Can you repair a 1 1/2 ton floor jack?

  • james hogan
    Posts: 36
    #2334115

    Have a floor jack that rises until it needs to put pressure on something, then nothing. I’m assuming a bad seal since it does have enough fluid. Is this fixable and if so, how, or would I be better off just spending the money on a new one? With the opener on the way, I have eight tires just waiting to ruin my day and if I can’t get them off, the day gets even worse.

    Matt Moen
    South Minneapolis
    Posts: 5558
    #2334120

    I’d buy a new one…I think you can buy seal kits for them (when I worked in auto shop 25 years ago we rebuilt them) but the time and effort versus the cost of a new one doesn’t seem to be worth it.

    Go to Northern Tool and buy a new one.

    TheFamousGrouse
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts: 12361
    #2334160

    If it’s a well known brand like Craftsman, Snap on, etc you might be able to get a seal kit. If you can get parts and you’re capable of rebuilding it, go for it.

    With that said, a 1.5 ton is a pretty small jack. You’re going to be pushing the limits of that thing on all but the smaller of today’s boats/trailers.

    Personally, I’d take a little retail therapy trip to Harbor Freight. devil devil devil

    Look out, here come the freight haters. chased I done said it and I ain’t taking it back. I love me some Harbor Freight.

    Mike Schulz
    Osakis/Long Prairie
    Posts: 2408
    #2334168

    2nd Harbor Freight.

    TheFamousGrouse
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts: 12361
    #2334198

    2nd Harbor Freight.

    To be honest, I was expecting a little more Freight Hate would have showed up by now.

    All following replies must include references to “Chineseium”.

    glenn57
    cold spring mn/ itasca cty
    Posts: 13388
    #2334209

    OK …i’ll start……i bought a couple screwdrivers from them at the state fair one year…..first time i used them they rounded out….. they got sent right to the garbage can. i may occasionally walk through there but i seldom buy that “junk”.

    better!!!!! devil jester whistling

    Bearcat89
    North branch, mn
    Posts: 22837
    #2334212

    I bought a hf dremmel not long ago, I plugged it in and went to turn it on and it shorted itself out and started smoking. Sweet tools.
    But i have bought a few other things from them that have lasted more then 2 or 3 uses.

    Karl Hungus
    Carver County, Minnesota
    Posts: 244
    #2334213

    Just a FWIW. I have a near 25 year old 3-1/2 ton beast. It jacked fine but started leaking to the point I needed to rebuild or replace. You can as stated get kits but I agree, that small a capacity I’d not consider a fix. However, I stumbled on Bars Leaks jack fluid that I figured was worth a try. Picked up a bottle for like $7-$8 at OReillys and viola! Leak is gone and I’m happy again. In closing, HF is fine for that one time use stuff. I do like their microfiber big towels tho for drying off the vehicles.

    james hogan
    Posts: 36
    #2334218

    Ya, that’s what I was thinking. I had hoped for a quick fix, but what the heck, it’s the opener. If I can’t spend money now on my toys, when can I? A new jack it is.

    Matt Moen
    South Minneapolis
    Posts: 5558
    #2334258

    I like Harbor Freight. Great place to get tools you rarely use.

    I need a low profile jack to get under a couple of my cars. I use it a few times a year so HF is perfect. I also get my hitches from there. Once they get all rusty and gross I throw them away and get another.

    Stanley
    Posts: 1343
    #2334269

    I have a 4 ton bottle jack I keep in my truck. Fits nicely under the rear seat. They are cheap and may be an option instead of a floor jack if it just stays in your vehicle.

    As to harbor freight tools some of them are nice especially the icon line or Quin(step down from icon) for at home diy. I use tools daily for work so most all of my stuff is tool truck stuff but I have some stuff from harbor freight at work and home and it’s been good so far.

    isu22andy
    Posts: 2179
    #2334277

    I love HF – I think the Harbor freight of 10 years ago had alot worse quality. I have their US general box and various sockets screw drivers pry bars floor jack and never had any issues.

    Dutchboy
    Central Mn.
    Posts: 17897
    #2334280

    It’s kinda of funny that years ago it was “buying that Japanese junk” was the battle cry. Now it’s the stuff we often look for in vehicles & electronics. Although I will admit nobody can package their junk and make it harder to get at than China.

    Karl Hungus
    Carver County, Minnesota
    Posts: 244
    #2334329

    Well, we did it again…turned a jack repair post into a Harbor Freight thread!! Grouse should be proud!

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