[Scott M]

I've been using the same 1 1/2 ton Craftsman floor jack that my parents bought for me 27 years ago. The teeth on the up/down control have finally worn out.

I've heard good things about a company called "Lincoln" and I forget whose jacks the local tire store uses.

Any suggestions either in steel or in aluminum?

Thanks.

[The Boss]

A long handled screw driver or a tire iron will spin those teeth for you Scott - not sure how I know that.

[limejudge69]

Spend the money on a good one. Cheap jacks aren't worth your life. Stay away from the Harbor Freight garbage, especially the aluminum 'racing' jacks. OTC also makes great jacks, but are pricey. You get what you pay for. just my .02

[mike nixon]

Carquest or NAPA and buy one with a universal joint in the pivot. No matter who the vendor is they u-joint jacks are good quality.


Carquest has a 3.5ton jack for 329.00 until Sept 30th of this yr.

Mike

[fiedlerh]

The newer Craftsman jacks seem to hold up better. I had the same problem on my old Crapsman jack after a few years. Ended up scapping it after I got tired of using channel-locks to work it.

[rcrahn]

I have an AC Hydraulic jack and love it.
http://www.asedeals.com/hydraulicjacks2.html

[Scott M]

Anybody have any idea who currently makes the floor jacks for Sears?

I say "currently", as the low bidder on their contracted stuff often changes from year to year.

[YVEYANT]

I believe Hein-Werner is the only floor jack still being made in the USA. Quality is second to none and can be fully serviced:
http://www.jackxchange.com/categories/24.cfm

[TA455HO]

If I were going to buy a new one today I'd take a serious look at this one.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...+floor+jack.do

[jww]

I recommend a Lincoln/Walker, OTC, Hein Werner if they're still made. Get a name brand made in the US and get one larger than what you think you really need. Even the US jacks aren't as good as they were 20-30 yr ago.

I have two, 30 year old Blackhawk (no longer made) floor- jacks that I wouldn't trade for anything made today. Actually my oldest Blackhawk, I bought at Sears about 1972-3, and has "Sears" nameplates on it, but it's a Blackhawk. You may want to consider fixing your old one if it's a quality piece.

My $.02

JWW

[Simple Man]

I have one purchased at Granger about 7-8 years ago, Dayton brand. It's been trouble free.

[mechanic17]

Hate to say it, but I had a Harbor Freight 2 1/4T cast iron jack for many years when it got stolen. Replacement 3T is working great. They're not junk.

BTW, "Earthquake" 12" impact gun is pretty good too.

On the other hand, I had 2 compressors die on me; #3 works great and reliably.

My point is, yeah, the place is a crap shoot and not good for our economy, but condemning their stuff just because it's inexpensive isn't solid thinking. You do sometimes get more than you pay for.

[tajohn]

It is probably overkill but you might want to check Weaver floor jacks. They are still manufactured in Michigan. If I remember, NAPA sells them, among others.
If new isn't where you want to be money wise, check the auctions of ....unfortunately. car dealerships...as they frequently purchase them.
I have a 4 ton as well as a couple of their 10 ton units(don't ask why...) I also have one of their 9000 pound lifts. Quality items that can be rebuilt(seals available) and I don't think you would ever twist the frames on these jacks.
A good jack and stands are something you really don't want to go budget on. They will be what keeps the car off your head.....
Best of luck with your search.

[straycat]

don't forget craigslist or local auctions listed in the newspaper. some good buys there from guys closing shop.

[Overkillphil]

I'm on my 4th Sears aluminum "racing" jack. First one didn't work right out of the box. Second one stopped lifting after a little bit of use and would only lift at the last inch of stroke on the handle! The third one broke the U-joint when I was lowering the GTO onto the caster wheels!

Now on 4th one and ended up buying a heavier duty one at Pep "Bros." which is a "Torin". Big heavy red thing. Should be able to handle my Excursion, hopefully.

Bottom line: The Sears Alum. jacks are certainly pretty, but my confidence is nil in them at this point. (I thought they were ideal at first because they are so nicely put together and light for throwing in the trunk of the car in a pinch.)

Scott, proceed with caution if you decide to go with an Alum. jack.

[Old Blue 66]

Originally Posted by fiedlerh

The newer Craftsman jacks seem to hold up better. I had the same problem on my old Crapsman jack after a few years. Ended up scapping it after I got tired of using channel-locks to work it.

Agreed. I have a 5 year old one that works great. Not sure what the capacity is but it lifts the Pontiac with no problem. I think its 2 1/2 tons?

I have an aluminum one that I don't trust but keep it in the back of the Volvo in case of a tire change. You wouldn't believe what kind of jack came with that that car.

[Region Warrior]

My 30 yr old 2.25 Matco still works like new.
Probly regret say'n it.
It gets used almost nightly.

[lighthouseman]

I vote for the Sears aluminum (called a racing Jack) unit . . . not too expensive and mine is going on 6 years, and works like the day I bought it.

[rkm1003]

Spend the money on a good one. Cheap jacks aren't worth your life. Stay away from the Harbor Freight garbage

I don't trust my life with ANY jack. Would NEVER crawl under any car being held up with only a jack. Jacks are for lifting, jack stands are for keeping you safe. BTW, have been using the same Harbor Freight jacks, engine puller, engine stand for 8 years with no problems. Granted, I don't do it for a living, but have pulled motor outta mine and a couple buddys cars 8 times with no problem.

[Colin Frolick]

this one's been real good for me