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View Full Version : What's a good floor jack?



Sockethead
12-16-2012, 03:56 PM
What's a decent floor jack I can get locally I.E. Sears, Harbor Freight, Auto Zone... My neighbor wants get his son one... the same kid that watches our dogs...I want to make sure he gets a decent one.
I Bought a Snap-On jack like 30 years ago and it still works perfect so I never had to think about it... have no idea

328ioc
12-16-2012, 04:03 PM
I would say depends on the price range.

Personally I went with the aluminum jack from harbor freight and its been great. Got my jack stands there too.

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Mtnman
12-16-2012, 04:10 PM
I have the aluminum racing one from harbor frieght, but it wont jack the rear of the car below the diff. It starts to bend.....so im not going to use it again. It was only a 1.5 ton though. Sorry, i dont have a good reccomendation just a caution.

Oli77
12-16-2012, 04:11 PM
Look here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1957-What-Type-of-Jack-do-you-use-and-why&highlight=hydraulic+jack).
I also have an Harbor Freight aluminum one and it has been great.

Sockethead
12-16-2012, 04:22 PM
Ok, you guys that like the harbor Freight one... is that a 2.5 ton? I wouldn't want one less than that...

johnrando
12-16-2012, 04:28 PM
We actually have a thread discussing floor jacks somewhere. I too got the HF one, 2.5 ton. There were a few other options on that thread too.

Oli77
12-16-2012, 04:43 PM
^ link to said thread is at post #4.

Johal E32
12-16-2012, 04:55 PM
Costco jack.

it is a 3.5 ton but it is freaking awesome! It is very heavy but super rugged and durable, and it is good for super low cars as well. I would happily buy one again. It only costs $99

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36136

Sockethead
12-16-2012, 05:24 PM
Ok, Thanks guys.... I thought I remembered a floor jack thread somewhere but I couldn't find it...

kayger12
12-16-2012, 06:11 PM
Costco jack.

it is a 3.5 ton but it is freaking awesome! It is very heavy but super rugged and durable, and it is good for super low cars as well. I would happily buy one again. It only costs $99

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36136

This. Arcan XL35 from Costco.

HokieZHP
12-16-2012, 08:44 PM
This. Arcan XL35 from Costco.


Heard good things about that on other forums as well.

Vas
12-16-2012, 08:46 PM
I have one of these and I love it.
http://mymiata.paladinmicro.com/CRALJack04.jpg

JupiterBMW
12-16-2012, 09:03 PM
I have one of these and I love it.
http://mymiata.paladinmicro.com/CRALJack04.jpg

I have almost this jack as well... Ironically, I had a couple of the 2 ton versions a few years ago, and both of them blew out the seals and wouldn't hold. They lost all the oil and were useless. Sears replaced the first one... The second time, I actually stepped down to the 1.5 ton version and I've had it ever since. Probably about 10 years now, and a LOT of use. Not only at home, but I've dragged it around to many friends' homes and racetracks as well.


I will say this, and I'd really like everyone to take a moment and read it. Something I've always believed in is "Only a rich man can afford cheap tools." Its a VERY true quote if you think about it. Tools, especially something like jacks and stands are not only tools but also safety devices. I don't recommend anyone going the cheap way out. Buy a reputable tool with a good warranty. And aside from the tool breaking, I'd hate to hear of an injury to someone due to the malfunction of garbage tools... And to continue my rant for one more point, make it a point to INSPECT your tools and check them for defects. If something doesn't look right or isn't functioning correctly, DON'T try and use it... Replace it.

Ok, I'm done... Sorry, our over the top safety culture out at sea on the ship is VERY strong, and I've taken a lot of that stuff home with me. I hope everyone can appreciate it.

Johal E32
12-16-2012, 09:29 PM
^word.

Safety is key. Take your time folks. Working under a car can be pretty damn serious. I always keep the wheels or the jack under my car in addition to the jack stands just in case the car were to fall..

HokieZHP
12-16-2012, 09:33 PM
We have a craftsman 3-ton jack at my house that I love and have no complaints about. My dad's first jack (same model, just older) just died last year after 20+ years of use.

Vas
12-17-2012, 05:28 AM
I love it. The fact that its aluminum and low profile makes its that much easier to use.

kayger12
12-17-2012, 05:38 AM
Always worth a reminder in any thread discussing getting under the car.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1931-Please-take-a-moment-to-read-this-(regarding-Christian-Richard-Klorczyk)&highlight=christian

Sockethead
12-17-2012, 08:11 AM
I can't find that jack online at COSTCO... how long ago did you guys get that?

Lespaulman16
12-17-2012, 08:24 AM
I like the Schwaben Low Boy (http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Schwaben_Jack/ES240941/). Super light weight, super low and plenty of weight capacity (3300lbs)

Sockethead
12-17-2012, 08:28 AM
I can't find that jack online at COSTCO... how long ago did you guys get that?

Nevermind, I called the store. they have it. They don't list it on line :scratchinghead

LivesNearCostco
12-29-2012, 07:17 PM
Have not seen it at my local (Silicon Valley) Costcos for a few years, but I just stopped at Costco Lancaster to get gas and a snack and saw they have it there. But first we need to buy a place with a garage...