Looking for a little advice on a new floor jack

[Topshelf]

Hey guys, was hoping someone would have some advice on a floor jack. Wife just bought me this Craftsman 2 ton aluminum jack (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950239000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Lift+Equipment) for Christmas, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't a better option before I open it up. According to the reviews it seems like a real POS to be honest, and for $200 that amazes me. After doing some research it appears that there is a flood of Chinese jacks that are all junk, but sold under several different names with color changes and $$$ being the main difference. They do sell a more expensive Professional Version (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950244000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Lift+Equipment) which looks quite nice, but is an extra $100. I then started searching around and found two other jacks that I thought might be better options, but wasn't sure. This Arcan XL35 (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345429_200345429) and this Omega Low Profile (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200329613_200329613) both look like nice units, but they all have their pros and cons. I'm leaning towards that Arcan right now, but I can't tell if it's long enough to reach the center jacking points, where the Omega certainly is, but is $100 more expensive. These jacks won't be leaving my garage/driveway, so I don't need the light aluminum, and safety is obviously my main concern. I know those AC jacks are the ticket, but I can't swing that right now, and I find it hard to believe that $200 won't get you a nice floor jack. So any thoughts on these, or a better unit I don't know about?

[Ron Stygar]

I find it hard to believe that $200 won't get you a nice floor jack. So any thoughts on these, or a better unit I don't know about?

Not that I'm aware of.

A low cost jack doesn't go high or low enough or both.

[SUNZOUT]

Now there is always a "better" tool!!! just depends on your budget.

The craftsman does not get good reviews on Sears site.

[caseysc1]

Saw this one on Tire Rack and was considering it. Have heard nothing in the way of reviews. Price seems right but you get what you pay for (if you're lucky).

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=67

[johnnnykoool]

Aluminum jacks are usually wider, thus more stable without weighing 100s of pounds. Takes more aluminum to equal the steel strength, and aluminum is more expensive than steel, so they're usually low profile racing jacks meant for cars. Heavier duty jacks are usually steel so they're not massive, and they're for vehicles that aren't light. So ask yourself: are you ever going to jack up a bus?

Find one that fits under your Z4 and you're g2g. I'd go for one with an easy-replacement warranty, Sears/Craftsman is great for that. Be sure to break it soon and go get another one! Awesome gift btw, your wife knows what's up!

[jmillet]

Hey guys, was hoping someone would have some advice on a floor jack. Wife just bought me this Craftsman 2 ton aluminum jack (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950239000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Lift+Equipment) for Christmas, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't a better option before I open it up. According to the reviews it seems like a real POS to be honest, and for $200 that amazes me. After doing some research it appears that there is a flood of Chinese jacks that are all junk, but sold under several different names with color changes and $$$ being the main difference. They do sell a more expensive Professional Version (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950244000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Lift+Equipment) which looks quite nice, but is an extra $100. I then started searching around and found two other jacks that I thought might be better options, but wasn't sure. This Arcan XL35 (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345429_200345429) and this Omega Low Profile (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200329613_200329613) both look like nice units, but they all have their pros and cons. I'm leaning toward that Arcan right now, but I can't tell if it's long enough to reach the center jacking points, where the Omega certainly is, but is $100 more expensive. These jacks won't be leaving my garage/driveway, so I don't need the light aluminum, and safety is obviously my main concern. I know those AC jacks are the ticket, but I can't swing that right now, and I find it hard to believe that $200 won't get you a nice floor jack. So any thoughts on these, or a better unit I don't know about?

If you're looking for a sturdy, heavy-duty garage floor jack then the lightweight (44 Lbs) Craftsman 2T 50239 is probably not your best choice. I have this jack as my secondary garage jack and primary track jack and it has served me well for over three years. My primary work-horse garage jack is a 25 year old "Proudly Made in U.S.A." Lincoln 1.5T CJ4000 that weighs about 100 Lbs. I also have a cheap "Made in China" Harbor Freight 3T Heavy Duty floor jack SKU 34271 that weighs 94 Lbs and is now on sale for $74. I've had this jack for over three years and it performs just as well as the Lincoln.
If I were in the market for a heavy duty garage floor jack I would spend the $74 for a "cheap" Chinese product based on the premise that if it should fail prematurely I can buy at least three "cheap" Chinese jacks for what I'd pay for the more expensive "components made in USA assembled in China" jacks or the $400 "made in Spain" Griot's Garage floor jack.

[Vinci]

I got this one from American Forge and Foundry (200T) for Christmas this year. It lifts nearly as high as my Esco stands will go, has a large round jack pad, and is quite low. I haven't had cause to use it yet (just a couple test lifts), but it gets great reviews online. I have seen prices just under $200 to $250. Shipping will probably be pricy, given that it is 100lbs.

http://webspace.ringling.edu/~dplassma/pics/aff_jack01.jpg

http://webspace.ringling.edu/~dplassma/pics/aff_jack02.jpg

[jmillet]

Harbor Freight also sells a saddle pad for floor jacks to provide protection for the underside of the car:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96306
They also carry jack stand pads: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95952

[blau335]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039

It's what I take to the track and works well, yes it's a chinese piece of junk but see previous statement.

Not that I'm aware of.

A low cost jack doesn't go high or low enough or both.

If you need to go higher then what pretty much any jack offers you need to be on a lift and not using a jack.

[jmillet]

In addition to the 44 Lb Craftsman jack I also have the 35 Lb Harbor Freight Aluminum Racing floor jack:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47246
One can never have too many jacks or jack stands :thumbup:

[caseysc1]

Been trying to watch and learn on here what's most important for a good jack. What I have heard is a general disdain for aluminum jacks, although some seem to feel that our cars are not really challenging the lighter weight jacks. Ron seems to feel that how low and how high the jack works is important. I offered up the tire rack model which has the following characteristics:

The Aluminum Service Jack from Tire Rack features a Quick Lift System with two-stage pump and dual return springs. Go from 3.5" ground height to a maximum height of 19.5" in 12 strokes or less, even under load. The jack's lightweight, aluminum design weighs only 50 lbs. for easy transport yet remains ideal for heavy-duty, 2-ton capacity use. Wide track casters and wheels allow for easy maneuverability while a rubber saddle pad and foam handle bumper protect the raised vehicle. A 50" handle is included.

Lift Range: 3.5" to 19" (meets almost any application)
Saddle Diameter: 4.75"
Chassis Width: 13"
Front Wheels: 2.5" x 1.75"
Rear Caster Width: 1.25" x 1.25"
Weight: 50 lbs.

What is that I don't know here? For $150, this seems to be a very capable jack. Just looking for something reasonable and capable...

[Topshelf]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Unfortunately, I think I'm more confused now than when I posted.:p While cost is always a factor, safety is number one, and I just don't know if I feel safe with these Chinese jacks. Yes, I understand that the car should be on stands, but if I jack up one corner for a tire change or brake work, I'm trusting my jack to support the car safely. Thoughts like that make me think spending a little more is worth it. I've read many, many reviews of these Chinese jacks leaking down or just letting go under load. No way I'm working on a car jacked up unless I feel safe. I'll also be using this on the wife's E91, so I do need something with a 2 ton rating.

My buddy has the Sears jack that my wife bought me, guessing that's where the recommendation came from, and though I liked the light weight of it, it did not feel very stable to me. I think it's that center front wheel. While it looks cool, it's a bad design for stability under load. I much prefer the wider stance of the jacks with two outside mounted front wheels like Vinci posted. I'm not concerned with overall height as anything 17" or higher should be just fine for my needs. I'm positive I'm taking back the Sears jack as I could go the $75 route and get the same product. I'll keep researching, but right now I'm leaning towards the Arcan XL35. Definitely heavier than what I prefer, but I'd much rather buy a jack for a bit more that I know will last and be safe. I like the look of that Tire Rack jack as well, but if I had to guess where it was made, it looks very similar to all the other aluminum racing jacks out there, just has the wheels in the right spot. This shouldn't be this difficult.:(

[caseysc1]

After looking at the models you are researching, I think I would (will) go with the Arcan at this link. Great reviews and looks very sturdy.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345429_200345429

[Ron Stygar]

After looking at the models you are researching, I think I would (will) go with the Arcan at this link. Great reviews and looks very sturdy.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345429_200345429

That looks like it would work.

[Ron Stygar]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Unfortunately, I think I'm more confused now than when I posted.:p While cost is always a factor, safety is number one, and I just don't know if I feel safe with these Chinese jacks. Yes, I understand that the car should be on stands, but if I jack up one corner for a tire change or brake work, I'm trusting my jack to support the car safely. Thoughts like that make me think spending a little more is worth it. I've read many, many reviews of these Chinese jacks leaking down or just letting go under load. No way I'm working on a car jacked up unless I feel safe. I'll also be using this on the wife's E91, so I do need something with a 2 ton rating.

My buddy has the Sears jack that my wife bought me, guessing that's where the recommendation came from, and though I liked the light weight of it, it did not feel very stable to me. I think it's that center front wheel. While it looks cool, it's a bad design for stability under load. I much prefer the wider stance of the jacks with two outside mounted front wheels like Vinci posted. I'm not concerned with overall height as anything 17" or higher should be just fine for my needs. I'm positive I'm taking back the Sears jack as I could go the $75 route and get the same product. I'll keep researching, but right now I'm leaning towards the Arcan XL35. Definitely heavier than what I prefer, but I'd much rather buy a jack for a bit more that I know will last and be safe. I like the look of that Tire Rack jack as well, but if I had to guess where it was made, it looks very similar to all the other aluminum racing jacks out there, just has the wheels in the right spot. This shouldn't be this difficult.:(

Don't think 17 inch will work raising on the front axle.
Sears is 18.5 inch. Lincoln W93642 is 20.25 inch.

Tens years ago jack stuff:

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/tools/all_hydraulic_jack.html

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/tools/all_jacking_and_supporting_your_car.html

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/tools/all_jacking_lowered_cars.html

Sears with Lincoln W93642

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/searsalumjack-3.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/searsalumjack-4.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/searsalumjack-5.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/jackac-12.jpg">

[Topshelf]

Don't think 17 inch will work raising on the front axle.
Sears is 18.5 inch. Lincoln W93642 is 20.25 inch.


That Arcan is 21 3/8" Ron. After shipping I'm looking at just around $220. Other than the fact that it's about a 100lb floor jack, I don't see any faults with it. Looking at the Sears jack next to your Lincoln, the Sears looks like a toy from Kid's R Us. That Arcan looks like a real mans jack, not one of those sissy aluminum jobs. :p I really like the reach of the Omega Low Profile, (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200329613_200329613) but now I'm up to $335 shipped. I'll deal with running the car up on small ramps if needed for the odd time I need to do that. Unless I find a better deal in the next few days I'll be ordering up that Arcan. Hey casey, order one up real quick and let me know if it's worth it. :D

[AW]

Just to add my 2 cents. I have been using that aluminum sears jack for 3.5 years with no problems, though I have read that others have had problems with it. Only issue is that it is not long enough or low enough to get to the front cross member to jack the Z3 M coupe up. I am looking to purchase either the griots or the ac one but have not done any real work on the M to justify the expense.

[Ron Stygar]

Only issue is that it is not long enough or low enough to get to the front cross member to jack the Z3 M coupe up.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/tools/all_jacking_lowered_cars.html

[AW]

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/tools/all_jacking_lowered_cars.html
Thanks Ron, I forgot about driving the car up a set of ramps, especially the ones you made. Since getting the low jack for my acura I forgot about the days of driving the car on ramps to get a standard jack under them. Looks like I will either get some ramps or make one like you did.

[jmillet]

You should never "trust" your jack, regardless of whether it's an expensive one or a cheap Chinese one, to support your car without jack stands. If a jack does "leak down" it usually does so gradually and adding some jack oil cures the immediate problem.
IMHO a good garage floor jack should weigh at least 90 Lbs in order to provide a stable lifting platform.

[AW]

You should never "trust" your jack, regardless of whether it's an expensive one or a cheap Chinese one, to support your car without jack stands.


I totally agree with this, I always use jackstands. I will probably replace my craftsman with the esco ones. They seem to be at a great price through ultimate garage!

[caseysc1]

Hey casey, order one up real quick and let me know if it's worth it. :D

Well...as I think about it, you can buy a sears jack for the cost of shipping of the Arcan. Back on the fence. Gonna look around locally. Maybe you'll have yours before I find one...

[AW]

Found two other options for getting under the fron with a coventional jack.


http://www.tomiokaracing.com/Pictures/3_3.jpg
Tomioka race ramps.

http://www.raceramps.com/images/trakjax_2.jpg
Race ramps makes these track-Jax that are made out of rubber so I assume they would be perfect as they would not slide.

[Topshelf]

Well...as I think about it, you can buy a sears jack for the cost of shipping of the Arcan. Back on the fence. Gonna look around locally. Maybe you'll have yours before I find one...

Shipping to PA is $66, which puts the jack at $216. The Sears jack that the wife bought me and is sitting in a box with MADE IN CHINA on the side cost $205 after the sale price and tax. I'm more than happy to invest $10 more into a real jack.

Could someone please explain to me how they support a car with a jack stand when only lifting one corner?:dunno:

[Topshelf]

Found two other options for getting under the fron with a coventional jack.

They do look nice, but at $70 I think I'm going to buy a piece of wood and follow Ron's template. Smaller and easier to store as well.

[AW]

Could someone please explain to me how they support a car with a jack stand when only lifting one corner?:dunno:

To put jackstands on you need to either jack from the front or back. That is why I was looking into the platforms to get to the front jacking point. The price is pretty steep but the rubber ones look like they will work without slipping. I have used 2x4's in the past and that worked as well. The rubber platforms just seem to be a nice improvement.

Another note on the craftsman jack, it only comes with a one year warranty, not like the liftetime on hand tools. Like I said, I have had this for 3.5 years with no problems and just love the light weight and low saddle height. From what I have read, the people breaking them, are breaking them at the point where the release valve is. I think this happens if you try to lower the car with the pole at an angle so it causes more stress on the joint. I never do this and have not had a problem with mine yet.

[Buddy L]

To put jackstands on you need to either jack from the front or back. That is why I was looking into the platforms to get to the front jacking point. The price is pretty steep but the rubber ones look like they will work without slipping. I have used 2x4's in the past and that worked as well. The rubber platforms just seem to be a nice improvement.

Another note on the craftsman jack, it only comes with a one year warranty, not like the liftetime on hand tools. Like I said, I have had this for 3.5 years with no problems and just love the light weight and low saddle height. From what I have read, the people breaking them, are breaking them at the point where the release valve is. I think this happens if you try to lower the car with the pole at an angle so it causes more stress on the joint. I never do this and have not had a problem with mine yet.

Agreed!

I've got the same jack as the Sears, I believe. The Torin "Big Red". It is Chinese, but I don't jack my car, and work underneath without stands. The jack will lift both the back, and front, with ease. It is strong, light weight, stable enough, a good price, and does what it claims it will do. That being said, people in hell want ice water, but they don't get it. I want to do what I want to my car, and the jack is meerly a convenience, that should be backed up for safety. What it gets down to is a personal choice. Do what makes you happy.

:thumbup:

[BigMoneyWasted]

There is a built-in conflict in your earlier message below. You state safety is number one, then admit to working without jackstands for brake work. No amount of money or quality or country of origin or internet posting is going to make this questionable procedure less risky.
:p ...safety is number one, and I just don't know if I feel safe with these Chinese jacks. Yes, I understand that the car should be on stands, but if I jack up one corner for a tire change or brake work, I'm trusting my jack to support the car safely. Thoughts like that make me think spending a little more is worth it. I've read many, many reviews of these Chinese jacks leaking down or just letting go under load. No way I'm working on a car jacked up unless I feel safe. :( I can lift my Z4 with the Sport Package (1/2 lower) with the $74 Chinese jack stands from Harbor Freight, they have just the right amount of clearance. I don't care if it leaks, but I never had one let go over 25 years. There seems to be some bias against China imports, these jacks work well and lots of people on this board use them routinely. I lift my car with the jack and place a chinese jackstand next to it, that takes about 5 seconds.

Ten years ago I was lifting my Q45 at the rear centerpoint with a US made jack. The entire car came down before I had a chance to put the 2 jackstands under it. It was a really hot day, and the asphalt under the jack was melted by the sun and allowed the jack to topple. So even if you buy the best jack you can find, you still need stands.

[Topshelf]

Well, to be honest, when I jack up one corner I do set a jack stand up. I place it right next to the jacking point but keep the car just off the stand. It's not the correct way to do it, but for a quick job I'm trusting my jack will hold and that if the car does start to drop the stand will do it's job at the risk of damaging the car. Which is why I want a good jack that I can use properly and lift at the center point, then place the stands where they belong. While I'm sure that the Chinese jacks would be fine for the most part, I don't see any reason why I wouldn't just buy a much nicer one and be done with it. If there was scattered reports of jack failures I'd take my chances, but it's apparently very common on these imports. So I'll invest into a good reliable jack that I can use for years without worry.:thumbup:

[Buddy L]

Well, to be honest, when I jack up one corner I do set a jack stand up. I place it right next to the jacking point but keep the car just off the stand. It's not the correct way to do it, but for a quick job I'm trusting my jack will hold and that if the car does start to drop the stand will do it's job at the risk of damaging the car. Which is why I want a good jack that I can use properly and lift at the center point, then place the stands where they belong. While I'm sure that the Chinese jacks would be fine for the most part, I don't see any reason why I wouldn't just buy a much nicer one and be done with it. If there was scattered reports of jack failures I'd take my chances, but it's apparently very common on these imports. So I'll invest into a good reliable jack that I can use for years without worry.:thumbup:

There you go!

In the end it is what floats your boat.

It is always good to revisit this type of process. I think everybody learns, or has a re-fresh on their way of thinking.

Thanks!

:)

[jmillet]

SNIP
Could someone please explain to me how they support a car with a jack stand when only lifting one corner?:dunno:

Jack the car up from the rear jack pad and this will lift both ends off the ground. Place a jack stand under the front jack pad. Lower the rear and move the jack under the front of the car. On ///M you'll find a hockey puck shaped jack point on the center of the aluminum shield. Use this to lift the front of the car and place a second jack stand on the other front jack pad. Lower the car onto the stands and your ready to change oil :thumbup:

[caseysc1]

Thank you to all of you who have greatly improved my understanding of jacks and the proper way to get the front end off of the ground with a portable jack.

Love this forum!

[Ron Stygar]

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/jackz4-1.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/jackz4-2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/jackz4-4.jpg">

[caseysc1]

Thanks, Ron. Love the wheel chocks. Have not seen them before. Looks as safe as you can make it, short of a lift.

[Ron Stygar]

Thanks, Ron. Love the wheel chocks. Have not seen them before. Looks as safe as you can make it, short of a lift.

Ramps and chocks are from Tru-cut.

I modified the chocks to double them up with chain on each side.
I have two sets for both front or rear wheels.

http://www.autoramps.com/products.htm

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/pts/962669697.html



<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/chock-2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/chock-3.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/chock-4.jpg">

[Ron Stygar]

Thanks, Ron. Love the wheel chocks. Have not seen them before. Looks as safe as you can make it, short of a lift.

Compliments of Dr Burr.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/weirda045.jpg">

[BigMoneyWasted]

Thanks, Ron. Love the wheel chocks. Have not seen them before. Looks as safe as you can make it, short of a lift. No need for chocks when you have tracks. I have seen these on a Toyota, but a Z4 with tracks would be a paradigm shifter.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Humvee_equipped_with_four_snow_treads.jpg/800px-Humvee_equipped_with_four_snow_treads.jpg

[Ron Stygar]

Found two other options for getting under the fron with a coventional jack.

Tomioka race ramps.

http://www.raceramps.com/images/trakjax_2.jpg
Race ramps makes these track-Jax that are made out of rubber so I assume they would be perfect as they would not slide.

Make sure that they are not too long and interfere with the front stands.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/jackz4-1.jpg">

[caseysc1]

Thanks again, Ron. Sent an email to the criegslist reference. Looks like WalMart carries the ramps. If it all works out, I'm g2g.

[caseysc1]

Compliments of Dr Burr.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/weirda045.jpg">

I really HATE when that happens...