Best Aluminum Floor Jack?

I want to get a lightweight aluminum floor jack that I can use both at home in my garage and take with me for track days. Seems like there are several brands out there that weigh between about 27 lbs and 40 lbs. They have a 1 1/2 ton capacity. Is that enough for a 3,500 lb to 4,500 lb car. Since I'm only lifting one corner of the car, it seems like it should be enough. Or, should I get a heavier 2 ton or 2 1/2 ton jack. The problem with those is that they weigh a LOT more (around 75 to 100 lbs). Can anyone recommend a size and brand that is a good home/track day jack?

Thanks.

 

I bought two of the 1 1/2 ton models. Both have the same problem. It's hard to control the jack movement when lowering the car. Boths jacks want to drop the car suddenly no matter how carefully you try to turn the handle. I believe one jack came from Griotts and the other from Northern Tool. I'm going to replace them both. Be interesting to see if anyone has found a good jack.

 

Whatever you get, make sure it's not a Craftsman. The seals they use in their jacks are complete crap.

Everyone I talk to using the Harbor Freight aluminum seem very pleased. HF isn't typically known for quality products, but their Al jack seems to be pretty solid. Price is probably extremely competitive too.

 

Here it is: $90, 3000lb capacity and only weighs 24lbs.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039

 

+1 On the Harbor Freight jack,works great and no servive problems for over a year, only i bought it when it was $129. I'd say go for it.
Bill

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Do you want a good jack, like you say here, or "the best" jack, like in your subject?

Any alum. jack you buy will be "good". I like my Torin much better than my brother's HF, primarily because the rubber protectors on the handle work better, but also because all of the non-hydraulic parts are better (eg, even just the way the handle comes apart).

If you want the best jack you have to get a Brunnhoelzl. Prepare to be ass raped on the price.

 

+1

There are three models. The Warrior is fine for home use at $595, the Pro at $950-$1350 is obviously a little more and the Low Profile at $1000-$1400 is an option, too. Most folks I know won't use anything else. It helps that they're local.

 

Peter is correct if you're looking for and willing to spend the money for the best, 9 of our 10 teams use them,however they are taylored to the end user by valving and handle length according to jackman's height and weight,that's why the $14-$1600 price tag. There is one other option, the Pit Boss, they are a little less but still $12-$1400 sold thru Hurd Tool,a division of BSR/HUTCH of Concord,Nc.
Good luck in your search.
Bill

 

We grassroots guys love the HF jack. Not the best I am sure, but I have 3 HF jacks and they have lasted over 8 seasons of racing and work very well.

 

ps. I love the brand names of the stuff at HF. "American General", "Pittsburgh Steel" etc. Of course all made in China!

 

We have a Brunnhoezl that has been in daily use in the shop for 5 years. Great piece.

We had 2 HF jacks and both died within 3 months of purchase. They are a liability lawsuit waiting to happen. The handles do make a great break down cheater bar for 288 or early TR wheels though.

 

Hahaha! BTDT

 

There has been a coupon for the harbor frt jack in car magazine ads for the past couple of months. @ $59.99
Several versions of the ad are floating around in different magazines, some featuring different items you may need to check a few different mags for the jack cuopon.

 

mines not aluminum, but it is a michelin 3.5 ton and it is awesome.

 

Years ago when I was working with a rally racing team we had one that broke with the first three days, also found out that our team wasn't the only ones to have this problem with HF floor jacks. I could have been a design flaw with the earlier models.

 

Agree on both points. My Craftsman lasted half a season, the HF has lasted 2-1/2.

 

I've used Northern Tool Big Reds for last 4 years. Never a problem. They make a smaller, blue one that I have in the corner of the garage, use it when traveling, as it is less greedy with space in the boot, but for home stuff, Big Red has never failed me.

 

There are a few good racing jacks out there for the job. We use Brunnhoelzl jacks and have had good success with them. Pit Boss is another Lighting also. We use Brunnhoelzl jacks in our shop @ CRP Racing without problems. We also use them at the track on our World Challenge GT car.
www.Competitionraceparts.com

 

I have a HF store right next to my office, so last year bought the 3000lb model for around $80 on sale last year.
This one has LEDs in the jack-pad - they're really bright but so far haven't seen the need to use them (guess at night they'd be nice to have)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96562

Used it about 12 times so far and am very happy with the construction and function - lowers smoothly too. It can easily jack up one whole side of a BMW 528i.

Thick pad on the handle makes it easy to sling over your shoulder for transporting also.


ALWAYS USE JACKSTAND(S) WHICHEVER HYDRAULIC JACK YOU USE!

 

+ 1, i use the LED light all the time,it helps finding jack points on different cars when you have to get down and look under car for them,and it turns its self off! Great jack for little bucks.
B.

 

yep. the craftsman i had lasted almost 6 months at most........
got a cheapy at advanced auto(2 years ago) and it still works for me..

home garage though, no race track use.

doug

 

Picked 2 of these up for $69 with LED lights on the lift pad. It is very lightweight and works with precision. Heck, they're probably all made in the same Chinese plant.

 

The Harbor Freight jacks and I have a pair of them small and large are nice and light but they both do the same thing. Release is is barely controllable. That being said, they also are racing style which means a quick lift with more handle force involved. This isn't what most of us want. I suspect that the quick lift design has something to do with the quick drop which is darn near fall off the jack stands speed! I use mine mostly at the track because they're light to transport.

 

It really allows you to genlty unlock the jack and drop in a very fine manner or does it jerk when it releases make you sh*t your pants?