25 replies to this topic

[pltudinous]

Hello!
So I'm currently doing some shopping to get the car up in the air and was wondering what people currently use here?

I was thinking Clarke CTJ2250LP as it's branded, otherwise it's the cheaper halfords alternatives.

https://www.machinem...profile-trolle/

I have the black halfords stands that are adjustable with the little cranks

Off topic on my own topic but can someone tell me this is too cheap to be good?
https://www.screwfix...-3-8-x-14/5848v

Thanks!

[Benoit_Dupont]

Well, torquewrench are not rocket science anymore so it can be cheap. Be careful however 3/8'' is not that standard. I have a Facom 3/8'' and it was not easy to find decent matching sockets

[pltudinous]

That's a fair point. I should probably check which drives my sockets are!

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I recently got this trolley jack from Machine Mart.  Beats all those little one (unless you want to carry it in the Mini) and I should have bought one years ago.  Makes lifting the car a pleasure rather than a chore.

 

For a little more money you can get a 3/8" drive Sealey torque wrench complete with calibration certificate. 

[Tupers]

I really hate those little trolley jacks they might be ok for a break down kit but they never feel very stable and they’re a pain to use because they’re so small.


I know it’s twice the price but I’ve been using one of these SGS low energy jacks in the workshop for 3 years and it’s been brilliant.

https://www.sgs-engi...ge-trolley-jack

Very stable and muck more solid than my old Sealey aluminium low entry jack and the weight isn’t really an issue if you’re not in nascar.

[1314cc]

I bought a 3 tonne hi lift trolley jack from SGS engineering. Superb build quality and great lifting range. Its Extremely but reassuringly heavy!

[cal844]

I use the Halfords 2 tonne trolley jack, the only issue is that the cylinder seems to drop pressure very slightly but I just give it a couple of pumps every so often

But I have had one corner of a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 jacked on it ? it's never me and is a sturdy jack for the cost.

Edited by cal844, 25 January 2020 - 09:27 PM.

[pltudinous]

Wow loads of suggestions, thanks everyone!

[Its a min]

I have one of these and it works well.

 

https://www.halfords...ic-trolley-jack

 

And one of these: https://www.machinem...AiABEgKmB_D_BwE

 

with: https://www.machinem...et-adaptor-set/

 

for greater flexibility on ratchet & socket sizes.

 

Makes the ratchet a bit bulky and not ideal for tight spaces so I also have one of these:  https://www.machinem...-torque-wrench/

 

but not had any problems with accuracy on the digital adapter. My nephew works for VW and compared it to his regularly calibrated torque wrench and it was right on cue!

Edited by Its a min, 25 January 2020 - 11:24 PM.

[nicklouse]

Well, torquewrench are not rocket science anymore so it can be cheap. Be careful however 3/8'' is not that standard. I have a Facom 3/8'' and it was not easy to find decent matching sockets

3/8 is  actually the most common trade size but is one of the hardest to find retail. it is the size i mainly use. but might need someone in the UK to get some new ones for me unless i splash on SnapOn prices. 12 Point 3/8 drive deep sockets.

[nicklouse]

re the trolly jacks. and will be fine as they only have to lift until the stands go under. i have quite a few when needed and depending on what i am playing with.

[GraemeC]

Nicklouse - I’ve been using a set of these for about 10:years and they’ve been great so far. Happy to order a set and send them to you:

https://www.halfords...socket-rail-3-8

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Nicklouse - I’ve been using a set of these for about 10:years and they’ve been great so far. Happy to order a set and send them to you:

https://www.halfords...socket-rail-3-8

I didn't think Halfords did imperial sizes any more, nice!

[Homersimpson]

I would echo the sentiments above, if you need to take the trolley jack with you buy the smaller one, if its just for in the garage then the larger unit will be far more suitable.

 

I struggled with a little trolley jack for years, when I finally bought a bigger one it was like night and day in comparion and suddley getting the car in the air was the work of a few moments.

 

Of course always use axle stands or similar when working under the car, never rely on a trolley jack when getting under the car.

[JDImini]

I really hate those little trolley jacks they might be ok for a break down kit but they never feel very stable and they’re a pain to use because they’re so small.


I know it’s twice the price but I’ve been using one of these SGS low energy jacks in the workshop for 3 years and it’s been brilliant.

https://www.sgs-engi...ge-trolley-jack

Very stable and muck more solid than my old Sealey aluminium low entry jack and the weight isn’t really an issue if you’re not in nascar.

I have the same as Tupers, the reason being the mini has been lowered and had a sump guard so was the only one that would fit, so thinking about how low you mini is and what will fit. Agree it was expensive and very heavy! It is also large which is great for stability but can be awkward to get it in the right position if you don't have much space. I suppose try and buy the best you can afford, I also have a cheap Halfords job which does still come in handy and as soon as the car is in the air get the axle stands under it!