years now. Looks like ****, but then again, it's a floor jack.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

This same discussion comes up rather frequently. I don't work for NAPA, but I'll repeat my post as written in an earlier thread, in September. See below.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21976&highlight=floor+jack

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...highlight=napa

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ight=napa+jack

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ight=napa+jack

As already noted, Shinn Fu is making, right here in the good ole USA, the Lincoln designed jack, and putting the Hein-Warner name on it, as they apparently own the rights to both of these names.

I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again, take a hike to NAPA, and look for a stack of big boxes, I saw them just the other day (Friday, Jan 2 to be exact). A jack and two jack stands. Whole thing is $199. This is a good sized jack, comparable to my old '70's Sears, made by Blackhawk jack.

From my post in the February thread about this, which was a copy of my post in last September's thread about this............

I don't care for Chinese but for some things, the choices are limited, and they do make some good stuff occasionally. NAPA has a special deal going, a 3-1/2 ton floor jack and two "4" ton jackstands for $199. I saw a whole stack of them in my NAPA store the other day. I bought this same deal about two years ago.

Its this jack here, which is regular $269

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ion=Floor+Jack

and these jack stands, which are regular $76

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ion=Jack+Stand

For $199, a real bargain, even if their regular prices are inflated, the $199 is a deal. The jack is large and has a wide spread between the casters and wheels, very stable.

I called my NAPA store and the part number for the special is 899-6420. This shows a jack only, but if you read, it shows "stand, rachet action height" a weight of 138 lbs (stands and jack) and a price of $273.99 (they are up to $364 on this package now). My store in Newnan, GA has a whole stack of them for $199 and I think this is a promotion price.

This is a large jack, not one of the minature floor jack wannabee's. The stands are well made and much heavier, thicker steel than some identical looking stands I've seen elsewhere. Quality of this stuff does vary in China, depends on what the purchaser specifies. You want heavy steel... we give you heavy steel......

I use this jack alot, my car, and truck, my lady friends car for oil changes, tractors, and any and everything else...... no problems, going on three years now.

Charles

 

[5Cent]

I've had my Goodyear 3ton from Sams club for about 7 years. It is the quick pump version, and does a great job on my 3/4 ton Chevy. It rolls great, and like others have mentioned, it hasn't let down on me at all over the years!

 

[jay50]

I second what Charles (Ga) says about the NAPA jack. I had been using a Torin 3 ton jack for about 3 years with good results but wanted to upgrade to something better. I got the NAPA jack and stands for about $220 when not on sale. It is very well made and the release (by twisting the handle counter clockwise) is very smooth compared to the Torin.

If you can spring the extra $s, you won't regret buying this jack.

 

[Bo Heck]

This same discussion comes up rather frequently. I don't work for NAPA, but I'll repeat my post as written in an earlier thread, in September. See below.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21976&highlight=floor+jack

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...highlight=napa

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ight=napa+jack

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ight=napa+jack

As already noted, Shinn Fu is making, right here in the good ole USA, the Lincoln designed jack, and putting the Hein-Warner name on it, as they apparently own the rights to both of these names.

I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again, take a hike to NAPA, and look for a stack of big boxes, I saw them just the other day (Friday, Jan 2 to be exact). A jack and two jack stands. Whole thing is $199. This is a good sized jack, comparable to my old '70's Sears, made by Blackhawk jack.

From my post in the February thread about this, which was a copy of my post in last September's thread about this............

I don't care for Chinese but for some things, the choices are limited, and they do make some good stuff occasionally. NAPA has a special deal going, a 3-1/2 ton floor jack and two "4" ton jackstands for $199. I saw a whole stack of them in my NAPA store the other day. I bought this same deal about two years ago.

Its this jack here, which is regular $269

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ion=Floor+Jack

and these jack stands, which are regular $76

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ion=Jack+Stand

For $199, a real bargain, even if their regular prices are inflated, the $199 is a deal. The jack is large and has a wide spread between the casters and wheels, very stable.

I called my NAPA store and the part number for the special is 899-6420. This shows a jack only, but if you read, it shows "stand, rachet action height" a weight of 138 lbs (stands and jack) and a price of $273.99 (they are up to $364 on this package now). My store in Newnan, GA has a whole stack of them for $199 and I think this is a promotion price.

This is a large jack, not one of the minature floor jack wannabee's. The stands are well made and much heavier, thicker steel than some identical looking stands I've seen elsewhere. Quality of this stuff does vary in China, depends on what the purchaser specifies. You want heavy steel... we give you heavy steel......

I use this jack alot, my car, and truck, my lady friends car for oil changes, tractors, and any and everything else...... no problems, going on three years now.

Charles

200 bucks is a deal for that set, but when I looked on the napa site a sec ago, I found the price to be 416 bucks for me.

 

[slvrzo6]

I purchased this AC Delco Jack from O-Reilly Autoparts for $119.00 it's a 2 Ton. I use it to lift my Z06 Corvette and my 03 Cobra. Works Great for me! It only takes Two Pumps to bring it to Height!

Here is my Stress Reliever!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

200 bucks is a deal for that set, but when I looked on the napa site a sec ago, I found the price to be 416 bucks for me.

Its an in store promotion price. I've never seen it on the web site. You just gotta wander into a store that has a stack of them and they will have it on the promotion price.

Charles

 

[HIRISC]

Greetings!

Im interested in purchasing my very first floor jack. Been using a stock jack, along with ramps and jack stands lately. I see alot of choices on Sears website. However, I figured it would be a good idea to get advice from all of you. Im not looking to spend too much....maybe $80-$120. Any advice will be much appreciated.

I strongly, strongly, strongly advise against Crafstman floor jack. Their release mechanism as absolute trash. They know it. They don't care.

Their own reviews on their own site tell you all you need to know (at least re this particular jack that I owned)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950239000P


You want a nice jack? Buy a Norco:
http://www.norcoind.com/norco/category_type_FloorJacks.shtml

 

[goodfellow]

I've have no complaints with the two Harbor Freight floor jacks that I own ( the 3 ton jack as well as the 3000 racing jack.) The Jack stands that Harbor Freight sells are great too.

+1 on the 3T HF Jack -- five years in heavy service and it's going strong.

 

[Weedwaka]

Re: Floor Jack recommendations

Hells Yeah !! I must have one !!

I spent more but got more.

They're about $800, but Brunnhoelzl floor jacks are what you have seen copied, and they are guaranteed for life.

http://www.brunnhoelzl.com/

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

 

[Weedwaka]

Where did you find that unit for 800 ? Is that with the handle ?

 

[Roadsters.com]

Where did you find that unit for $800? Is that with the handle ?

Right here (with the handle):

http://www.pitpal.com/products/6_Pump_Warrior_Jack-373-28.html

If you order one from Pit Pal, it will be shipped directly from the manufacturer, probably in a couple of weeks.

I got the six-pump version instead of the "pit stop" three-pump. Here are all three versions, including one that's more expensive, with milled-out sides:

http://www.pitpal.com/catalog/Racing_Jacks-28-1.html

I could take some more pictures of the jack if you'd like to see it from any other angles.

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

 

[B.K.M]

I was considering the same thing last year. After I thought about it, I decided to buy some good jack stands and use a not-so-fancy bottle jack.

Floor jacks are nice, but fairly complex to fabricate and machine all the parts well. Therefore, good ones are very costly. The fancy aluminum one above is real eye-candy. A good quality 2 ton jack like say Milwaukee is still over $600 though.

If I were lifting vehicles routinely, I would get a lift. If I were working under the sprung chassis (just changing oil for example), I might prefer a pit instead. Floor jacks are good for lifting a corner (to take the weight off a wheel) or lifting a solid axle. The height of the vehicle makes a big difference. If it's slammed like a Ferrari, I wouldn't use most floor jacks. If it's a lifted pickup, the floor jack might not lift high enough.

If I had a reason to use a floor jack in the garage often, and assuming I didn't need an ultra-low one or a super-high one, I would get a -long- one with air assist. The fancy alloy racing jacks look pretty, but you often have to get down on your knees to use them and if you're not tossing it over a pit wall, then it might as well be 200 lbs.

But I only jack my vehicles a few times a year. For example, I have a regular pickup, and there is lots of room to slide under it without lifting it. I only ever need to jack it to remove a wheel. Therefore I use a bottle jack because it is much simpler and more straightforward and therefore less costly and stronger. A bottle jack is essentially just the hydraulic ram component of a floor jack without the levers and fulcrums that make a floor jack easier to use. Because there's no levers, fulcrums, wheels etc., the cost is lower. Because the force of the weight acts directly inline to the cylinder, a bottle jack is rated much higher than when the same hydraulic cylinder is installed into a floor jack which multiplies the forces acting on the cylinder.

Bottle jacks are slower, but they work real well when you're not in a hurry and you don't have to jack something over and over again. They're not easy to fit under a corvette, but I have a regular pickup so it works fine.

No amount of "quality" in a jack would preclude the necessity of jack stands if you're going to put anything under a vehicle and don't want it crushed. This is why when I was shopping for a floor jack last year I spent my "budget" on jack stands instead.

 

[sickboi55]

i bought the craftsman set, jack, stands, and creeper. all seem decent. i dont lift alot, and i dont care what jack i have i will never go under a car without stands. the jack, since this is a jack thread, is a 3 ton. doesnt lift to frame in one pump, but lifts the car, a heavy *** 72 caddy mind you. it's pretty stout too, and tolls well. wasnt too pricey. the only gripe i have is the release, it's the gear type where turn the handle, it is either on or off. very abrupt.

 

[The Muffin Man]

You mean this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34271

Yes, that is one of the jacks I own.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

For comparison sake, here is a pic of the NAPA jack I mention above, next to my early 1970's Blackhawk manufactured Craftsman jack. They are both large and heavy, about too heavy for me to lift nowdays. The Craftsman jack was originally metalic medium green and white, I have a neighbor with one that is original, need to take some pics and restore my to its original luster.

Charles

 

[Tyrol67]

I second the trip to NAPA or a good local parts store. They are selling to mechanics whereas Craftsman is also trying to appeal the person that is looking for price and may use it rarely. Bought mine at a fair price from my parts store 30 years ago. Has not broken yet and it is built well. Before that I had purchased a 'cheaper' pair of jackstands at a dept store (not much cash at age 16) and watched one buckle over. Why risk it for a few bucks?

A floor jack is great investment and much better than just a bottle jack IMO. Do invest in good jack stands. Ratcheting types are great and the combo will also save you time and make each job that much easier.

 

[kvom]

I've had the Torin "Big Red" 3T from Northern Tools for 3+ years and am very satisfied with it. It has a higher max lift than others I looked at, which is useful for me as my Jeep sits on 37s with a 4" suspension lift. The jack came with 2 jackstands, but I bought some heftier 6T ones as well elsewhere.

 

[agfisher]

I know this is a little out of your price range but I was really unhappy with some of the build quality of the cheeper Harbour Freight, Costco, etc jacks I had seem (I'm sure they're not all bad but I lucked into some real awful ones). I picked up the 200T listed on this page.

http://www.asedeals.com/automotive_floor_jacks.html

Free shipping and they can be rebuilt when need. High Quality. Only thing to watch out for is the sn of a ***** is HEAVY. Like 100lbs or so. Very, very stable and smooth to operate.

Very happy with the purchase. The company also has tons of other kinda of jacks

 

[hossmwp]

The 200t from ASE deals in the link above is a very nice jack. I have used it before and was impressed with it especially for its price. It seems today we have jacks that are inexpensive and then we go right to the high end with companies like AC Hydraulics. It was nice to see a jack that seemed to sort of fit in the middle.

 

[IH82BL8]

I bought the Model RFJ2TX from these guys:

http://www.asedeals.com/Ranger_floor_jacks.html

7 years ago. I use it almost weekly and I've been very pleased with it. I drive a sports car that has been lowered, so I needed a low profile jack. Depending on what you're driving you might want a low profile jack like this one.

 

[ahaidet]

I purchased this one last year @ Lowes it comes with two jackstands as well. It was cheaper in store at $100.00 then.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=89476-33680-G-593JS&lpage=none


I have been very pleased with it. Very heavy duty, a full 3 ton, full frame jack not one of those little ones. Quick lift design, 1 pump to get the jack pad to the frame rail no matter what you are lifting. Only complaint is it weighs a ton so portability is limited and difficult.

I have used it to lift cars maybe 10-15 times since last year doing oil changes/tire change overs/ replacing shocks.. you name it so it has seen heavy use. The jack stands that come with are decent quality.

I bought a urethane jack pad from Harbor freight and it fits perfect to protect the surfaces it lifts against.

 

[Spencyg]

You shouldn't buy any jack that doesn't have the valve control built into the handle (twist the handle, the car goes down). I have owned a number of the type where you need to remove the handle and twist a secondary valve and they all have been a PITA. Spend the money up front and get something that will last...I'd recommend a budget of at least $150 for a decent jack.

Spence

 

[PurdueSD]

I returned the 3T harbor freight orange jack 3 times for leaking down before giving up and asking for my money back. I ended up buying the Rousch jack from sams.... it works, though definately nothing special. It annoys the **** out of me that the handle wont stand up 90 degrees.

 

[SportFury59]

I'm using an Allied 3 1/2 ton floor jack from Sams Club. Purchased it in '02 for around $80. No complaints. I also have a 20 ton bottle air jack I purchased at HF a couple years ago. That comes in handy in some situations. Just hook it to an air hose and press the lever and up she goes. You can also use it manually without air.

I welded a socket to the end of a regular scissor jack and use a air impact gun to raise it. Did it mainly to see how it would work. Works fine but mainly use my floor jack - it seems/feels safer.

 

[Matti]

I purchased this AC Delco Jack from O-Reilly Autoparts for $119.00 it's a 2 Ton....

I bought one of these although it has a different name on it and it was well under $100 on sale! It's been a great little floor jack so far. On the other hand, I bought an even cheaper mini floor jack from Canadian Tire and it's total junk. You have no control over how fast the car drops when releasing it.

 

[ImportTuner]

I'm using an Allied 3 1/2 ton floor jack from Sams Club. Purchased it in '02 for around $80. No complaints. I also have a 20 ton bottle air jack I purchased at HF a couple years ago. That comes in handy in some situations. Just hook it to an air hose and press the lever and up she goes. You can also use it manually without air.

I welded a socket to the end of a regular scissor jack and use a air impact gun to raise it. Did it mainly to see how it would work. Works fine but mainly use my floor jack - it seems/feels safer.

Hey, I also have a Allied floor jack .. does yours drop instantly down when you release ..

 

[Romanova]

See my Costco Arcan thread:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36136

 

[SportFury59]

Hey, I also have a Allied floor jack .. does yours drop instantly down when you release ..

On mine it depends how you turn the handle. It can be let down slowly or very fast.

 

[gatewaysysop]

You mean this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34271

I'll also cast a vote for the HF jack in the link. I've had this one for a while, no issues at all with it. Very reliable, very well built and priced very well. Not to mention it matches the 6-ton jack stands I also picked up from HF, another of their gems.

 

[Vinko]

I want that AC Hydraulic jack and stands.

 

[occupant]

The AC Delco aluminum racing jack pictured on the first page of this thread is the one we used when I worked for a towing company as a wrecker operator. The flat roller up front would fail constantly because we subjected it to use on gravel, dirt, uneven roads, basically anywhere we had to because flat tires don't happen on concrete garage floors 80% of the time. When they were working properly, they were an absolute joy to use. When the silver handles on the side were broken off and/or the roller had fallen out, they were a deep scathing pain in my

So anyway, the racing jacks are great for a garage environment and not subject to abuses. AC Delco ones had lifetime warranties according to the tow garage owner, and when they wouldn't lift he'd go swap them out for new ones. Worth the entry price I'd say.

For me, I'm cheap, and I'll likely get the $99 Harbor Freight special. I went uber-cheap last time and got a Torin trolley jack and 2 cheap jackstands. The jackstands still work (my Torino sat on them for 2 weeks while I got bits together for a brake job) but the trolley jack is useless. I've been using a 6 ton bottle jack with the Torino and can't wait to get another floor type jack. Bottle jacks **** on cars. Thank God my frame is high behind the rear wheels and my front bumper mounts are off the ground when a front tire is flat or it'd be USELESS to me.

Another jack I have used extensively recently is a cheap OEM type scissors jack pulled from a 1994 Dodge Dakota in a junkyard. It gets me a decent amount of lift on my wife's Durango (since we bought her truck as a repo, sans jack/wheel tools/spare tire) and lifts it high enough to put my jack stands on their highest point. I prefer not to do that, but if I had to change out the gas tank or pull the transmission or the rear axle, I now know I could do it!