How To Operate A High Lift Jack Safely And Effectively

Published on: 20 May 2017 Last Updated on: 06 November 2024
High Lift Jack

High lift jacks have been in use for over a century now. It first hit the market in 1905, when Bloomfield Manufacturing Company introduced it as the Automatic Combination Tool. After the first launch, the jack has found many uses because of its simple design and sturdy layout.

It is certainly not the safest product and does not involve any high-end technology, but it is still in extensive use and also one of the most copied designs in the automobile care industry. As far as safety is concerned, it is very capable of sending you to a hospital bed with a lot of work for the surgeon.

Read also: Along For The Ride: Passenger Rights In Vehicle Accidents

Jack of All Trades

The high lift jack has one of the most straightforward designs among all tools of car care and maintenance. In its basic avatar, it is just a massive mechanical lever. This uncomplicated design is perhaps the reason for its multipurpose utility. Some of the common uses of the high lift jack are given below:

  • Lift up the vehicle to change the tire. Its got plenty of power and speed to lift your 4-wheeler effortlessly. This is the most basic and mostly used the role of the jack. It can even lift up much higher for other uses.
  • It can be used as a winch to get you out of trouble.
  • I also use it for breaking the tire bead so that it can be cleaned.
  • It is good to be used as a spreader or a clamp.
  • You could turn the vehicle around on the spot by lifting one end of the vehicle and then pushing it to a side away from the jack.

Read also: Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error?

How to Use?

High Lift Jack

Being a high-risk tool, it is very important that you take all the precautions to get the best use from the high lift jack. Before you put the tool in operation, you should first understand how to use a high lift jack. Some critical points regarding the use of the jack for its main roles are mentioned below:-

Lifting Up

Steps to be followed are given below:

  • Check the ground, level it if required, use a base plate if the ground is soft to avoid sinking and falling off.
  • Switch the reversing latch at “up” after positioning the jack firmly.
  • Put one hand on top of the jack to maintain balance, pull the handle to get the jack toe to touch the vehicle bumper.
  • Check that the rack should be vertical and the jack on a firm base.
  • Hold the handle and push it down to lift the vehicle.
  • Follow the reverse with basic common sense to get the load down after the tire changing is done.

Read also: How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver?

Getting Unstuck

Jack

The same procedure as above will be used to lift the vehicle and then stack some rocks etc under the wheels to provide for a stable base before removing the obstacle from under the vehicle. You might have to push the vehicle’s lifted up portion to aside in order to rescue it from a difficult situation.

Winching Operation

When the need arises, use the jack as a winch with a shackle and a chain. It is a powerful but slow winch, so you have to be patient. Put a chain, wire rope or a recovery strap to join the jack’s toe with the recovery point on the vehicle. Put another chain from the top of the rack to the anchor. Remove all slack in the chains and proceed by operating the jack in the same manner when you are lifting the vehicle up.

Miscellaneous Uses

The jack’s capability to lift is not limited to cars, it can be used to lift any other item as well. The main operational precautions will remain the same as mentioned above. Some of its additional uses are:-

  • It can become a great hoisting tool when used in conjunction with a couple of shackles.
  • The top clamp of the jack makes it very good for use as a huge clamp as well as a spreader.
  • Even a bent tie rod end can be straightened using this amazing tool.

If you only know how to use a High lift jack and take basic precautions then this tool is the most amazing piece of engineering that you will ever encounter. However, if you ignore the safety precautions, you could land in a hospital bed very soon.

Read also: 

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Car Brands

The Best Car Brands To Buy As An Investment

Investing in a car in British Columbia transcends traditional notions of mobility and enters the realm of strategic financial planning. In a market flooded with countless models, certain car brands stand out for their potential to be sound investments. This blog delves into the car brands renowned for maintaining value, durability, and brand prestige, making them prudent choices for savvy investors. 1. The Resilience of Luxury Brands: Mercedes-Benz and BMW Mercedes-Benz epitomizes luxury and performance, making it a top choice for investors. Its models, from the executive-class S-Class to the sporty AMG range, are known for retaining value thanks to timeless aesthetics and engineering prowess. BMW's lineup, including the popular 3 Series and luxurious 7 Series, is celebrated for blending dynamic driving experiences with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a high resale value. 2. Japanese Reliability: Toyota and Honda Japanese brands Toyota and Honda are everywhere in British Columbia and are synonymous with reliability and value retention. Toyota's range, particularly the Camry and Corolla, offers vehicles known for their longevity and consistent demand in the used car market. Honda's lineup, including the Civic and Accord, boasts durability and efficiency, making these cars a smart investment for those seeking value over time. 3. The Allure of American Muscle: Ford and Chevrolet American muscle cars, particularly from Ford and Chevrolet, offer unique investment opportunities. The Ford Mustang, with its rich heritage and evolving design, has a cult following that often sees older models appreciate in value. Chevrolet's Camaro, another icon in the muscle car world, combines performance with nostalgic appeal, making it a sought-after model among collectors and enthusiasts. 4. The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Tesla Tesla's impact on the electric vehicle (EV) market makes it a noteworthy brand for investors. Models like the Tesla Model S have disrupted the auto industry with innovative technology and electric propulsion, becoming collector items. As the pioneer in EV technology, Tesla vehicles have become very popular on the streets in British Columbia and are anticipated to be valuable assets in the future automotive collector market. 5. Premium SUVs: Land Rover and Porsche Luxury SUVs, especially from brands like Land Rover and Porsche, command a significant presence in the investment market. Land Rover’s Range Rover, renowned for its off-road prowess and luxury features, tends to hold its value well over time. Porsche's SUVs, particularly the Cayenne and Macan, offer the performance of a sports car with the functionality of an SUV, making them appealing to a wide range of buyers. 6. The Exclusivity of Supercars: Ferrari and Lamborghini Supercars from Ferrari and Lamborghini are more than mere vehicles; they are investments in automotive art. Ferrari’s models, such as the F8 Tributo and 812 Superfast, are known for their exclusivity and often appreciate in value. Lamborghini’s vehicles, including the Huracán and Aventador, are coveted for their dramatic designs and limited production runs, ensuring a high demand among collectors in BC. 7. The Dependable Swedes: Volvo Volvo's commitment to safety and quality makes it a unique contender in the investment market. Classic models like the P1800 and newer innovations like the XC90 hybrid are gaining attention for their investment potential. Volvo's focus on sustainability and safety, combined with its distinct design philosophy, makes certain models particularly appealing to niche collectors. 8. The Classic Appeal: Volkswagen Volkswagen holds a special place in the world of automotive investments, especially with its classic models. The Beetle, one of the most recognizable cars globally, has a dedicated following and certain models have seen an increase in value. The Microbus, another iconic Volkswagen vehicle, has become a collector's item, with restored and well-maintained versions fetching high prices. 9. The British Elegance: Jaguar and Aston Martin British car manufacturers Jaguar and Aston Martin are renowned for their elegance and performance. Jaguar’s classics like the E-Type and modern vehicles like the F-Type are known for their beauty and engineering, making them attractive for investment. Aston Martin, the brand famous for its association with James Bond, offers models like the DB11 and Vantage that are not only exhilarating to drive but also hold their value well due to their exclusivity and craftsmanship. 10. The Tech-Savvy Choice: Audi Audi stands out for its blend of technology, performance, and design. Models like the Audi A8 and the R8 combine advanced engineering with luxurious features, making them desirable in the resale market. Audi’s commitment to innovation, especially in areas like autonomous driving and electric powertrains, positions certain models as potentially valuable investments for the future. 11. The Performance Giants: McLaren and Porsche McLaren and Porsche are revered in the realm of high-performance sports cars. McLaren, with its racing heritage, offers vehicles like the 720S and the GT, known for their speed and advanced aerodynamics. Porsche’s 911 and the 718 Boxster/Cayman series are not just thrilling to drive but also tend to maintain their value, thanks to their iconic status and timeless design. 12. The Unique Appeal of Subaru and Mazda Subaru and Mazda offer unique investment potential with their distinct approach to car manufacturing. Subaru’s vehicles, particularly the WRX and the Outback, are known for their all-wheel-drive capabilities and robust build. Mazda’s MX-5 Miata, celebrated for its driving dynamics and affordability, has a loyal fanbase and models in good condition have been known to appreciate in value. Driving Towards the Future: Making Informed Car Investment Decisions Investing in or financing a car in British Columbia requires considering various factors, including brand reputation, model history, and potential for appreciation. From the luxury and performance of Mercedes-Benz and BMW to the timeless appeal of classic Volkswagens, and the innovative edge of electric vehicles like Tesla, the market offers diverse opportunities. Whether it's the robustness of Japanese brands, the allure of American muscle, the exclusivity of supercars, or the unique charm of classic and high-performance vehicles, each brand and model presents its own set of advantages for investment. Read Also: Best New Cars For Teenagers Important Tips To Maintain Your Luxury Car Reap The Benefits Of An EV Charger Rebate In California

READ MOREDetails
used car

Buying a Used Car? Few Negotiating tips, you can use

Negotiating a deal in your favor is indeed an art. Some people love to do it, and some hate the process of haggling. It depends who you are, are you the “dominating” party or you’re getting dominated? It’s a psychological game where both of the parties want to win, but only the dominating one smile at the end. And when it comes to buying a used jeep or car, the same rules apply here too.  Here re a few tips for you so that you can get the best possible car deal: Here are Buying a Used Car, Few Negotiating tips, you can use: 1. Do not negotiate at all: Seems a bit confusing, right? Let me explain. If you are confident that the price you determined in your mind is not heavily undervalued, you can politely decline the price that the seller has asked by putting your price on the table. Simply tell the seller that you would be buying the car only at your price. It’s a psychological tactic that works most of the time. Every seller has a price range of minimum and maximum, and obviously, they offer you the maximum at first. However, if your price falls within the seller’s min-max range, you can expect a call from him/her, and the actual negotiation would start from that point. If you get the call, you can be almost sure that you are now the dominating party and there’s a good possibility that you’ll be able to close the deal at the closest point of your proposed price. 2. It’s all about the timing: Like every business, a car salesman also needs to fulfill his/her quota of sales or achieve a specific target every week or month. And like every business, they always hardly are able to make their sales goal until the last minute. So, if you can approach them at the right time, the game would be in your favor. Like, go to the salesman on the last day of the month, on a Saturday or Sunday evening just before they are closing and you’d be surprised to see how eager they are to close the deal. You’d have the upper hand in the deal at those timely moments, no doubt about it. 3. Research is your weapon, use it wisely: If you’re in the used car market, I hope you already know exactly what type or which category of cars you want. First, make a list of cars which you’re interested in and research about those cars before you start visiting used car dealers. Get to know the pros and cons of those cars thoroughly. Google is your friend; you shall know everything you need to know about those cars from there. Once you have a good understanding, then you can start visiting the dealers. Show your interest only to those specific cars, and no matter how the salesman tries you to grab your attention to another or any other type of cars, just stick to your choice. 4. Stand on your feet firmly, but politely: Salespersons are trained to judge a buyer very quickly by their attitude, and they usually judge very accurately. So, your best strategy should be to make them judge you as a knowledgeable buyer. Let them know that you know very well about your requirement and you have a fair idea of what that car should be worth. As it’s mentioned here already; research is your weapon. So, use that weapon here wisely. Listen to their price, and propose your own price, politely but firmly. Explain to them why you think that car is not worth more than what you suggested, and point out the pros and cons (mainly cons) to make your point. The more they understand that you’re a tough buyer to manipulate easily, the better deal you should arrive at. If you bear the tips in your mind while buying a used car and do negotiate accordingly, you will get the best deal, guaranteed. And in case you’re looking for second-hand cars in Dubai or pre-owned cars in Sharjah, you should first look out for a good car dealership. Car switch is one of the preferred choices of car dealers in the region. Read Also: What Do You Need To Change Car Rims? Rochester Buick GMC Buying Tips When Wanting A New Car Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car Car Insurance: What You Need To Know Before Taking The One!

READ MOREDetails
Car Detailing

How Car Detailing Can Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

A car is a great piece of structural engineering. It’s made up of a hundred bolts and pieces that come together for your driving pleasure. It’s no wonder that car enthusiasts and owners have an affinity toward the cars that they own. To keep the cars in top shape, an auto-detailing appointment should always be done on a regular basis or at least once a year. Contrary to popular belief, auto detailing is much more than cleaning the car. Cleaning or car washing focuses more on the car’s exterior and cursory vacuuming of the interior. Detailing goes beyond that. Though their goal is practically the same—to get rid of unnecessary dirt, debris, and grease in your car—auto detailing involves going through every inch of the vehicle’s body. It aims not just to clean the car but to restore it to its original form. Five benefits of auto detailing are outlined below. The Car Will Be Assessed: When you bring in your car for an auto-detailing session, your technician will be assessing every inch of your vehicle so that he can recommend the best way to clean and keep your car in tip-top shape. So be prepared to hear a thorough assessment of your vehicle’s condition, from the exterior to the internal hardware, and the recommendations that come with it, like what needs to be repaired, cleaned, or replaced. Depending on how the examination goes, your technician may suggest rust proofing, dent repair, or even wood grain and interior paneling. A good thing about having your car detailed is that the experience is completely customized to your needs. What may be needed by another car may not work for yours. Improved Fuel Economy: You get better gas mileage with an efficient car, meaning more miles with less fuel. Auto detailing helps your car’s efficiency by keeping its internal mechanisms spotless and running smoothly. The engine is the star of the show here. When it is thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed of dirt and gunk, it will perform in peak condition. You will notice that your visits to the gas station will be less frequent in the first few months after your auto-detailing appointment. You get value for your money, and you get to save more. Plus less power is required for your car to operate if it’s immaculately clean on the outside as this offers less wind resistance. That’s the law of aerodynamics from your high school physics class, if you conveniently forgot. Preserve the Car’s Beauty: Having a new car means that you get to drive a vehicle with a shiny exterior. Fresh off the factory, the car will have a clear coat on top of its painted surface. This protects your vehicle from rust and scratching. However, the clear coat slowly fades over time because of exposure to the elements. Heat, moisture, dirt, dust, and debris will chip away this protective coat. You will soon notice that your car’s surface isn’t as vivid or as shiny as it was before. Regular auto detailing will help preserve the way your vehicle looks. In detailing, the exterior will be coated with a generous layer of wax, which will not only restore your car’s shine but also protect the paint from further fading or peeling off. Better Driving Experience: You have to be comfortable when you’re behind the wheel because your safety and that of your passengers rests on your hands. Surely, when you have a clean car both outside and in, you’ll have no trouble concentrating on the road. A car that has just been auto-detailed is guaranteed fresh and performance ready. The seats and dashboards are free from any dirt and dust that may have built up over time. This careful assessment, along with additional cleaning measures such as buying floor-mat liners, will make your car spotless, rid of any unnecessary smell or junk that will distract you from the task at hand. Because the car is in its best shape, you’ll have a more enjoyable driving experience. The engine is more fuel-efficient, and the internal hardware is thoroughly checked and maintained. High Resale Value: You’ve put a great deal of time and energy into earning the money for your car, so you should go the extra mile to protect it. Apart from their utility, cars are also investment opportunities. But unlike land or real estate, the value of a car depreciates over time, more so if it is not properly maintained. In the future, you are probably thinking of selling or trading in your car for a new model. To retain most of your car’s value, you have to auto detail your car regularly. Making sure that every nut and bolt is secured into place and that the car has no glaring issues guarantees that you get a competitive price when you sell it in the market. This makes auto detailing important to any car owner. Read Also: Useful Tips About Mobile Car Detailing To Avoid Any Costly Maintenance And Repair Issues The Top 3 Fastest Ways To Sell Your Car Privately

READ MOREDetails