Hi everyone! I am in the market for a new floor jack and really want a good one that can start real low and get it up real fast... Do you have any suggestions? Thanks Gregg

 

I seen some nice ones at harbor freight..

 

I bought this one:
Advanced Tool Design Model ATD-7325 2 Ton Extra Low Profile Tuner Jack.
So far i'm very happy with it. 2.5" inch minimum clearance height and it goes all the way under my car to the tow points.
harbor freight works too! my other one is the 2.5 ton from there.
It comes down to budget. The advanced tool floor jack was $299 on amazon and a harbor freight one can usually be had for around $60-70 if you have a coupon.

 

I have two jacks from harbor freight. A big heavy duty 3 ton capacity steel jack that has stood up for years already but they don't carry anymore. Then I also have a 1.5 ton aluminum jack like this http://www.harborfreight.com/rapid-p...html-7814.html
I got it for only $60 using a coupon I see in every Road and Track and Car and Driver magazine. I know it is cheap and it won't stand up to daily duty in a real mechanic shop but for occasional home use, you can't beat it. Popular Mechanics rated it as their #1 home garage floor jack a while back.

Now you do run a risk with harbor freight stuff and you may find yourself wanting to get their warranty (I didn't bother its a cheap jack that I use about once a month or 2) but for $60 for a new one I figure its worth risking it.

If you need something lower they have low profile steel ones for great prices too. I am only dropped an inch from stock so I don't need anything lower than this guy.

On the other hand you spend several hundred on a really nice one from a big name tool retailer but I don't see the point.

 

I bought this one from HF and it's great. Get's low and has a maximum height of around 21" IIRC. http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ump-60688.html

 

I got the cheapest black Craftsman one from Sears...I would not recommend it. Go for a Harbor Freight or the one they sell at Costco.

 

For the sake of safety, I will never buy any cheap jack. Instead of listing any brands (because there hunders of them!). I would get a aluminum one because it's light and easy to work with. Get it from a reputable source. I know Harbor Freight advertises a lot, but they also sell cheap stuff, just look at the prices! I would not buy anything from HF because you get what you pay for.

 

Thanks everyone for all your help. I saw a real nice double piston one at Costco. May get that.

 

Greggw2gs, before you run over to Costco have you done any research into how there jack works? Is it low profile? (under 3") Is it light weight? (aluminum is easier to use) How many pumps until your wheels are off the ground? (you don't want more than 4) At least two of the jacks at Harbor Freight offer all of the above plus costing less than Costcos jack. HB also sells jackstands at a very reasonable price, you need at least two for the safety factor!
Gary

 

All good advice. But the biggest most important piece mentioned here is the jack stands. I bought 4 from HF because they are not only useful to get the car off the ground but necessary for safety. Never leave a hydraulic floor jack supporting the weight of a vehicle. It is not meant for that. It doesn't matter how good the jack is or how much you paid if you use it improperly. I have no problem using harbor freight jacks as long as jack stands are used to support the vehicle after its up in the air.

 

Issue may be put to bed, but I wanted to give you guys heads up on one of the above mentioned:
http://www.harborfreight.com/rapid-p...html-7814.html
Use coupon "20314884" for $70 +ship/tax

Perfect timing

 

Nice find...^...thanks for sharing!
Gary