Jack help

[v8killar]

Hi guys,
I'm 20 years old, I've been a member here for a while but haven't really posted and Im looking to by my first floor jack, as the one i have been using (my grandfathers) finally broke down on me. I have a 97 mitsubishi eclipse that i regularly work on as well as a 98 ford tarus and a 2002 GMC envoy Xl. i'm looking for something that can handle all three of these car for a reasonable price and practical quality. Thanks in advance to everyone who helps out.

 

[Danglerb]

What kind is the old jack, whats wrong? Fix it maybe?

If I was to run out tomorrow and buy a floorjack, which could happen, I might shoot for one of the Costco $80 or so models. Torin, Larin seem to have ok cheap jacks.

Shop grade jacks get expensive fast, and HEAVY. Watch out for fancy features on a cheap jack. Aluminum drops the weight, but shoots up the price.

Sears has had some jack trouble recently.

Better advice than mine sure to follow.

 

[KnightFire]

Floor jacks and jack stands are items where I would NOT go cheap on. I've had very good success with my Craftsman 3 ton floor jack and my AC DK20 low profile jack.

For jack stands, again I splurged a bit and use Griot's Garage 3 ton jack stands (I really wanted circular feet/bases, better stability and MUCH easier on epoxy floors).

While the AC jack and Griot's jack stands are a bit expensive, I believe their worth every penny, considering the job they have to perform...keeping me safe.

You can however, very easily use a 3 ton Craftsman jack and stands and feel completely safe, I did for many many years...without issue.

JMHO

 

[russlaferrera]

I had an old snap-on 2 1/2 ton that was over 30 years old. Went on the internet under " jack repair parts" found a complete new cylinder for $60 plus shipping. IMO the old Snap-On is better that my 3 ton new Craftsmen. Depending what is wrong with your jack. You may rebuild it for cheap. My 2 1/2 ton Blackhawk cost me $ 8 for a seal.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I had an old snap-on 2 1/2 ton that was over 30 years old. Went on the internet under " jack repair parts" found a complete new cylinder for $60 plus shipping. IMO the old Snap-On is better that my 3 ton new Craftsmen. Depending what is wrong with your jack. You may rebuild it for cheap. My 2 1/2 ton Blackhawk cost me $ 8 for a seal.

Atta Boy, read em from the book. I think most either have money to burn or are just not brave enough to think they will be able to overhaul an old one. You are the first guy beyond me that preaches rebuilding the old timers.

 

[MAD]

You can however, very easily use a 3 ton Craftsman jack and stands and feel completely safe, I did for many many years...without issue.

JMHO

There have been some really bad Craftsman branded jacks in recent years. I would check the reviews on the Sears web site before buying one from Sears. Since Craftsman is not a company that actually makes anything, only a brand name that Sears badges product made for them under contract, blanket statements about quality good or bad do not hold much water. With their recent problems with jacks, I would research any particular model you may want before buying a Craftsman jack.

I have a Larin floor jack that has performed well for over ten years.

 

[1320stang]

Off the top of my head, I don't think you can get a good quality, reliable jack for under $250-$300, ie reasonable price isn't equal to good quality, especially at a typical 20 y/o's income. I'm with the group as far as trying to rebuild the old jack.

 

[wrenchr]

I just bought a Mac tools 3 ton, with jack stands. on sale $199.99

 

[v8killar]

rebuilding was the first thing that my grandpa told me. however he doesn't know what kind of jack it is, and there are no markings to indicate what it is. im assuming most jack parts aren't interchangable so rebuilding seems unlikely

 

[russlaferrera]

v8Killar, After reading the posts, I wish to add this. Should you decide to purchase a new jack don't throw the old jack out in one piece. Take it apart, see what makes it work.

Almost all jacks that fail. The defective part is seen without any problem. IMO the hardest part to get off is the gland nut on the piston, then the shell. Other that that it's a cake walk.

What can you do? Screw it up? It's already broke. This is how you learn.

 

[russlaferrera]

rebuilding was the first thing that my grandpa told me. however he doesn't know what kind of jack it is, and there are no markings to indicate what it is. im assuming most jack parts aren't interchangable so rebuilding seems unlikely

Jack repair companies can match up the seal.

 

[PoorOwner]

If on a budget I would just get a $100 3.5 ton jack that weights about 100 lbs from costco or kragens and buy some good jackstands. Griot's stands look very good from the design alone, I just ordered some myself, $50 per pair.

 

[preach]

Good stuff here.

My father just took back his 30yo Craftsman jack from me. Damn thing was a trooper and had seen business duty prior to my many cars.

Made me sad.

Now I need to go find a similar replacement that can handle a slightly lowered subaru to a lifted Jeep.

 

[malibu101]

I never dealt with the below website. Just thought I'd throw it out as I personally found it interesting.
http://www.hyjacks.com

 

[KnightFire]

There have been some really bad Craftsman branded jacks in recent years. I would check the reviews on the Sears web site before buying one from Sears. Since Craftsman is not a company that actually makes anything, only a brand name that Sears badges product made for them under contract, blanket statements about quality good or bad do not hold much water. With their recent problems with jacks, I would research any particular model you may want before buying a Craftsman jack.

I have a Larin floor jack that has performed well for over ten years.

Eh, guess all anyone can do is go from personal experience. I've had my Craftsman floor jack for a very long time, it's never given me a single reason to doubt it. I've never heard of or seen one fail (I did however see a Pep Boys special fail), in fact this is the 1st time I've ever heard of a Craftsman floor jack failing...but it's not like I go Googling failure rates on automotive floor jacks, LOL.

As with any product your going to buy, it should be researched, obviously that's why he's here asking questions.

Can you point out any 3rd party articles showing their failure rates? What parts are failing, what the cause is, etc? I would like to take a peek at those.

 

[Uncle Buck]

v8Killar, After reading the posts, I wish to add this. Should you decide to purchase a new jack don't throw the old jack out in one piece. Take it apart, see what makes it work.

Almost all jacks that fail. The defective part is seen without any problem. IMO the hardest part to get off is the gland nut on the piston, then the shell. Other that that it's a cake walk.

What can you do? Screw it up? It's already broke. This is how you learn.

DAMNED good advice, if more guys would take the time and effort to do this they might actually find rebuilding jacks to be the great alternative that I am always harping about!

 

[Uncle Buck]

rebuilding was the first thing that my grandpa told me. however he doesn't know what kind of jack it is, and there are no markings to indicate what it is. im assuming most jack parts aren't interchangable so rebuilding seems unlikely

I do not know where you live but if it is in a big city there are usually some local hydraulic rebuild shops around that would likely know who made your jack strictly from looking at it, or a picture or two close up. Heck, if nothing else, take a pic and put it up here, myself or someone else might know what brand it is. Once you have determined that you can start trying to hunt down model numbers etc.

 

[Danglerb]

Most of the bad Craftsmen jacks I have seen are "quick" lift style where a couple pumps gets the jack up to contact and then it switches to heavy lifting mode. These were about $170 and all sorts of seal related problems were reported, with little concern from Sears about fixing anything.

Could be this one, or one like it, several have many reviews and less than 2 stars. Craftsman Professional 2-1/2 ton Floor Jack
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...&cName=Tools+&+Equipment&sName=Lift+Equipment
.

 

[Danglerb]

Here is my quick list of what makes a good jack.
Safely lifts rated load.
Durable.
Easy to use.
Smooth operation, both up and down.

In cheaper jacks, many do all but the last item, lowering in a smooth controlled fashion apparently takes money. The rest you can get pretty cheap if you shop around. Look for reviews on the exact model, not just the brand or type.

Weight can be a plus or minus, aluminum costs more, but its the only thing practical if you need to lift the ******** the floor to put in a car etc.

If you have the space, one of those long ones can be great, giving full motion to the pumping even when lifting from the middle of the car.

Make sure you see the actual jack and not just the picture on the box, or on a web page, MANY are much smaller than you might think.

*** Kinda funny, the Sears jack most people are happy with is the one for $17, maybe low expectations.

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

Check craigslist, they always have old jacks that they are getting rid of at lease where im from. You might even find gold!

 

[MAD]

Eh, guess all anyone can do is go from personal experience. I've had my Craftsman floor jack for a very long time, it's never given me a single reason to doubt it. I've never heard of or seen one fail (I did however see a Pep Boys special fail), in fact this is the 1st time I've ever heard of a Craftsman floor jack failing...but it's not like I go Googling failure rates on automotive floor jacks, LOL.

As with any product your going to buy, it should be researched, obviously that's why he's here asking questions.

Can you point out any 3rd party articles showing their failure rates? What parts are failing, what the cause is, etc? I would like to take a peek at those.

Here is a link to one of the problematic Craftsman jacks. Click on "Reviews" to see comments of people that own it. This is not the only one with bad reviews on the web site right now but some of the poor ones that I saw a while back are no longer on the site.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950156000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Lift+Equipment

 

[thecarfarmer]

+1 more on the rebuild attempt idea. Like was said before... what'cha gotta' lose? On the flip side, almost everything new is less good than anything old - unless you drop real coin.

Our society has somehow signed on to the idea that it's okay for things to be disposable. (I'm outraged that I've gone thru my second PS2 for a laser failure - my daughter just thinks: "it's okay; the PS3 is out". I'm so pissed I don't want to buy another Sony)

Also, I've found a bearing house and seal house are two invaluable resources. There is a ton of stuff that can be bought cheap, and be put back into service with just a set of seals, or bearings. Not just jacks. Point is, you don't have to go to the manufacturer, or even a rebuild shop specializing in such-and-such and industry (automotive transmissions, sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc.) to get parts support.

-bill

 

[v8killar]

thanks guys I appreciate all the help. There is in fact a hydraulic shop near me, and I'm going to take it there sometime this week to have them look at it. If it can't be fixed for some reason, I've decided i will be taking it apart to see how it works and such. Again thanks guys i really appreciate all the advice.