Using scissor jacks (ones that you replace flat tires with)

[alphatarget1]

Is that safe? I don't really feel like buying a set of jack stands + floor jack just to do one brake job, considering the fact that I don't have my own place and am just renting..

 

[AsianriceX]

No. Get some jack stands.

 

[iamwiz82]

The one that came with my Miata actually folded on itself. It's a twisted pile of junk now.

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: AsianriceX
No. Get some jack stands.

I'm trying to find someone who actually has a set I could just borrow... in lieu of a 12 pack of beer or something.

 

[cprince]

I recommend getting a pair of jack stands. You don't need a floor jack. You can use the scissor jack to jack up the car and get the jack stands in place(one at a time).

 

[Throckmorton]

A pair of jack stands is only $30

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
A pair of jack stands is only $30

I pretty much wouldn't need them after this brake job. I'm trying to find a place where I can rent it. I bought ramps and I can do all my fluid changes with the ramps.

 

[Bignate603]

$30 is cheap, and when you have them laying around you'll find a use for them. It's a good investment.

 

[herm0016]

you are going to pay as much to rent as you will to buy. they are really cheap. harbor freight or northern industrial tool.

http://www.harborfreight.com/c...m.taf?Itemnumber=38846

 

[LTC8K6]

I don't like the look of those, though.

 

[herm0016]

stamped, folded and welded steal, its the same thing you will get at sears or where ever. they are fine for home use with a car or small truck. anything more and i would get a set with a bottom plate welded on to stabilize the legs.


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00972010000P

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: AsianriceX
No. Get some jack stands.

 

[zerocool84]

dude seriously go to pepboys or something and spend $20 on some jack stands

 

[Ticky]

Do you know how much hand-reattachment surgery costs?

 

[Colt45]

No.

Buy a floor jack, definitely. Use old rail ties or something, if you're too po' for $15 jack stands.

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: Colt45
No.

Buy a floor jack, definitely. Use old rail ties or something, if you're too po' for $15 jack stands.

Where is he gonna get old rail ties? Spend $15 on gas driving around town looking for some kind of used rail tie surplus store?? His medical bills when his car falls on him are going to be a lot more than $15

 

[alkemyst]

as long as you are not going under the car you should be safe...if the car falls though it's going to not be too good.

You can get jacks with stands as low as $30 at autozone and the like on sale.

 

[Mermaidman]

With the certainty of being ridiculed, I'll go ahead and ask: "How do you place jack stands under the car?" My car only has one tiny reinforced point on each corner . . . So please enlighten a n00b.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
With the certainty of being ridiculed, I'll go ahead and ask: "How do you place jack stands under the car?" My car only has one tiny reinforced point on each corner . . . So please enlighten a n00b.

for the scissors jack you usually aren't using stands...in the Factory Service Manual those points will be labeled 'lift/Stand points' and there will usually be other points labelled "jack points".

 

[mooseracing]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
I don't like the look of those, though.

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
With the certainty of being ridiculed, I'll go ahead and ask: "How do you place jack stands under the car?" My car only has one tiny reinforced point on each corner . . . So please enlighten a n00b.

There isn't an engine cradle or frame for the front part?

On my newer car I use the forn crossmember, a-arms (in a spot that it won't slide), and the same for the back.

 

[bruceb]

On most cars, in the front, they go under the engine cross member. If you do not have one, then under the side frame rails, just behind the front wheels (about 6 inches or so back) ... and, yes, invest in the jack stands. Cheap insurance against serious injuries. And a 1 ton floor jack to lift the car. It is much easier to use than a scissors jack and much safer.

 

[bruceb]

Oops ... forum double posted on me.

 

[LS21]

all of these points are valid and related:
1. you WONT NEED THEM for working with brakes... but
2. YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO SAFE
3. scissor jacks SUCK
4. good jack and jackstand arent expensive
5. you will need them down the line
6. THEYRE CHEAP ANYWAYS

 

[StageLeft]

It seems in my vehicles the jack point is the same seemingly really thin piece of metal that one actually uses the scissor jacks on and it sits on the jack stands. Is that right? I've double triple checked this before but it just doesn't feel great. I know they won't fold like scissor jacks, though.

When I have to be under the car for a long time and I cannot use ramps (which I feel 100% safe with), I will use jackstands and also my jack itself. It has a fat pin that goes under and can easily hold the weight of the car for hours. It says not to rely on it and use jackstands, which is why I'll load the weight on those and then tighten up the lift as well for good measure. The idea of a car falling on top without its wheels on isn't fun in any way, not at all.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I have a set of ramps only because the previous owner of my house left them.

I'm not kidding either.

On the other hand, I got this on sale for $100
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...&cName=Mechanics+Tools

If you're cheap, this is $50:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...950138000P?vName=Tools
2 1/4 ton jack w/ stands

If you got a low car, $80 gets you this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...950165000P?vName=Tools
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950159000P