Something so Simple - Hi-Lift Jack Not Working

[Drahcir495]

This is maddening. Such a simple design, but I can't get the stupid thing to work . It won't go up or down? All the mechanisms have been soaked in WD40. I have never had to use it, so I'm not ever sure if I'm working it correctly??

[Pete M]

overly complicated death traps... 

[AeroNautical]

There should be a lever on the side with a "notch" like shown. When placed upward into the notch, moving the large handle up and down should raise the jack (full travel of the handle). Moving the lever down (I would kick it, don't trust your fingers near it with a load) will lower the jack with the large handle, also moved up and down. I believe it needs to be in the lower position to freely move up and down. It's easy for one to get away from you, or slip. They can be dangerous, like Pete said. 

[ThatJeepGuy]

12 hours ago, Pete M said:

overly complicated death traps... 

 

Simply complicated jawjackers.

[87MJTIM]

I have a Hi-Lift.  I can get it to lift, but it will not lower.  I have read, and re-read the instructions, but it doesn't lower.  I only use it to lift heavy items - pulling fence posts out of the ground.

[Drahcir495]

21 hours ago, AeroNautical said:

There should be a lever on the side with a "notch" like shown. When placed upward into the notch, moving the large handle up and down should raise the jack (full travel of the handle). Moving the lever down (I would kick it, don't trust your fingers near it with a load) will lower the jack with the large handle, also moved up and down. I believe it needs to be in the lower position to freely move up and down. It's easy for one to get away from you, or slip. They can be dangerous, like Pete said. 

Thank you - I will give that a try in the morning 

[Drahcir495]

12 hours ago, ThatJeepGuy said:

 

Simply complicated jawjackers.

Geeze - I have two of them and never used either one.

[ThatJeepGuy]

9 hours ago, Drahcir495 said:

Geeze - I have two of them and never used either one.

They are very useful when needed and can be used carefully. But they can be rather hazardous for those that struggle with being accident prone

 

 

i get a kick when i see them on roof racks or bumpers of vehicles with no steel bumpers or sliders of any kind. And where are you going to lift the vehicle from with that thing!?

[Pete M]

see, that's exactly why I carry a hydraulic floor jack.   jacking up the axle seems way safer than jacking up the body and drooping out the suspension just to get the tire off.    but a farm jack does have it's uses and so it was still in the truck.

[derf]

Keeping them clean is a key.  The soaking in WD-40 can attract dust and dirt.  That dirt will jam the pins enough to keep it from working.  Thoroughly clean it and apply a dry lubricant and it should work fine.

[Drahcir495]

On 12/28/2024 at 8:44 AM, derf said:

Keeping them clean is a key.  The soaking in WD-40 can attract dust and dirt.  That dirt will jam the pins enough to keep it from working.  Thoroughly clean it and apply a dry lubricant and it should work fine.

Ah yes - thank you