Hi Lift Jack Dangers

Using a high lift jack can be extremely dangerous, as most of us know. TW users, what do you suggest for new Hi Lift Jack users to know before they use it?

 

Try it out in your driveway. Only go up 1-2 clicks over lifting your vehicle off the ground, then push your vehicle side to side or front to back to familiarize yourself with the concept that if it can tip it will. Sometimes far easier than most jacks you are familiar with.

 

Spit on it before jacking, jk. In all seriousness I have one and I use it by lifting up my truck by the rock sliders to rotate tires, work on the suspension and whatever else. I've never had a problem, I occasionally just lube up the jack and inspect it from time and time. Once the vehicle is lifted I put it on jack stands because I don't trust that Jack for shit.

 

Thats how you get the cool kid dents!

 

I bought one a year ago, tested it out on my off-road car when I got home. In the span of 10 minutes I smashed a finger and had the car almost fall on me twice!

I returned it to the place where I bought it the same day.

I carry a 2 ton floor jack in my tow rig and factory-style bottle jacks in everything else. I feel much safer using those.

 

https://youtu.be/xPLrHw2At7s

keep it lubed
Keep it upright
Think before letting go of the handle

 

Remember that the lift 100% requires that the load being lifted be stable, because the jack isnt going to be doing it....

So think about how the load (vehicle) can shift to cause the jack to cause 'a really bad day'.

For example, lets say you jack up the rear of the vehicle with the hi-lift, which lifts the (2) rear wheels (which had the hand-brake on). Now the vehicle can roll forward or aft off the jack.
Or same scenario, but you put the truck in 4lo first... HAHAHAH now it wont roll forward, right? Well it might not roll but the front diff can allow the truck rear to pivot left/right around the front axle.

So stop and think HARD about what is keeping the vehicle stable, and if any of those stabilizing features are gone when you lift the wheels clear.

 

And ALWAYS put your fingers in a possible pinch point while using...

 

He was putting the jack into place at that point, not lifting yet

 

This applies with any jack really. Found that out the hard way with a scissor jack on a hill

 

My checklist for setup: Stabilize the base. Solid surface on the truck for contact. Chock wheels if needed. Pad between the jack and vehicle if it looks like it could pivot into vehicle. All parts of the jack present (never know what might rattle off someday). Read the instructions (I don't use it often enough to trust myself).

Checklist for use: Nothing goes between the jack and the vehicle. Nothing goes between the handle and the rail during jacking operation ever (this is the smash point where people break bones and lose teeth. Imagine that handle slamming into the rail with the weight of the truck powering it). Nothing you don't care to smash goes under the truck once you decide to lower - treat it like it could just drop.

 

https://www.ordealist.com/how-to-use-a-hi-lift-jack/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKK4XLJH_Zs

 

Find someone who knows the ins and outs of using a hi lift and take lessons.

 

Stand off to the side.

 

slider adapters are really helpful lifting from rock sliders. otherwise they can get pretty slippery on muddy round tube.

 

I thought based on everything i've seen cruising the Mall, that these were only intended for Jeeps....

 

Normal people just don't strap them to their hoods and carry them 24/7.

 

spend the money and get a pro eagle jack.