Please take a moment to read this (regarding Christian Richard Klorczyk)

[az3579]

If any of you have craftsman aluminum hydraulic jacks, junk them. They have a long history of snapping.

Ian

People shouldn't go scrapping their jacks because of this. If it jacks the car up, it's fine. The jack shouldn't be used to support the car anyway so I don't see how this is relevant.

Sent from my DROIDX

[kaboom]

Because several people have been injured in the process of jacking the car up when the lift arm *snaps* and the car falls immediately. This is not a typical hydraulic failure, and only applies to craftsman aluminum racing jacks pre 2010. Yes, they should be scrapped.

Ian

[billschusteriv]

Very sobering to read. For the last few years, I have had to work out in the garage alone.

Car is always supported by two 3t and/or two 3.5t craftsman/craftsman pro jack stands. I use chocks when front or rears are off the ground. I use the 3t hydraulic floor jack as a secondary safety. I don't always put the wheels back under the car, but may start.

I also haven't changed the oil in my jack. May be my next project.

Will be considering additional safeties.

[danewilson77]

People shouldn't go scrapping their jacks because of this. If it jacks the car up, it's fine. The jack shouldn't be used to support the car anyway so I don't see how this is relevant.

Sent from my DROIDX

This is relevant from the perspective that we all take a moment to:

1. Think about his family and send good vibes their way (however you do this)
2. Closely evaluate, assess, and address, how we do maintenance on our cars.
3. Take a moment to think the maintenance evolution through, prior to climbing under your car. He had it jacked up, and had the tire under the rotor, but the tire width was ~3.5" narrower than the breadth of his chest (i.e. the tires would do nothing until his chest was compressed 3.5 inches).

[billschusteriv]

Thanks to his father for the original post...to the OP for posting this for the familia...

I didn't say it before... but thoughts go out to the family...

Thanks for the perspectives DW...

[johnnye23]

Just wanted to add to everyone that as a father this saddened me greatly and it was another fathers wish to spread the link.Please forward it to all you may know that could benefit from it.Also I left the email contact at the end of link in case anyone wanted to personally contact Christians father directly. This is such a great board with such good karma thanks for allowing me to be a part of it . Johnny

[Ryans323i]

RIP Christian and Best Wishes to those he left behind.

Getting the car up the is the most nerve racking part of any of my DIYs. And I Hate getting under the car, I'm nervous the whole time. But now I don't feel so dorky for my over-the-top jack stand usage. This setup was used for my recent brake job, I take even more precautions when I'm under the car.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Ryan, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I like your strategy.

[kpro]

Ryan thats a lot of stands, I like your saftey strategy! Just an FYI, don't trust those bottle jacks too too much...they can be dangerous if used the slightest bit wrong.

[billschusteriv]

Ryan, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I like your strategy.

+1.