Best low profile jack options?

bodega_bladerunner · 02-28-2016, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex Everything

I honestly am surprised everyone is mentioning getting a Harbor Frieght jack. I was taught they provide the lowest of low in quality.

They do have a few gems. Next on my list from them is the dual action polisher

Apex Everything · 02-29-2016, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenc51

They do have a few gems. Next on my list from them is the dual action polisher

I was thinking about getting an extra torque wrench for the track from them.

My torque wrenches are digital and I would rather them not be lugged around all the time.

overcoil · 02-29-2016, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex Everything

I honestly am surprised everyone is mentioning getting a Harbor Frieght jack. I was taught they provide the lowest of low in quality.

There are some things I wouldn't buy from HF, even if I read online HF jacks come frm same factory as craftsman - I wouldn't chance it.
Seems like the old companies that made American made portable garage jacks aren't around anymore, or that Lincoln jacks are in name only. I know for trucks they need powerful hydraulic floor jacks, but those sources have abandoned the low weight jacks.
The high quality racing jacks by Brunnhoelzl are probably what high quality should cost.
The weight of the Arcan 3 ton jack at Costco feels like a jack should weigh at that entry price range.

David70 · 02-29-2016, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex Everything

I honestly am surprised everyone is mentioning getting a Harbor Frieght jack. I was taught they provide the lowest of low in quality.

Depends on what it is and how much I plan on using it. If I was a mechanic and used the equipment everyday I would look at it differently than how I use it which is jacking up a car a few times per year.

I also don't see a big risk, I don't get under the car with the hydraulic jack holding the car up and if a seal was to leak it would probably put it down really slowly

box_man · 02-29-2016, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenc51

They do have a few gems. Next on my list from them is the dual action polisher

I have that DA it works well.

I've had my HF aluminum Jack for about 5 or 6 years now and its still working just as good as the day I bought it.

Apex Everything · 03-30-2016, 08:49 PM

I think I might try a Harbor Frieght 2 or 2.5 ton aluminum jack.

Eliminator 429 · 03-30-2016, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex Everything

I think I might try a Harbor Frieght 2 or 2.5 ton aluminum jack.

I have two harbor freight jacks and never had a problem. The stuff I have had a problem with I took it back to the store and they replaced it no questions asked.

DieGrüneHölle · 03-30-2016, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex Everything

I think I might try a Harbor Frieght 2 or 2.5 ton aluminum jack.

Another HF jack owner here, no problems. I have the small 1.5 aluminum jack that I take to track days. I just bought the low profile 3 ton steel jack for home use, wanted max lift height. It is a beast at 70 lbs, but has 20in lift and the lowest profile 2-7/8in.

Never_Enough · 03-31-2016, 07:07 AM

Get the HF. I need the extended reach one for my Vette & that one never goes on sale.

W/// · 03-31-2016, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex Everything

I think I might try a Harbor Frieght 2 or 2.5 ton aluminum jack.

I have the 2.5 ton one (I think) and it's been a work horse for the past 4 years or so. Very happy with it. I got it for under $100 SHIPPED, which is unbeatable.

I'm selective about what I buy from HF, but this is one I highly recommend.

Apex Everything · 03-31-2016, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

I have the 2.5 ton one (I think) and it's been a work horse for the past 4 years or so. Very happy with it. I got it for under $100 SHIPPED, which is unbeatable.

I'm selective about what I buy from HF, but this is one I highly recommend.

Referring to your selective about HF comment...I agree

For example, putting things on my car I use my Craftsman digital torque wrenches, but if I am at a track day and just checking torques I have a cheap HF torque wrench in the trunk.

DaveJB · 03-31-2016, 07:15 PM

I have the slightly more expensive jack from HF to get the extra couple inches of reach. 3 ton Low Profile Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack with Rapid Pump®

$99 here in Phoenix. This one has an inch and a half more lift than the cheaper 3 ton HF jack.

Btw, my grandfather was a mechanic all his life and had plenty of HF tools (including an HF jack that has lasted like 20 years and is still going), of course he had many Snap-on tools too.

DaveJB · 03-31-2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blipit_

Another HF jack owner here, no problems. I have the small 1.5 aluminum jack that I take to track days. I just bought the low profile 3 ton steel jack for home use, wanted max lift height. It is a beast at 70 lbs, but has 20in lift and the lowest profile 2-7/8in.

I have the same HF jack and am happy with it.

Stainless 45 · 04-02-2016, 11:22 PM

Can anyone confirm which of the jacks will reach the center jacking point (under the engine) of the e92?

DaveJB · 04-02-2016, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stainless 45

Can anyone confirm which of the jacks will reach the center jacking point (under the engine) of the e92?

The one I mentioned above does. I just got at it from behind the front wheel last week.

Stainless 45 · 04-03-2016, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveJB

The one I mentioned above does. I just got at it from behind the front wheel last week.

So I'm guessing it will make it from in front too? Looking to do things like change oil, rotate tires etc without having to jack both sides

DaveJB · 04-03-2016, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stainless 45

So I'm guessing it will make it from in front too? Looking to do things like change oil, rotate tires etc without having to jack both sides

I haven't tried. Does it matter?

Stainless 45 · 04-04-2016, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveJB

I haven't tried. Does it matter?

Ha, yeah actually my garage is pretty narrow, so coming in from the front with a full size jack is way easier in my case.

DaveJB · 04-04-2016, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stainless 45

Ha, yeah actually my garage is pretty narrow, so coming in from the front with a full size jack is way easier in my case.

Ahh, funny. I went in from the side because at the time coming in from the front would have put the jack close to the downward sloping part of my driveway. I'm sure it would reach.

E30toF30 · 05-10-2016, 10:29 PM

Anyone know if this jack will reach the centre jack points?

http://m.harborfreight.com/3-ton-Low...fQ%3D%3D%0D%0A

With that said, anyone able to direct me to a thread where I can find exactly where the centre jack points are?

Coupeit88 · 08-22-2016, 11:44 AM

Yea I'd like to know that to...

For those using a 1.5 ton jack. Aren't you the reluctant because the car weighs 500 more lbs?

I just want to do some tire stuff.

DaveJB · 08-22-2016, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coupeit88

Yea I'd like to know that to...

For those using a 1.5 ton jack. Aren't you the reluctant because the car weighs 500 more lbs?

I just want to do some tire stuff.

I don't have exact number here, I'm sure that if you're lifting the car from any of the jack pads on the side, you're nowhere near 3000 lbs. And if you used the center pad at the front, same thing. Plus, as you lift the car from the front, the center of gravity shifts toward the rear anyway, lowering the amount of weight at the jack.

03-30-2016, 08:49 PM	#28
Apex Everything Banned 190 Rep 462 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: A place iTrader: (3)	I think I might try a Harbor Frieght 2 or 2.5 ton aluminum jack.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-31-2016, 07:07 AM	#31
Never_Enough Banned 2203 Rep 2,476 Posts Drives: Satan's Chariot 2.0 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: PA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2018 Charger Hellcat [0.00]	Get the HF. I need the extended reach one for my Vette & that one never goes on sale.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-31-2016, 07:15 PM	#34
DaveJB Private First Class 46 Rep 139 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Arizona iTrader: (2)	I have the slightly more expensive jack from HF to get the extra couple inches of reach. 3 ton Low Profile Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack with Rapid Pump® $99 here in Phoenix. This one has an inch and a half more lift than the cheaper 3 ton HF jack. Btw, my grandfather was a mechanic all his life and had plenty of HF tools (including an HF jack that has lasted like 20 years and is still going), of course he had many Snap-on tools too.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2016, 11:22 PM	#36
Stainless 45 Captain 87 Rep 602 Posts Drives: Last of the V-8 Interceptors Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (1)	Can anyone confirm which of the jacks will reach the center jacking point (under the engine) of the e92? __________________ Blue Thunder -2011 LeMans Blue e92 DCT, ZCP, European Delivery. BPM Stage II. Dinan 3.45 Rear. Borla/Encore Innovation Exhaust, LUX Angel Eyes, Forgestar F14's, Turner road armor. "Last of the V-8 Interceptors, a real piece of history..."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2016, 10:29 PM	#42
E30toF30 Captain 121 Rep 749 Posts Drives: 2016 528i Executive Edition Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1) Garage List 2002 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 BMW X5 35d [0.00] 2016 BMW 528i xDrive [0.00]	Anyone know if this jack will reach the centre jack points? http://m.harborfreight.com/3-ton-Low...fQ%3D%3D%0D%0A With that said, anyone able to direct me to a thread where I can find exactly where the centre jack points are?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2016, 11:44 AM	#43
Coupeit88 Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 205 Posts Drives: BMW 08 335 e92 AW Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CT school in FL iTrader: (0)	Yea I'd like to know that to... For those using a 1.5 ton jack. Aren't you the reluctant because the car weighs 500 more lbs? I just want to do some tire stuff.
	Appreciate 0 Quote