and why is that?
i have always used concrete blocks

 

http://www.theautoist.com/floor_jacks_101.htm

Read and learn.

 

not trying to argue with you or whoever wrote the article, but that is anouther reason for the 2 by, to distribute the weight.

if they can hold up a trailer for years, then why cant they hold up a car?

 

Perhaps because you're not underneath the trailer with a 4 foot breaker bar and jerking on it trying to break the U bolts loose? I too have used concrete blocks once or twice but I refuse to use them if I'm going to be under the rig.

Back to the Hi-lift issue.... yeah you need to be careful.

I did this while trying to lift the rig up high enough to get the floor jack out from under the rear end. Once it came up off the jackstands and shifted a little I couldn't stop it from falling. No one hurt and nothing damaged but it still scared the hell out of me.

 

Same reason you use a Q-tip instead of a bent paper clip.

You can buy a combo set of jack stands and floor jack for under $100.

Be safe.

 

many times i got scolded by my dad because of my unsafe jacking habits. i once got bunch of 6x6 blocks and random 2x4`s and 2x6`s and stacked them under a bumper of a truck so i can change leaf springs. if that thing had fell on me i would have been screwed. but these days i try to lift safely. i use jack stands to hold a truck on the frames. stick 1 or two 2x12`s under so the stands be a bit higher. keep the jack under the axle and usually stick the truck tires under the rotor or drums. in my heavy duty mechanic class my instructor keeps on drilling double blocking into our heads lol.

 

WOW! i never really thought about how dangerous those things can be thanks for the warning ill make sure to always have a adreneline filled friend around when useing one.

 

i've had concrete blocks explode on me before... DONT USE THEM!!!!

i have since invested in 2 sets of these...http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38847

they max out at 24 inches which is plenty of room for even a lifted truck like my big runner..

 

keep the jack under the axle and usually stick the truck tires under the rotor or drums.

My dad always told me if you jack up the the car and take the wheel off, slide the wheel under the frame even if you use jack stands, or stack wheels.
You know just something to keep the car off your body if the something goes south. (GOD FORBID).

Take your time. People get hurt... In a hurry

Im glad you are Ok Crawdad, God Bless
<><

 

Very good info. And thank god your ok

 

Crawdad,
This is my first written communication to this forum and i wanted my first communication to be one of impact and value (clearly defined by the newbie vid haha!): I am extremely grateful that you shared this personal experience!.
I am beginning my automotive mod/off-road journey and I heed the lesson/experience/advice wholeheartedly of your post. As a Safety Manager for my Co i realize how easy it is for an individual to decide that 2 seconds is not enough time for an injury event to occur-but as you know less than half a second is all that it takes! i have had people come to our infirmary carrying their tooth in hand . . . its called "IN THE LINE OF FIRE" . . . don’t put any part of your physical body in the line of fire! And control your "HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES" materialized in the accelerating of gravity forcing your towards the earth’s surface (much like the force of gravity holding back a dirt biker claiming a large hill).

Anyhow- I will definitely evaluate the use of these "farmer jacks" (i have checked them out but never used one)- but i always use jack stands when working on my autos.

Thank you for your experience! This is the essence of what keeps this forum alive!

 

^^just curious what company you work for that has an onsite infirmary?

 

I work at a winery, its like a nurse station, first aid room etc.; we have inhouse EMT in case there is a significant injury. I doubt i will be at the point of having to use one of these jacks anytime soon but good to know when the time comes.

How long have you been working on the site staff?

 

I am glad I read this post, seriously made me realize the potential dangers associated with a high-lift jack. I will make sure to be careful using one on my rally. Thanks for making the thread

 

SO glad you are ok OP!!!

I am always super super careful when getting under vehicles. If they arent supported by the suspension, i will jack them up, and throw all of my weight into the fender or tires that are lifted BEFORE getting underneath just to make sure its settled. I do not want something like what happened to you, to happen to me.

Again, glad you survived to tell the tale!

 

I didnt read page two so maybe some one already mentioned this.
In an emergency situation where you have no jack stands, say on the side of a road, you can put your wheels/tires under the truck/car on each side laying down so that if the vehicle does come down there is something the ketch it before it crushes you.
Again that only if there is no other safe way to get the vehicle supported.
There was a news story just a few weeks ago here in the Bay Area (San Jose CA) where they found some unfortunate guy under his hot rod a few weeks after he had died under it.
Work safe