Jack recommendations

[resolute]

I've been using the stock VW scissor jacks over the years with no issues, even though I'm a little less confident in the newer aluminum ones than the older steel ones. But I have seen the horror stories about the widow maker in the "a hole or a dent, i can't decide" thread a little lower down here and am thinking of getting a hydraulic floor jack for under $100. My main use is for spring and fall tire swaps on three cars (but that's still a lot of jacking in one day!).

I'm looking for recommendations or advice. Looking at the reviews on Canadian Tire's website for Motomaster, Michelin and other jacks in the $50 range, they all seem to leak after a year or two even sitting in storage or get stuck in the high position (operator error?) and have plastic parts. I'm tempted by the Michelin 2-ton on sale now ($60 down to $40). Or is there another kind of mechanical jack that's better?

[P Arkus]

Re: Jack recommendations

I have had the Michelin 2ton jack for nearly 4 years now without a problem. I believe I got it on the same sale seeing as Ctire usually just repeats their sales yearly. For the price I paid, I have zero complaints. But IMHO, I think even if the jack did leak I would rather spend the $40 per year than deal with the OEM Widow Maker!

[flipstah]

Re: Jack recommendations

Costco sometimes has low-profile jacks on sale. We have one for the house and it's awesome.

[BolideVW]

Re: Jack recommendations

Yeah I would recommend something low profile. I have the cheapest jack Canadian tire has (possibly the 2 ton one) , I wouldn't recommend it as if started to leak after 8 months. I hear Martin has a crazy nice jack

[witchcraftz]

Re: Jack recommendations

I got an older all metal jack for $40 off Kijiji, it's heavier but it's also very durable, it's taken a few years of abuse with no complaints.

[CGY_GTI]

Re: Jack recommendations

I have this one. http://www.princessauto.com/mobile/p...ductID=8003252

Bought it last summer and haven't had any problems yet. Check it out in store or watch for a sale... I didnt pay nearly that much for mine

[gheron]

Re: Jack recommendations

i have this one : http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en bought it when it was on sale for 99.99 had a cheap 2 ton that started to leak its 3rd use....... CT credited the amount i payed for that jack towards the 3 ton.

[kujiwara]

Re: Jack recommendations

I have the 2.5T motomaster hydraulic jack, almost two years now and nothing wrong with it.

[resolute]

Re: Jack recommendations

Thanks everyone for all the quick feedback so far. Very helpful. Can these mechanisms catastrophically fail (well, I suppose everything can)?
I think I'll go for the Michelin one I mentioned that's currently on sale for $40. At that price it is a $40 learning experience; if it's no good I haven't wasted too much money.
I also looked at the 3.5 ton Michelin one (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en) currently on sale for $120, but apart from lifting capacity that I don't need, I don't know if it's better. And it weighs 90 lbs!
Gheron, you obviously got a much better one on sale, but it's currently $230 which is too much for me. That's what I hate about CTire; when stuff goes on sale it can be 50% or more off, so you pretty much have to wait for that.

[Kg810]

Re: Jack recommendations

I have the Michelin one as well and it's a decent deal when its on sale.

I do have a couple issues with mine (not sure if it's the same for others):
- The release valve is super sensitive on mine, if yours is anything like mine, be extremely careful when you are releasing.
- The swivel handle on mine detaches quite easy.

[Kor]

Re: Jack recommendations

It doesn't matter that much... even if you use it all the time, a good jack from any brand will serve just fine.

[martin13]

Re: Jack recommendations

My jack is the lowest one I could find, surprisingly, it is from autovalue. Its a 2 ton, although it's steel not aluminum so its quite heavy. I think it was around 120 bucks and the lowest height is like 1 3/4" iirc.

[Circa1990]

Re: Jack recommendations

I have a low profile "Aluminum Racing Jack" by Motomaster its just 1 1/2 tonne but it has been awesome for the 2 years I've had it.
It's been used quite a bit and has held up without complaint. Goes nice and low and is super light so its easy to haul around.

[resolute]

Re: Jack recommendations

Thanks, everyone. I picked up the Michelin one this evening. They had exactly one on the shelf at my CTire. Kg810 thanks for the tips about this one. We'll see how it goes.

[witchcraftz]

Re: Jack recommendations

Can these mechanisms catastrophically fail (well, I suppose everything can)?

Yes! Always use Jackstands!