HiLift Jack---

[Vern]

I just bought a new Hi Lift Jack and the book says "Do not use oil or grease to lubricate". It also says that certain points must be lubricated. I'm sure that some/most of you have one of these jacks, so how do you lube them? Vern

 

[JoeM(GA)]

I use powdered graphite on mine, everything else I’ve used has attracted dirt and made problems

 

[rrlund]

This came up not long ago. Seems like the whole no lube thing really is the right way.

 

[glennster]

i use a dry lube with teflon. it is what is recommended in my old skid steer for the control linkages so they dont accumulate dirt pb blaster has one here
poke here

 

[rustyfarmall]

I own of the newer "Hi-Lift" jacks. I also own an original "HandyMan" jack. I have been using those jacks ever since I was big enough to pick one up and carry it to where it was needed. Believe me. Both brands need periodic oiling. WD-40, PB Blaster, or just common 10w-30. Only time the jack will give you trouble is when you DON'T oil it.

 

[Loosehandle]

Original handyman with wood handle, clean and lubed. Don't throw em in the dirt

 

[Janicholson]

Glenster is correct. The PTFE lube from CRC, Liquid Wrench, Tri-Flow, are all dry lube when 10 minutes goes by. The lube is Teflon powder, non sticky.

 

[Vern]

Thanks to all, I like the teflon lube. I'll try that. Vern

 

[SVcummins]

I use penetrating oil to lube mine they’ll collect some dirt when it gets sticky spray it down until it’s clean and use it

 

[rrlund]

Now I wonder how Fluid Film would work to lube one? It sure did wonders in the latches on my pickup tailgate.

 

[ztrmowers]

be real careful with those things they can be very dangerous in my area we called them suicide jacks

 

[rrlund]

A neighbor calls them widow makers.

 

[redtom]

I called mine the "go up and fall over jack". I threw it in the junk pile.

 

[daisyman]

I agree with rustyfarmall. Periodic cleaning a lubrication with a non stick lube of some kind will keep them running. I would have to agree, they are a tricky bugger to use. I really don't like the loose, floppy foot base on them. Seems to me that one with a tight base from side to side, and than wider than the original would help. I guess I never got disgusted enough to make one.
Irv

 

[Russ from MN]

They are a very useful tool in the hands of a skilled operator, but I guess some people should leave them alone!

 

[Whiskey Bent]

(quoted from post at 16:26:27 11/25/20) I really don't like the loose, floppy foot base on them. I welded the base solid it seems much more stable now.

 

[OregonAaron]

I have an original handyman. The wood handle rotted out so I made a new one out of well pipe. I have owned several "new" highlift Jacks. I have found that the ones that live out in the elements like mine need a good long lasting lubricant. I use 50/50 atf & 90wt gear oil. Has worked good for me. If exposed to lots of dusty summer dirt a quick "cleaning" with pb blaster is needed occasionally. Them pins have gotta slide back n forth all the time or trouble WILL occur!

 

[UAFitter]

The best way to lubricate one of those is with whatever is in the bottom of a dumpster, by throwing it there. Others may say that you have to know how to use one, I say there is absolutely no reason to ever use one and there is nothing they can do that can’t be done much much better with a safe piece of lifting equipment.