Hi-lift jack question

T.R.K. · May 26, 2023

I have two of them. the older I think is the genuine article, the newer one is a chinese copy. The issue is that -when going down, lowering the load- as soon as the load goes off them the jack head falls all the way to the bottom.

Is this just the nature of the beast?

Tony in SD · May 26, 2023

Yes. That is how they work.

504 · May 26, 2023

I have three of them,all will drop when empty. I Have thought about putting a bolt through the bottom for a stop(might save a finger or toe). I hate them, but they sure are nice when you need one.

Muir hill 101 · May 26, 2023

Thats the way It should work

Wisconsin Ron · May 27, 2023

Usually once the weight is off most people lift handle all the way up then it drops. If there is weight on them jacks most people hang on the that handle real well or the jack will teach them to hang on to it well in a hurry.

da.bees · May 27, 2023

Sounds like yours works about the same as everyone else except mine. Mine leans first one way then another at the worst possible times then slips out from under what it's holding up. Sometimes it will go up but not down or gos up then falls down. But I don't mind any of that near as bad as when for no reason it pops out and grazes my shin or smashes my foot. That hurts but not as bad as the handle flying back and whacking me in the head. My dog crawls under a low hanging bush when he sees me with the jack. Grandpaw used to tell me stories about his ornery ,biting, kicking mule,if mine are interested I'll tell them about my Hy-Lift Jack. I've heard soaking them in diesel helps but I've tried low sulphur,high sulphur,off road and bio but non seemed help.

Muir hill 101 · May 27, 2023

If its doing all Those things the pins are probably wore and it needs a good wash down with penetrating oil

RobCons · May 27, 2023

Mine works like daBees. I thought that was how it was supposed to.

Stephen Newell · May 27, 2023

I don't remember the brand I had, likely Harbor Freight, when going down it would often go down a couple clicks and then drop all the way down. I think all of the type are dangerous and should use with a lot of caution. After all it's similar to a bumper jack which one of the reasons they quit making them is they are dangerous.

Russ from MN · May 27, 2023

I have 2 of them, one a genuine and the other from Northern Tool, and they both work that way. If you understand them and are careful they are a wonderful tool!

sotxbill · May 27, 2023

Thats normal for the widow makers. Just dont turn loose of the handle or you will get a fractured skull as it can and will pop up with great force. These jacks can get you out of trouble or in to trouble in a heartbeat.

Ozlander · May 27, 2023

(quoted from post at 19:42:19 05/26/23) I have two of them. the older I think is the genuine article, the newer one is a chinese copy. The issue is that -when going down, lowering the load- as soon as the load goes off them the jack head falls all the way to the bottom.

Is this just the nature of the beast?

Yes, and if it's set to go up, you just pull up on the handle and it will raise til it makes contact.

Dusty MI · May 27, 2023

I've got a 3 leg jack. I like it. Haven't used it in a long time.

Brad Buchanan · May 27, 2023

Or the fact that cars don't have real bumpers anymore.

Stephen Newell · May 27, 2023

That's the other reason. There has even been talk about not making a place for any spare tire in cars.

T.R.K. · May 27, 2023

Thanks for the replies. I guess I just have to expect that quick drop. (And be ready to hang onto the handle.)

4play · May 27, 2023

The no load drop is normal, and also when selected to go up, you can lift the jack/handle up and it will raise to the load and stop.

WNYBill · May 29, 2023

da.bees has it right. They are a great and dangerous tool. Make sure the pins are well lubed and the springs are all there and work freely. And be especially careful when lowering a load.

Texasmark · May 29, 2023

From the replies I assume you mean a Farm Jack, not a 3 ton,k lowboy, high lift roll around like HF sells. I have 2 of the former and 2 of the latter plus some regular height floor jacks (mainly for rotating my tires needing all 4) and I lke them too.

Main caution I have when using a Farm jack is ensuring that there is enough of something to prevent the lifted item from falling over.

JMOR · May 29, 2023

(quoted from post at 09:28:58 05/29/23) From the replies I assume you mean a Farm Jack, not a 3 ton,k lowboy, high lift roll around like HF sells. I have 2 of the former and 2 of the latter plus some regular height floor jacks (mainly for rotating my tires needing all 4) and I lke them too.

Main caution I have when using a Farm jack is ensuring that there is enough of something to prevent the lifted item from falling over.

ark, mine is the real thing....Hi-Lift jack

Hi-lift jack question

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