Floor Jack Question

[Jeff G 78]

4 hours ago, texasz said:

I've got to say I'm shocked at all the support for Harbor Freight jacks on here!  I've always been VERY cautions what I buy there, yes cheap...and that's part of the problem.  I'll buy one time use items, of things that are pretty much the same everywhere (i.e. tarps, bungie cords, etc).  A jack is a serious thing though, I'm trusting my autos and body parts to a jack and was looking for quality and reliability.  From what everyone has said on here is seems that the jacks they sell have both.  @Jeff G 78 and others, do you have a specific make/model you suggest (aluminum please)?

Don't get me wrong.  I am a tool snob and HATE 99% of the HF tools.  I buy latex gloves and tarps there, but little else.  As for jacks, they really aren't much of a safety concern because no jack, no matter the brand or condition should be trusted even for a moment.  I treat floor jacks like I treat guns and assume it's up to me to be safe.  The jack stands are the exact opposite.  I have never bought HF jack stands as I'd rather not be crushed to death under my car.

I like the Pittburgh 2.5 ton jack.

[siteunseen]

My thinking is/was buy a low profile aluminum jack from HF. Spend on the best jack stands you can. They will save your life. The jack, not so much. It'll loose pressure and start dropping as quick as the last pump so you'll know quick.

[siteunseen]

The best. Screw house jacks. They're high though but my old concrete slab garage floor shifts with the weather.

 

[madkaw]

I’m Another HF jack off. I have two Pittsburg aluminum jacks . I’m like Cliff, I just bought the 1.5 . It’s super light and fits anywhere.

I also have the 2.5 which is also great . Even with my lowered car and a front spoiler , I can fit either one between the front tire and my spoiler and reach the center of the crossmember .

Jack stands save lives , not the jack

[siteunseen]

That's my lift spot too when I'm HF jacking off.

The squarish middle of the front crossmember. The low profile fits nicely under my front spoiler on my lowered car. Very light weight too. Grab it up and go, no problem. Handle pops out for going in the hatch or trunk of my Camry.

[Captain Obvious]

1 hour ago, madkaw said:

Jack stands save lives , not the jack

Live long and prosper.

 

[grannyknot]

After reading this thread a couple of days ago I had a look on kijiji to see what was for sale at the moment, found a Lincoln 4 ton air/hydraulic jack for $80  He even delivered it to my door. He says it is bleeding air so I guess it's time for a rebuild, they still sell seal kits for these jacks.

The base is 50" long which WAY too big for my little shop, I plan to get it working and put it back on kijiji.

 

[texasz]

Agreed on the jack stands!!  Mine are certainly NOT from Harbor Freight.  😉  

 

Thank you everyone for your input.  Looks like the Pittsburg from Harbor Freight is the winner.