Two post lift....single lock release

[Kaizen]

I'm shopping for a 2 post lift. Never used one before. I saw one video where the guy set up his lift so the lock engagement noise on each post was set slightly different so you could hear the two locks engaging. I thought this was a good safety thing to do for a newb. does having a single lock release point have any impact on how the locks engage as described above?

 

[firebirdparts]

I would not think so. I think you want them to click always in normal operation regardless of how the release works. Some builder could be different though

 

[Buckgnarly]

They are supposed to sound at the same time... if they are not synced that means the carriers are not level to each other. This applies to my Bendpak, I would assume all others are the same.

That said mine never stay in sync for long, one is always a tad off from the other.

 

[Happy in NC]

I have mine just out of sync.
I like hearing both locks go positive and I stay almost perfectly level. Not enough kilter to matter. After hearing both clicks I can drop it to the lock blocks to work on it.
They are very close to sync but just enough difference to hear both.
No adverse effects that I have found.
My 2 cents

 

[Kaizen]

I have mine just out of sync.
I like hearing both locks go positive and I stay almost perfectly level. Not enough kilter to matter. After hearing both clicks I can drop it to the lock blocks to work on it.
They are very close to sync but just enough difference to hear both.
No adverse effects that I have found.
My 2 cents

and do you have a single point release? the guy in the video had a dual point release so just making sure before I go to the showroom. someone above said it doesn't matter about single or dual release and the clicks

 

[Happy in NC]

Yes, Single point.
Lower end Eagle lift that I installed myself.

 

[lowe.joshua51]

I have a 2 post lift with a single point lock release. Mine 'click' at the same time, I can hear it well enough to tell that both are clicking. I've read and someone already said that they do get off sync, mine haven't yet but I'll adjust the sync cable when that happens. If they're not synced perfectly, just a little off I don't imagine it being a big issue.

 

[Kaizen]

Great thanks everyone


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Aahz]

My selling point against dual independent locks is ALWAYS, "If you unlock one side, you need to walk under the vehicle to unlock the other. I wouldn't want to be walking under a car that was only safe on one side!"

Single point release was designed to prevent you from being in an unsafe situation.

In reality, I've never seen someone get hurt by dual independent locks (lots of other reasons), but for the few dollars difference in cost? Why take the risk?

The original question about locks clicking at one time is pretty commonly asked by mechanics to my service techs. When they are out of synch, it usually means one (or both) of the cables have stretched. It's not a bad thing and it's usually pretty simple to adjust them back into synch when needed. It IS a bad thing if they get so far out of synch that the vehicle is going up crooked or you cannot get them back in adjustment.
It's also not a situation where you want to make the adjustment with a vehicle on the lift!

 

[rburke65]

Aahz......walk around....not under. My Mohawk is out of sync.

 

[Aahz]

Rburke65....Mohawks are ALWAYS out of synch..LOL That hydraulic equalizing control valve is better than most hydraulically equalized controls, but....

Seriously though, no matter how you move to unlock the 2nd lock, you need to put at least a part of your body between the vertical plane of the vehicle and the carriage/ column of the lift. If the lock was accessible from outside the column, like it is on a single point release, you don't have that issue.

Most of the ergonomics of shops today are geared towards "fewer steps" as well. Walking around the vehicle adds to those steps. Added steps = wasted time.

Glad you're happy with the Mohawk though. They are good lifts in many aspects!

 

[danbuff]

My lift has 2 independent locks, and I never walk under vehicles to release the locks.
Also, gives me a chance to see both sides of the vehicle before I lower, in case I forgot about the stool, or whatever may be in the way when I lower..