Floor Jack and Jack stand question

drew76 · 03-24-2008, 01:30 PM

Time to get a new floor jack and jack stands. My old one was a craftsmen jack and jack stands, but I have decided not to go that route again after reading so many negative reviews about them.

I am considering getting the following jack:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345429_200345429

and the the following jack stands (I plan on buying two sets of the jack stands so I have 4 of the same):

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200305227_200305227

I've never dealt with Northern Tools, and I'm not familiar with either of these brands. They seem to be ok, but I really can't find any reviews other than the few at the northern tools website.

Does anyone have either this jack or jack stands? Or has anyone used them? Any information will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

**95BadBoy** · 03-24-2008, 06:04 PM

Most of the jack stands are all made in China, that being said - just about any the 6 ton stands do just fine.

Have not personally seen that jack before, most jacks are from a very few manufacturers (two or three US and all the rest are import) - does the place selling them stand behind the tools they sell with a warrenty or exchange policy ?? I like 4 ton jacks for home garage work - but that is only my preferance.

There have been some negative posts with Sears jacks as of late, before 2 years ago they were just fine. New China low bidder I would assume.

**flagators** · 03-24-2008, 10:30 PM

I have the jack stands. They are wide and they also have a double locks. I have only used them a couple of times, but I like them so far. I also got this jack and I like it so far.

Shannon

drew76 · 03-25-2008, 07:16 AM

thanks for the info on the jack stands, I liked that double lock feature too. One of the main reasons I was considering them.

flagators, how long have you had that jack and how often do you use it? Just curious as to how it holds up. Don't know anything about that brand either, but I have seen it sold at a few retailers.

Thanks.

**flagators** · 03-25-2008, 08:04 AM

So far so good. I am not a heavy user. I have used it maybe 10 times in about 3 months. Rotating tires, changing brakes, etc...

shunt · 03-26-2008, 09:08 AM

Swing by Harbour Freight if you have one...

Happy Joe · 03-26-2008, 09:41 AM

Or order from a harbor freight catalog or on line; Many of the tools at Northern are identical to the harbor freight tools ar a higher price. Things like hydraulic cylinders can be purchased cheaper elsewhere too.
Enjoy!

kdmeyer · 03-26-2008, 09:24 PM

The stands look good but I think you're paying for something you don't need with the low profile jack. They're nice for getting under race cars but that's not an issue with a Jeep...I just have the basic 2-1/4 chinese jack like this $50 one from Harbor Freight, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4172
it's worked fine for me for years. If I could change anything about it I would make it go a few inches higher, but would not pay $70 extra for the privilege.

CMARJEEP · 03-26-2008, 10:01 PM

if you have a costco or a sam's near you check it out there. they have nice jacks. the one i saw at costco was the kind where one pump of the handle got the jack up to height. it was only $70 too. seems like very good quality. and costco has the best return policy of anyone so thats another plus...

drew76 · 03-27-2008, 12:07 PM

thanks for the suggestion on Costco, I'll have to check them out. Wasn't really interested in the low profile, I liked the 3 1/2 ton capacity and the lift height seemed pretty good. I'd really like one that is made in the USA, the whole made in china thing kind of makes me nervous when this jack will be supporting the weight of the Jeep until I get the jack stands underneath it.

**cvd** · 03-28-2008, 11:42 PM

I have a "SUV floor jack" from Walmart, max height 22", for around $50-. Harbor Freight 6 Ton jack stands for $20-. Both work fine for my occasional use.

Happy Joe · 03-29-2008, 11:38 AM

For floor jacks;
I use a HF 2 1/4 ton (easier to carry);
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4172
and a HF 3 ton (heavier);
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34271

For jack stands, I have 8 of the HF 6 ton;
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38847

I would order the 2 1/4 ton floor jack as it is overall easier to use due to its lighter weight.

Having multiple jack stands lets me support several vehicles or a single vehicle while working on its axle out from under the vehicle.

For harbor freight stuff it pays to wait until they have a sale on the item that you want.

Enjoy!

drew76 · 03-29-2008, 10:11 PM

Thanks for the tips on the Harbor Freight equipment. There is one of their stores not too far from me, will have to stop in to see this stuff in person.

Happy Joe · 03-30-2008, 02:18 PM

Sign up for the free catalogs/sales sheets while you are there. Eventually every thing they have goes on sale.
Enjoy!

drew76 · 04-09-2008, 10:04 AM

ended up going with a 3-ton Torin big red floor jack (6000 SUV model) because I liked the total lift height. Also picked up two pairs of 6-ton double locking torin jack stands. Got it all at Harbour Frieght. Now its time to start working on the Jeep!