Jacking Screw / Jack Stand

[RickP330]

Hey Guys,
I was out working in the shop this weekend and reached for this trusty old item. I then thought this is something that perhaps deserves a little Garage Journal love. I don't know exactly what it is or whom manufactured it - it would be really sweet to find another one so I have a pair and knew what to look for.

What I do know is that I believe it belonged to a kids grandfather I grew up down the block from. Not sure exactly how it became in my possession but I presume I did some work for the kid and he left it with me. That would have been in the '80's. The kids grandfather was at that time long retired from Grumman (Bethpage). I presume he lifted them from there and used them as jack stands.

I have seen some similar items in the Heavy Machine shop at the lab - so I'm presuming that's the environment they come from. I understand that this is not a jack stand so I don't use it as one, but man does it come in handy when you need a stand of sorts which can adjust it's hight precisely.

Here I am using it to hold up a beam in position while I tack it in place, not sure how the heck else I would have held it there and like I said, if I had a pair of these it would be great.

When done with this job I think I'll clean it up. I'll blast the body and paint it, but how best to clean up the threads? I'd rather not grease or oil them as that would just attract grinding dust. Any ideas on how to best restore it?

Much Thanks and hope you guys enjoy this thread!
RickP

 

[ndnchf]

They are known as Screw Jacks or House jacks. I recently made one into a jack stand. All I did was make a saddle for it from a piece of 1/4" steel plate welded to an old socket. It makes a super strong, easily adjustable jack stand.

 

[IamtheGerman]

Good to know thanks

 

[mike93lx]

A wire wheel would do fine on the treads. You could try something like cold bluing to protect

 

[driz]

That would be a good prospect for electrolysis if you want it back like new . 5 gallon drywall pail some 20 mule team borax water and s battery. Cleans it right up for painting.
I sure wish I had one of those, infinitely adjustable [emoji847]!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[steaks&anvils]

Also called "railroad" jacks. I have had these before, very handy to have.

You might try using boiled linseed oil (BLO) on the treads. If the BLO cures well before you reassemble it, then it should not be sticky.

 

[RTM]

I would not use BLO on the threads, unless you have months to wait for it to dry. I used it on my vise slide, but not the bearing surfaces.

¢¢

 

[Ign]

You can still get 'em at MSC and probably most machinist/industrial/MRO supplies

 

[Crabman]

A little internet sleuthing shows it is likely a TK Simplex based on the logo.

They are still making them!

https://www.tksimplex.com/en-sx/sea...essResults=true&searchType=guided&type=search

Very cool old jack, thanks for posting the pictures.

Bruce

 

[NeubCont]

House jack
Railroad Jack
I have a couple of them
I use them to support or raise framing members in home remodeling.
I like them because of the "safety" of mechanical versus that of Hydraulic failure.
They come up on the internet sales often on Letgo, OfferUp and Craigslist
Value varies on size and Height