U.S. Jack Manufacturing Video

[The Shop]

http://www.diynetwork.com/video/bottle-jacks-0152231

http://www.usjack.com/

After watching how U.S. Jack manufactures their bottle jacks, I think I might be buying one soon to use at the shop. And their jack stands look not too shabby either.

And yes I know that a "Hazard Fraught Tools" Bottle jack is cheaper and will probably work just fine. But, I believe in buy it once and use it for life.

 

[jrobb316]

I have the 20 ton to use on a press. Its very heavy for a bottle jack, way heavier than my Spanish OTC one. Your call if you want to buy 5 HF jacks or only one US Jack. I had to do that. I also have the jack stands on my wish list, next year i'll pull the trigger on those.

 

[Joe B.]

Thanks for posting! I love my US Jack jackstands.
View media item 14912View media item 14922

 

[ATC]

$140 for two jackstands? $275 for a 20-ton bottle jack?

No thanks. Shoot...their 6-ton jack stands look cheesier than my Torin Big Red's...

 

[jrobb316]

I think I got my bottle jack for $185. I'll gladly pay a reasonable price for quality, don't know if i'd swing 275 though.

 

[SantaAna12]

I pay for quality too.

What makes me pass on US Jack is the one year warranty.
IMO it does not match the price tag.

 

[Don53]

Thanks for posting! I love my US Jack jackstands.

+1. I used all four of mine today to do the front and rear differentials on my truck.

As has been said an here often... going cheap on Jackstands may not be the wisest move.

They're a fair price for a US made quality product. US Jack rates their stands per unit for some reason (I.e. 3 ton = 6 ton pair for most other brands). They usually have a sale around Thanksgiving (20% IIRC).

 

[redmondjp]

I'll share my US Jack story from about 10 years ago. I ordered a hydraulic cylinder from them for my engine hoist. I spent almost $200 for it. The first one I ordered came wrong - it didn't have the end of the rod drilled as I had ordered. Sent that one back.

The second cylinder came, and they had forgotten to tighten the gland nut on the pump piston. Fortunately, I was able to tighten that and resolve the issue.

The other problem was that their cylinder casting on the base didn't have the cross pin hole integrated into it (like EVERY imported cylinder does), so I had to order a $45 weldment from them and then bolt the base of the cylinder to it. To add insult to injury, I had to spend a couple of hours hacksawing extra metal off of the weldment so it would actually fit onto the engine hoist. Grand total, I probably had four hours of labor into making it work for my application.

So I spent around $250 for an American-made cylinder that I had to spend a lot of extra effort on, when for that same amount of money I could have gone through four $60 imported ones that would have required no labor or modifications.

I want to support American companies whenever I can, but OTOH, there is a reason why some of them aren't around any longer as well.

 

[Hiball]

I'll share my US Jack story from about 10 years ago. I ordered a hydraulic cylinder from them for my engine hoist. I spent almost $200 for it. The first one I ordered came wrong - it didn't have the end of the rod drilled as I had ordered. Sent that one back.

The second cylinder came, and they had forgotten to tighten the gland nut on the pump piston. Fortunately, I was able to tighten that and resolve the issue.

The other problem was that their cylinder casting on the base didn't have the cross pin hole integrated into it (like EVERY imported cylinder does), so I had to order a $45 weldment from them and then bolt the base of the cylinder to it. To add insult to injury, I had to spend a couple of hours hacksawing extra metal off of the weldment so it would actually fit onto the engine hoist. Grand total, I probably had four hours of labor into making it work for my application.

So I spent around $250 for an American-made cylinder that I had to spend a lot of extra effort on, when for that same amount of money I could have gone through four $60 imported ones that would have required no labor or modifications.

I want to support American companies whenever I can, but OTOH, there is a reason why some of them aren't around any longer as well.

Just so you know, when referencing long jacks you definitely need to spedify whether you want a round bottom or a flat bottom, there are applications for both. In regards to US Jack you either have to buy the adapter from them or make your own, More info.

 

[yaidunno]

$140 for two jackstands? $275 for a 20-ton bottle jack?

No thanks. Shoot...their 6-ton jack stands look cheesier than my Torin Big Red's...

So now we judge the quality and strength of jack stands by looks? This place amuses me.

People need to have a better understanding of manufacturing along with supply and demand. The US Jack stands are made from low run, high quality castings (i.e. money). Both the moving part as well as the locking mechanism are cast (can't say that about many other stands). They also engage with two teeth instead of a single point or tooth. Lets not forget that they are welded together buy a certified welder making $20 per hour, not in some Chinese factory with no regulations by someone working for a bowl of rice.

Having 2 sets of their smaller stands, I can fairly say that they are of much higher quality then any Chinese stands I've used in the past 10 years. I will soon be purchasing their 6 ton stands, and gladly pay the premium price. There will be absolutely no exceptions for quality when it comes to jacks and stands in my shop.

 

[redmondjp]

Just so you know, when referencing long jacks you definitely need to spedify whether you want a round bottom or a flat bottom, there are applications for both. In regards to US Jack you either have to buy the adapter from them or make your own, More info.

Thanks, and apparently this company still hasn't gotten a clue and started making a long ram that has that weldment integrated into the base, like all of the imported rams do that I can go down to Harbor Freight and buy that are plug-n-play on 99% of the engine hoists that are in use today.

I drilled two holes in the base plate and then drilled and tapped the base of the ram so I could bolt the two pieces together. And then had to cut off the ears so they would fit into my American-made (from the 1970s) engine hoist. That is simply ridiculous, and I won't do it again (just don't have the time).

You would think that in ten years the company would innovate and come up with better solutions for their customers.

 

[Hiball]

Thanks, and apparently this company still hasn't gotten a clue and started making a long ram that has that weldment integrated into the base, like all of the imported rams do that I can go down to Harbor Freight and buy that are plug-n-play on 99% of the engine hoists that are in use today.

I drilled two holes in the base plate and then drilled and tapped the base of the ram so I could bolt the two pieces together. And then had to cut off the ears so they would fit into my American-made (from the 1970s) engine hoist. That is simply ridiculous, and I won't do it again (just don't have the time).

You would think that in ten years the company would innovate and come up with better solutions for their customers.

Again, I guess your not following me, Not "All" long Jack applications require a pivoting base, this is why even HF sells a Flat bottom version, you could have saved yourself some grief by purchasing the proper tool for your application.

 

[jrobb316]

So now we judge the quality and strength of jack stands by looks? This place amuses me.

People need to have a better understanding of manufacturing along with supply and demand. The US Jack stands are made from low run, high quality castings (i.e. money). Both the moving part as well as the locking mechanism are cast (can't say that about many other stands). They also engage with two teeth instead of a single point or tooth. Lets not forget that they are welded together buy a certified welder making $20 per hour, not in some Chinese factory with no regulations by someone working for a bowl of rice.

Having 2 sets of their smaller stands, I can fairly say that they are of much higher quality then any Chinese stands I've used in the past 10 years. I will soon be purchasing their 6 ton stands, and gladly pay the premium price. There will be absolutely no exceptions for quality when it comes to jacks and stands in my shop.

Couldn't be said any better than that. What are you using for a jack? I just picked up a Milwaukee 20 earlier this year and love it.
The US Jack stands caught my eye due to the dual locking pawl. I know I could get 2 sets of the big reds but I really don't care.

 

[yaidunno]

Couldn't be said any better than that. What are you using for a jack? I just picked up a Milwaukee 20 earlier this year and love it.
The US Jack stands caught my eye due to the dual locking pawl. I know I could get 2 sets of the big reds but I really don't care.

I'm using an old Walker 4 ton from the '50s. Great for bigger stuff, it really makes for effortless lifting. I am in the market for a smaller service jack, and am quite envious of your Model 20. It will likely be what I end up going with, unless i can hold out for an older 2 ton unit.

 

[Skin]

I pay for quality too.

What makes me pass on US Jack is the one year warranty.
IMO it does not match the price tag.

I have 4 of their stands and I have to tell you, I never even occurred to me to look up a warranty. If you need to cash in on a warranty on your jack stands you're either already dead, severely injured, or have a far pricier repair on your hands than what a stand costs. The vast majority of stand failures, certainly with quality ones, are going to be user error 99.99% of the time anyway. With a jack stand a quality one is going to last a lifetime so a warranty really doesn't matter at all.

Short version, I think your being entirely nonsensical with that statement.

 

[redmondjp]

Again, I guess your not following me, Not "All" long Jack applications require a pivoting base, this is why even HF sells a Flat bottom version, you could have saved yourself some grief by purchasing the proper tool for your application.

No, YOU are not following ME.

I can go down to Harbor Freight, pay $39.99 with a coupon, and get a long ram that fits my engine hoist with NO modifications required. US Jack does not even sell such a product. You seem to think that they do. Show me on that document you linked where they do and we can end this.

You have to buy a flat-bottomed ram, and their bracket, and then do additional machining and assembly, at 4-6x the cost of the Chinese import that is plug-n-play.

 

[Hiball]

No, YOU are not following ME.

I can go down to Harbor Freight, pay $39.99 with a coupon, and get a long ram that fits my engine hoist with NO modifications required. US Jack does not even sell such a product. You seem to think that they do. Show me on that document you linked where they do and we can end this.

You have to buy a flat-bottomed ram, and their bracket, and then do additional machining and assembly, at 4-6x the cost of the Chinese import that is plug-n-play.

I Never said they Made a Pivot base, (Clam Down) I provided the Documents to show the Bracket and instructions to mate to a Chinese Lift. The Majority of Domestic Cherry pickers utilized a Flat Base, The Bracket is only there to allow Usage of there Long Jacks where the Pivot is needed. AGAIN... NOT ALL ENGINE CRANES USE PIVOT BASES... Including the US Jack models from the Past. Its OK if you want to complain about the $$$ and Modifications you had to do, but the Truth is you ordered the Wrong Long Jack regardless of the Lack of Options offered by UsJack.

Would you Blame GM for buying a Ford Alternator and trying to install it on your GM Vehicle only to find out the Plugs dont cross reference?

Ended.

 

[redmondjp]

I Never said they Made a Pivot base, (Clam Down) I provided the Documents to show the Bracket and instructions to mate to a Chinese Lift. The Majority of Domestic Cherry pickers utilized a Flat Base, The Bracket is only there to allow Usage of there Long Jacks where the Pivot is needed. AGAIN... NOT ALL ENGINE CRANES USE PIVOT BASES... Including the US Jack models from the Past. Its OK if you want to complain about the $$$ and Modifications you had to do, but the Truth is you ordered the Wrong Long Jack regardless of the Lack of Options offered by UsJack.

Would you Blame GM for buying a Ford Alternator and trying to install it on your GM Vehicle only to find out the Plugs dont cross reference?

Ended.

Wow, dude.

I wanted to by American, like lots of people here.

I have an American-made engine hoist from the 1970s. Not some Chinese-made piece of junk hoist.

I wanted to put an American-made long ram on it.

The only available one I found was from US Jack.

They only offer a flat bottom which does not fit on my American-made engine hoist.

So I had to order their weldment which required more machining and assembly, in order to fit on my hoist.

How in the world is that ordering the wrong part?

My point still stands: US Jack, if they wanted to be competitive in today's market, would redesign their long ram such that it would fit on 99% of the imported engine hoists that are in use today. They would sell a lot more of them that way.

 

[Hiball]

Wow, dude.

I wanted to by American, like lots of people here.

I have an American-made engine hoist from the 1970s. Not some Chinese-made piece of junk hoist.

I wanted to put an American-made long ram on it.

The only available one I found was from US Jack.

They only offer a flat bottom which does not fit on my American-made engine hoist.

So I had to order their weldment which required more machining and assembly, in order to fit on my hoist.

How in the world is that ordering the wrong part?

My point still stands: US Jack, if they wanted to be competitive in today's market, would redesign their long ram such that it would fit on 99% of the imported engine hoists that are in use today. They would sell a lot more of them that way.

I dont recall ever seeing a Self Contained Domestic Engine Crane with a Pivot (Its possible i have forgot about some, Pictures?), The Majority are Flat Bottomed. Its Unfortunate that US Jack requires the Add on to cross reference to the Pivot variety, but i suspect there reasoning for not carrying both variety is because 99% of the consumers arent going to fork out the Cash, By your Own admissions they can simply run down to HF, coupon in Hand and walk out for $39. Its Obviously a Tough market to compete in, and I can tell you after years of Rebuilding Hydraulic Jacks, Its NIGHT and DAY when comparing the 2 regardless if your talking about the Valve systems or Seals utilized. If i had a dollar for every bent Rod ive yanked out of those Cheap Long Jack, I could probably take the rest of the Year off.

 

[redmondjp]

I know that the imported rams are not very good (having gone through a few myself), hence the reason I wanted the American-made one.

I still think that there is a market from those existing owners of (mostly imported) hoists - if they were presented with a superior-quality direct-fit ram for their existing hoist - one which would last them a lifetime (in homeowner use, maybe not in a shop without a rebuild or two along the way) for which they would be willing to spend a bit extra. Not even to mention the added safety benefits and superior controllability with a better-designed and machined control valve.

 

[Hiball]

I know that the imported rams are not very good (having gone through a few myself), hence the reason I wanted the American-made one.

I still think that there is a market from those existing owners of (mostly imported) hoists - if they were presented with a superior-quality direct-fit ram for their existing hoist - one which would last them a lifetime (in homeowner use, maybe not in a shop without a rebuild or two along the way) for which they would be willing to spend a bit extra. Not even to mention the added safety benefits and superior controllability with a better-designed and machined control valve.

It's a Tough Market, we are down to just a few domestic companies producing lift equipment today. I believe we had a US Jack Rep here at GJ at one time, like most Reps they don't stick around very long. I suspect a simple fix would simply be to Weld the adapter on for consumers requiring a pivot, that would obviously be cheaper than a New production line, not to mention it could be done prior to assembly where there was No chance of damaging seals during welding.

 

[On-Wheel]

Late night thinking.There selling the bracket to be welded on an already built cylinder .Doesnt seem there afraid of damaging a seal but dang it'd get hot welding it on.
Bet there not making a killing at there US made price.Material ,,man hours and what a million $ shop+.Im glad I now know where to get one ,U.S. Made.

 

[ng8264723]

I wanted a low profile steel jack USA made for my Cobra. I looked and looked. There isn't one available. I reluctantly bought one from HF for $140 or so (extended LP jack). It works perfectly.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have 4 of their stands and I have to tell you, I never even occurred to me to look up a warranty. If you need to cash in on a warranty on your jack stands you're either already dead, severely injured, or have a far pricier repair on your hands than what a stand costs. The vast majority of stand failures, certainly with quality ones, are going to be user error 99.99% of the time anyway. With a jack stand a quality one is going to last a lifetime so a warranty really doesn't matter at all.

Short version, I think your being entirely nonsensical with that statement.

Glad you like yours.

Hydraulic systems are prone to leaks. At the upper quality range, this tendency should be reduced. IMO, the warranty should reflect that.

 

[Don53]

Glad you like yours.

Hydraulic systems are prone to leaks. At the upper quality range, this tendency should be reduced. IMO, the warranty should reflect that.

Think you two are talking apples (jacks) vs. oranges (stands).

When I bought my stands, warranty didn't even cross my mind. If I were to get one of their jacks, would / should probably be a consideration for most.

Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk

 

[Hiball]

Glad you like yours.

Hydraulic systems are prone to leaks. At the upper quality range, this tendency should be reduced. IMO, the warranty should reflect that.

Warranty's are Highly Overated, especially in regards to Hydraulic Jacks. I would recommend taking some time and learning why certain brands are better versus there cheaper counterparts and use that information when forging a decision on what to buy.

 

[ATC]

So now we judge the quality and strength of jack stands by looks? This place amuses me.

People need to have a better understanding of manufacturing along with supply and demand. The US Jack stands are made from low run, high quality castings (i.e. money). Both the moving part as well as the locking mechanism are cast (can't say that about many other stands). They also engage with two teeth instead of a single point or tooth. Lets not forget that they are welded together buy a certified welder making $20 per hour, not in some Chinese factory with no regulations by someone working for a bowl of rice.

Having 2 sets of their smaller stands, I can fairly say that they are of much higher quality then any Chinese stands I've used in the past 10 years. I will soon be purchasing their 6 ton stands, and gladly pay the premium price. There will be absolutely no exceptions for quality when it comes to jacks and stands in my shop.

People judge by looks every day...even you. When a picture is all most of us have to go on, looks is what matters as a first impression.

I know exactly how manufacturing works. The 'moving part' as well as the locking mechanism are ALL cast, on every single jackstand I have ever seen in my lifetime.
Mine also engage 2 teeth. The pawl engages one, and a locking pin engages a second.

Your certified welder is human, who has his good days and his bad days. Mine are welded by a robot. Mine are going to be welded the same at 8am Monday morning, and 4:55pm Friday evening. Your guy is hung over Monday, and is in a rush to get the hell out of there Friday...
I work in that kind of business and see it every week...

If US Jacks would cut their prices in half...I'd be a customer. But just like Snap-On, they are way out of line for what you are getting. I buy USA whenever possible, but sometimes they don't give me that option.

I'm glad you like yours. Good luck with them


My $20 Big Red's doing work: