Author	[Modern View]
Nate V. IA 10-04-2012 15:22:01 216.51.200.25 Report to Moderator	These jacks are handy as a shirt pocket, I don't see why people hate them so much. Unless you've tried to use it for something that it wasn't intended for. Some safety rules for using these jacks: It is basically a bottle jack that has a longer lifting distance before you have to reset with cribbing. Just like a bottle jack it is not intended to be used as jack stands, that's what cribbing is for. If what you are jacking is going to move forward/backwards, left/right more than an inch or two when you start jacking then you're doing it wrong. The base plate is small, don't use it in the mud without a large piece of 2x12 under it. When you start letting is down maintain control of the handle at all times, if it gets away from you run like he!! One more tip, all lifting jacking devices are dangerous if used improperly. Nate [Reply]   [No Email]
JimEvans 10-07-2012 18:38:42 66.185.0.208 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   The slipping off to one side can be handy if you need to move something sideways a few inches and you intentionally do it. They are also nice for breaking the beads of tires. Just slide the tire under something heavy and jack the bead loose. They are handy tools. You just need to be aware of anything that might go wrong and either prevent it, or make sure no one gets hurt if it does. [Reply]  [No Email]
bobs old iron 10-07-2012 08:05:49 97.122.252.91 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   had one sit in shed for years, never knew how to use it when i needed to one day, finally figured it out, yep it's dangerous if you don't know how top support anything you are lifting... [Reply]  [No Email]
farmer boy 10-06-2012 21:46:44 66.209.49.50 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   I"ve got two of them. Usually about all I use them for is to jack something up that has no jack, or change a tire for something that"s too high for a bottle jack. I really dislike the things though. They"re a dangerous SOB. Need 2 people to operate the thing. One to hold it while the other cribs it with something. [Reply]  [No Email]
Don-Wi 10-05-2012 20:04:07 75.224.178.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Ditto on the oil!! Ours ussually ends up sitting outside, but it still works great once oiled up. I don't know what brand ours is because it's old as dirt. It used to have a wood handle, but now it's got a peice of pipe that I flattened and fit in the pocket for the wood handle, then welded it in with some ni-rod. I also bought a rebuild kit for it a few years ago, bought the Hi-lift kit and most of the parts fit. Don't remember if I just didn't use the rest because I didn't feel like it, or if they actually didn't fit... Trick is to use them with caution and make sure you hang on to that handle!! I use it in places I can't use a bottle jack, and I also use the bottle jack in places I can't use the hi-lift, like under a loaded chopper box. Donovan from Wisconsin [Reply]  [No Email]
Fred from MO 10-05-2012 14:22:42 69.55.155.226 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   I had to buy one to get me out of a jam. Cam in handy. However you have to be careful with them. Im sure I sent a couple of 2x6's to China while using mine here in this picture. But it got me up to where I could fill buckets of rock in my rear tire ruts that eventually got me out. This was not fun by the way. [Reply]  [No Email]
jon f mn 10-06-2012 05:35:55 70.194.70.171 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Fred from MO, 10-05-2012 14:22:42   O M G!!! A JD converted to Fast Hitch!!! Whoda thunk it could happen. [Reply]  [No Email]
showcrop 10-05-2012 16:22:56 75.67.231.80 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Fred from MO, 10-05-2012 14:22:42   I think that I would have just taken a chain, passed it through between each rear center and rim and around a fair sized post plank, tree trunk or what have you, pushed up against the tires, then just back up onto it and out of the hole. [Reply]  [No Email]
Fred from MO 10-05-2012 14:25:21 69.55.155.226 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Fred from MO, 10-05-2012 14:22:42   Here is another Pic. [Reply]  [No Email]
redtom 10-05-2012 13:48:16 68.188.237.249 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   The biggest piece of junk I ever owned! I call it my "go up and fall over jack". I have the genuine Hilift. The ratchet seldom works. Maybe good for offroad guys for pulling but as a jack around the farm it useless. [Reply]  [No Email]
Russ from MN 10-05-2012 16:16:36 208.72.147.129 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to redtom, 10-05-2012 13:48:16   You need to oil it! Most people are really happy with them, I wouldn't be without a couple. [Reply]  [No Email]
PJH 10-05-2012 17:01:45 50.40.244.39 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Russ from MN, 10-05-2012 16:16:36   I've had one in the back of my truck for 30 years. Don't use it often, and several times had to pull the engine dipstick to oil the jack before the pins would work right. [Reply]  [No Email]
rossow (mn) 10-05-2012 09:39:39 64.134.186.121 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   I have seven of them; they're kind of heavy, so I keep one or two in each machine shed and garage rather than have to haul one from place to place. I got smacked in the face by the handle once about 35 years ago and learned my lesson. I've also had them slip sideways. As I've learned, you have to use them with respect and caution. Used correctly, they can't be beat. They're wonderful, by the way, for removing stubborn steel or wood posts in conjunction with a well-placed chain. [Reply]  [No Email]
Ultradog MN 10-05-2012 06:04:54 174.20.235.120 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Handiest jack ever made. I can't imagine not owning one. Just used mine two days ago when the trailer slipped off the block under the jack and imbedded the jack into the ground. Jacks are not intended for stupid people. Ever look at the instructions in the owner's manual for jacking up a pickup? There's about 5 pages of safety precautions. Plus a few more on the vinyl bag that holds the tire iron and jack. [Reply]  [No Email]
Dalet 10-05-2012 06:02:35 184.94.141.146 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Butch(OH), 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Many tools are dangerous when not used as designed. I have also hurt myself with a hammer, but I still use them. [Reply]  [No Email]
David G 10-05-2012 05:44:39 205.215.206.18 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   These are very handy, but dangerous. You have to remember they do not provide any horizontal stability, so chock the wheels or brace accordingly. [Reply]  [No Email]
Bret4207 10-05-2012 03:54:42 64.19.90.196 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Just like with buzz saws, gasoline torches, chainsaws with out brakes, etc, Hi Lifts get a bad rep from people that engage the hands before the mind. Wonderful tool, useful tool, wouldn't be able to get along without mine. Same for my railroad jack which is basically a shorter, much heavier version. [Reply]  [No Email]
dave2 10-05-2012 00:18:47 139.139.35.69 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   You bet........ Got mine in the mail from HF.. Was on sale for like 30 bucks. The little hair thin clips holding the pins broke right away and lost pins. Neighbor kid's dad borrowed it and made all new pins on his lathe and drilled for drift pins instead of the clips. Good as the big buck ones now and I have to track it down and "borrow" it from one of the neighbors when I need it..... I don't understand the bottle jack comparison tho.... This post was edited by dave2 at 00:19:46 10/05/12. [Reply]  [No Email]
36 coupe 10-05-2012 03:05:44 66.186.169.176 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to dave2, 10-05-2012 00:18:47   Ive had a Hi Lift jack for about 50 years.I would not buy a copy.If you get stupid with tools they will get you.The original HiLift has heat treated parts.Two friends used to bum mine and go on 2 week hunting trips.When they had it I didnt.Finally told them to buy one of their own.A lot of borrowed stuff never comes back. [Reply]  [No Email]
PJH 10-04-2012 20:11:32 50.40.241.4 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   One more safety tip: NEVER put your hand on the top of a high lift jack while it has a load on it! I saw a guy get caught when the car rolled forward and pinched his hand between the jack and the car. Somehow, three of us kids were able to roll it back and let him get free. It would have been a long day for him if we hadn't been there. Of course, wheel chocks would have kept it all from happening, but. . . Paul [Reply]  [No Email]
Ken 46 10-04-2012 19:53:42 99.32.41.149 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   I have several high lift jacks and various exper inces with them. I am NOT an expert with them-- but they are like snakes -- You NEVER know when they are going to bite you. I have used them to jack up tractors, pickups, even used one on a JD stackwagon when the hydrauslic cylinder broke ro raise the roof up and down. BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [Reply]  [No Email]
Retired Farmer 10-04-2012 19:44:14 207.200.116.12 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   One of the more dangerous tools ever made. Used one, never owned one, never will. [Reply]  [No Email]
Rich Iowa 10-04-2012 19:02:17 173.30.131.95 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Want to know how handy a Hi-Lift jack is? Try using a cheap jack and you'll find out how great Hi-Lifts are. [Reply]  [No Email]
Justin SE IOWA 10-04-2012 18:48:22 166.182.3.230 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Uncle ernie he is saying they jack STRAIGHT up and down just like a bottle jack. Yes I agree they are alike. This post was edited by Justin SE IOWA at 18:49:06 10/04/12. [Reply]  [No Email]
Uncle Ernie 10-05-2012 05:24:10 64.38.158.32 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Justin SE IOWA, 10-04-2012 18:48:22   "They both jack straight up and down"... Can't say I have even met a jack that wouldn't do that. One of the features of a High-Lift is that it WILL do more than jack straight up and down. You can lay them on their side and use them to move or straighten. Try that with a bottle jack. On the other hand try putting a high lift underneath the middle of a building foundation where you have to access it in a tight crawl space! [Reply]  [No Email]
showcrop 10-04-2012 18:27:24 75.67.231.80 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Nate, I understand your comparison to a bottle jack. [Reply]  [No Email]
LenND 10-04-2012 18:16:57 74.207.160.118 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   We welded a 6 x 8 or so plate to the bottom of ours. Keeps it a lot steadier and don't sink soft ground so bad. [Reply]  [No Email]
NEKS 10-04-2012 18:03:59 71.0.221.163 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   Had a friend that the handle come up and hit him on the side of the face, Now he has no use for them. They are handy though. You are right, hold on to the handle when operating them. [Reply]  [No Email]
Uncle Ernie 10-04-2012 17:21:01 64.38.158.32 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Nate V. IA, 10-04-2012 15:22:01   How is a High-Lift like a bottle jack? Other than they both lift.One is mechanical and the other hydraulic. WAY different types of jacks. Just trying to understand what you are getting at. [Reply]  [No Email]
504 10-04-2012 20:06:13 64.111.61.44 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to Uncle Ernie, 10-04-2012 17:21:01   A good pocket knife will bite you too, if you don t use it right. I have three of them. [Reply]  [No Email]
36 coupe 10-08-2012 18:23:40 66.186.169.176 Report to Moderator	Re: Hi-Lift Jack in reply to 504, 10-04-2012 20:06:13   I would compare the Hi Lift jack to a chain saw or cicular cordwood saw, dangerous tools if not used right. [Reply]  [No Email]