Floor jack recommendation

[Kelvrick]

The jack is used to lift the car up. You need to use the jack stands to hold the car.

Yeah, the jacks should be holding the car up. A lot of people (including me) also like leaving the jack in as a backup (just touching the car, but not supporting it).

If I'm going to be under there for a while and doing something where I'll be really wrenching on bolts, I'll throw some old tires under each side of the car, too.

 

[bononos]

Are scissor jacks safe to use instead of jack stands - for getting underneath the car for a short while?

 

[Ksyder]

Are scissor jacks safe to use instead of jack stands - for getting underneath the car for a short while?

If you are suicidal, sure.

 

[Ksyder]

Thanks guys, it looks like the Costco one is probably the best bet (or the HF one).

When using a decent jack like the Arcan, is it safe to leave the car supported by the jack? Obviously I'll have jack stands in place underneath to catch the car if the jack fails, but should I jack it and rest it on the jack stands instead of leaving the jack to support the car?

If you are planning to get underneath the car there is no reason to bother doing it that way. Always put the car on jack stands, don't rely on a jack. Jacks can lose pressure and come down on you. Especially if you are applying torque to fasteners you want the car stably supported and jack stands are designed for that.

 

[phucheneh]

Are scissor jacks safe to use instead of jack stands - for getting underneath the car for a short while?

In a pinch, I have done this...scissor jack from one car to lift...use the other as a failsafe...

...it's a TERRIBLE idea. If the car shifts in any kind of substantial way, you'll be as likely to tip both jacks as you are one. The only reason I've done it is to lift ONE wheel off the ground, and do something in the wheelwell- not actually putting myself under the car.

It's just that one shitty point of support is inferior to two shitty points of support...but it's still, well...you know...shitty.

I will say that I don't object to the idea of a scissor jack for lifting, especially if it's a particularly beefy one...but always support something with proper stands before you get in a position where you could be injured/killed.

I've got ones from junkyard SUV's are are decent for throwing in your trunk with a pair of stands, rather than trying to lift in a 100lb floor jack. Or depending on an el-cheapo small hydraulic jack.

 

[996GT2]

In a pinch, I have done this...scissor jack from one car to lift...use the other as a failsafe...

...it's a TERRIBLE idea. If the car shifts in any kind of substantial way, you'll be as likely to tip both jacks as you are one. The only reason I've done it is to lift ONE wheel off the ground, and do something in the wheelwell- not actually putting myself under the car.

It's just that one shitty point of support is inferior to two shitty points of support...but it's still, well...you know...shitty.

I will say that I don't object to the idea of a scissor jack for lifting, especially if it's a particularly beefy one...but always support something with proper stands before you get in a position where you could be injured/killed.

I've got ones from junkyard SUV's are are decent for throwing in your trunk with a pair of stands, rather than trying to lift in a 100lb floor jack. Or depending on an el-cheapo small hydraulic jack.

Hmm, this is an interesting idea.

None of the work I'm planning to do (brakes, suspension) actually require me to get under the car, so I might borrow a heavy duty scissor jack from a friend with a truck/SUV and use that along with some stands. Of course that would be less convenient than having a decent jack, but it would be a lot less expensive as well.

 

[KentState]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but didn't to create another one on the same topic.

I need something that is portable, can fit under the Corvette (5" clearance under rear jacking puck, 4 1/2" under front) and only used for changing tires. I will not be going under the car.

These 3 ton models look like a good option, but want opinions. My ceiling would be $500 if there is something truly better than these.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...m-racing-floor-jack-with-rapidpump-68052.html

http://www.amazon.com/Arcan-ALJ3T-A...pebp=1440860575670&perid=1ECQH1VSJ3W6AKA3YK1C

 

[NutBucket]

Can you reach the jack points with a "normal" length jack? That seems to be the problem I encounter most often.

 

[KentState]

Can you reach the jack points with a "normal" length jack? That seems to be the problem I encounter most often.

Looks like the center of the front puck is 5" in from the rocker and the rear is 4". I assume that means that the jack would need to be able to reach in that far under the car.