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Car Jack Recomendations

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by aallison, Jul 1, 2016.

  1. Jul 2, 2016
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,187
    I bought one of the US General 1.5 ton aluminum models from Harbor Freight about 6 years ago. With a coupon, it was $49.99. I was skeptical, but it has won me over. Its only about 35 lbs, and is very easy to lower softly/controllably.
    The handle removes in a second to throw in the trunk, and it fits under my Mini and BMW at 3.5" for the first 10" or so, and it raises to 16".
    My model has been discontinued, but the equal is on sale now for $59.99. I highly recommend it for the money. I still use jackstands whenever I am under any vehicle, but this inexpensive jack has never given me any suprises.
    The light weight makes these jacks very handy to use, and I will likely buy another one, maybe to 2 ton version which raises higher.
    -Donny
     
  2. Jul 3, 2016
    sieg

    sieg Sponsor

    bartonville IL
    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2010
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    214
    If you go with the hft jack go online and get a 20% off coupon every little bit helps . I have the 3 ton racing jack it lets down a little fast but you get used to it
     
  3. Jul 4, 2016
    bkap

    bkap Gone, but not long gone.

    Tucson, AZ
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2006
    Messages:
    784
    I just bit the bullet, so to speak, and ordered a new three ton steel floor jack and a 2000 lbs transmission jack from HF. The 25% off coupon helped a bunch. Plus they took another $10 off the floor jack, so that worked out for shipping. I didn't think rubbing elbows with other shoppers in the store today sounded all that inviting, so I ordered online.
     
  4. Jul 6, 2016
    Don X

    Don X The Prodigal Moderator Staff Member 2023 Sponsor

    San Diego,...
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    Bruce, I've never thought of you as an elitist. More of an advocate for the down trodden. ;) :D
     
  5. Jul 7, 2016
    bkap

    bkap Gone, but not long gone.

    Tucson, AZ
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    Sep 9, 2006
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    Sometimes is hard to not be a cranky guy. :cool: I waited for the last half hour on Sunday to make a Costco run, thinking very few people go there on late Sunday afternoon. Wrong. It was packed and they were all armed with shopping carts. I felt trodden on...
     
  6. Jul 7, 2016
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
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    1,516
    When Jacking cars, my usual tools are a ski mask and a .38 special.


    oh wait....

    I'm going to agree with McRuff. I;ve got that same jack and it works great. the rapid up is nice, and it also has a nice lift height. I think i got it for around $75-80.

    I also have a 1.5ton HF aluminum jack (new version of the "racing" ones specified above) that I use for smaller applications. Both have given me years of service without problems.
     
  7. Jul 13, 2016
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
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    Nov 24, 2006
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    1,929
    They finally got a 4 ton in shipment today. So I picked up

    [​IMG]

    Played with it a little and so far, it is way beyond what my old jack was. I raised up my '96 ram 2500 very easy and was able to completely control the drop of the truck, no slam to the ground. Only real issue, and it is not really an issue is the darn thing is very heavy. Very heavy. But I'm also very happy with it so far.

    Thanks for all the recommendations.
     
  8. Jul 13, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
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    7,540
    Is the rapid pump just a fast pump until it hits resistance then you pump it up as normal? My Craftsman does that and I love it.
     
  9. Jul 13, 2016
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    I have a couple that are crazy-heavy too, but you will be very glad you got it when you go to lift a full size 4x4 pickup.
     
  10. Jul 13, 2016
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
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    Nov 24, 2006
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    With the little bit Ive played with it, it seems to pump up quick until it hits resistance. My old jack I pump about 10,000 times to get it to the bottom of the frame. This one seems to be there in about 6 pumps. And it went up quick even after it started lifting.
     
  11. Jul 13, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    ^ Those are nice.
     
  12. Jul 14, 2016
    bkap

    bkap Gone, but not long gone.

    Tucson, AZ
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2006
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    784
    I got the three ton HF I ordered online and it works about the same as the four ton, it seems. Very stout. I may have to air bleed it again but so far I'm happy with it.
     
  13. Jul 17, 2016
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    the only thing that failed on the hf jack has been the end of the handle that engages the jack, the flat washer that was welded to the end to accept the bolt that holds it to the jack broke at the spot weld, grindy grindy tack tack all better
     
  14. Sep 27, 2016
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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  15. Sep 27, 2016
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
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    Jan 10, 2014
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    Bought a 3 ton torin jack from wall mart for $90. I say it is about the same as a harbor freight floor jack. Lets down just a tad quicker than I'd like.
    I've had a torin 2 ton jack for about six years now and it held up great so far.
     
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