Jack lowering incorrectly

[87anger]

I recently got a craftsman 3 ton jack, stands, and creeper. I have been using the jack to figure out my lift and every time I try to lower the jack, its extremely difficult to get the handle to turn initially. When I finally get it to turn, it turns really fast and drops the truck onto the stands or tires. Scares the shit out of me every time. I bled the jack when i got it and dont really know what else to do as far as jack maintenace.

Is there a way to fix this or is it a messed up jack?

 

[built2bashranger]

I recently got a craftsman 3 ton jack, stands, and creeper. I have been using the jack to figure out my lift and every time I try to lower the jack, its extremely difficult to get the handle to turn initially. When I finally get it to turn, it turns really fast and drops the truck onto the stands or tires. Scares the shit out of me every time. I bled the jack when i got it and dont really know what else to do as far as jack maintenace.

Is there a way to fix this or is it a messed up jack?

don't tighten it so tight

 

[shane96ranger]

This might help. I need to adjust my HF Jack too. It goes down like it should when it's colder out, but in the summer it's way too harsh.

http://www.streetfire.net/video/ac-hydraulic-dk13hlq-floor-jack-adjustment_742125.htm

 

[87anger]

don't tighten it so tight

Haha nah i tighten it just enough to where it wont lose pressure. Then do what i gotta do, go to turn it left and it takes ALOT of power to turn it. Like I strain myself and it takes two or three tries, then breaks and because of all the force I was putting on it, i turn it waaay too fast, truck drops.

Its not like the speed needs to be adjusted it works great after i break it initially. I can then lower it at variable speeds like it should. I just need to figure out why it sticks when you tighten it and jack it up. If I tighten it then loosen it immediately, it works exellent and lowers properly.

Hopefully that explains it better. Any ideas guys?

 

[a31ford]

I have a strong arm brand jack that is like that, it also pukes the oil onto the floor BUT ONLY when it gets cold out, during the summer it's fine.

My solution to this was drilling a hole near the top of the handle (right through), and then using a lining bar or big screwdriver as a "T" handle to open it slower. works great, and no more "Crash Landings".

Greg

 

[armadillon]

After you work, have you tried jacking it an extra two pumps and then releasing? My jack was similar. (bring on the dirty comments. Im being totally serious though)

 

[87anger]

I have a strong arm brand jack that is like that, it also pukes the oil onto the floor BUT ONLY when it gets cold out, during the summer it's fine.

My solution to this was drilling a hole near the top of the handle (right through), and then using a lining bar or big screwdriver as a "T" handle to open it slower. works great, and no more "Crash Landings".

Greg

Thats a good idea, just hope its not neccesary. Kind of a last resort deal.

After you work, have you tried jacking it an extra two pumps and then releasing? My jack was similar. (bring on the dirty comments. Im being totally serious though)

Well I have jacked it maybe once or so before lowering it but not on purpose. Ill try that next time, hopefully that works.

Its just wierd, never seen a jack do that, even old ass p.o.s. jacks i've used slowly lower and the handle is smooth turning. Maybe its just one of those classic "you get what you pay for" situations. The jack, stands, and creeper were only $110.

 

[upnsmoke]

It's no big deal drilling a hole in the handle. I have a Craftsman jack almost as old as me, and it has gotten hard to open slow as well. The holes in the handle are hardly noticeable, though I did make sure to deburr them. I use a piece of 1/4" all thread a couple feet long. It is works well for me. Armadillion had a good thought about raising it a little before letting it down, but I tried that at one point and it didn't work with ours.

 

[Rory]

Drop it like Nascar!