(Part 2) Best vehicle hoists & jacks according to redditors

Hey OP

If you make an amazon wishlist and place these two items on it, I will buy them for you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0007XTGCI/ref=cm_cr_othr_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8#cm_cr_carousel_images_section

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70472-Solid-Rubber-high-2/dp/B01CGU14T2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=wheel+chocks&qid=1565750929&s=gateway&sprefix=wheel+ch&sr=8-3

When you create a wishlist you can have your shipping address hidden. It just lets people buy shit for you.

After you did this, pm me a link to your amazon wishlist and I will buy you the wheel chocks and jack stands.

Just paying shit forward.

There may not really be a "best". Just different options and their pros and cons may change depending on the work you want to do, the space you have to do it in and the bike you are working on.

1. Front and rear stands sometimes refered to as race stands, paddock stands. The typically talked about versions lift on the swing arm, spools for the rear stand and the fronts typically lift off the underside of the front forks. They work well and are small to store when not in use their small size leaves a lot of room around the bike for your work area. Their drawback is that for work like you want to do the front stand is in the way of the forks and the weight is still on them.
   
   There is a version of the front stand that lifts off the center of the triple tree steering stem. This solves the problem of standard front stands supporting the weight of the bike on the forks. You do however need the steering stem to be hollow or at least drilled for the peg of the stand to fit into it. u/TacticoolCanadian links a hybrid stand that does both lifting options.
   
   
2. The lift you have labeled as "1" in your image. These lift the bike from the bottom. You need a fairly flat lifting point under the bike and that point has to be designed to take the weight of the bike. So for example 2 parallel frame tubes. Some shimming is often needed to clear the engine and trans case. People use rubber pads, plastic blocks or wood often bolted to the lift to sort it out. The bike should be ratchet strapped down to make it stable. The big pros here they are usually pretty inexpensive and can be found often on craigslist. They get the bike up higher allowing you to sit on a stool. Both wheels can be in the air at the same time and the bike "can" be rolled around out of the way when not being worked on if one take some care and goes slow. Cons, stability. They can straight up seem sketchy as hell as the bike is supported on the narrow footprint, strapped down it isn't much of a worry but it will get most first time users worried.
   
   
3. Lift tables. The obvious pro is that it gets the bike up to a higher working level where you can stand. However this is really just raising the ground, you still need a way to lift the bike to get the wheels off the table. The industry standard is a flat jack. Plug for the K&L, they are very durable and will out last 2 of the cheaper knock offs. The knock offs don't feel as solid but at 1/4 the price last about 1/3-1/2 as long if cared for by greasing the screw threads. Both options have adapters to allow one to come up with ways to get lifting points under various bikes.
   
   Strap the bike down appropriately for the end you need to lift. I'm not a wheel chock or wheel vise fan(the one on the Harbor Frieght table in your image is next to useless). I find them annoying and in the way anytime you need to work on the front wheel/suspension. Most all of the mechanics I have worked with over the years have eventually gone to just a angle iron/aluminum stop held in with 2 nuts and bolts finger tight. When I need to pull the front wheel I slide a section of angle under the rear wheel as a stop, add some tie downs to the rear of the bike and slowly release the front tie downs. To save on jacking the front wheel over the height of the stop on the table, remove one of the 2 bolts holding it and pivot it out of the way.
   
   Tables take up a lot of room and can make life easy. In 25 years I've never lost a bike on a table. I know guys who have when mistakes were made. It's much can cause much more damage than a low to the ground tip over off a set of stands. Most DIY home users I see have the most trouble with loading a bike on a table and getting it strapped down trying to do it single handedly. They go for the slow walk up trying to keep the bike vertical and loose too much momentum and can't get the bikes back wheel up the ramp and will try to power through it sometimes getting off balance and the bike falling away from them. Both are easily solved by letting the bike lean into you so it doesn't go over center and pull away from you. The other time is once they get the bike up on it they have to fumble around with holding the bike and strapping it down. This is where some like the self supporting wheel chocks to roll the bike into. Being alone I've found the easiest is to just have a place to set the bike down on the side stand or get it up on the center stand if it has one. I use a platform of two 4x6s and a 2x14 as a table next to the lift to set the bike on the side stand. If you have a Handy lift or the like with wing extensions you don't likely need anything. From there it's just like strapping it down in a trailer.
   
   
   There are a ton of options for DIY jacks, lifts and tables out there too.
   
   Take a look at www.homemadetools.net/site/search?q=Motorcycle+Lifts&Search=
   
   One of my favorite that can be done cheap is to simply extend one of the motorcycle lift jacks to turn it into a table. I've thought about doing this to add a 2nd part time lift in the garage here at home.

Usually there's a good center-spot on the front and rear for the entire end of the car, then put the jack stands in the proper place under the pinch weld.

If you don't have them already, get some of these to keep your pinch welds from getting bent up and rusty....
...https://smile.amazon.com/DEDC-Universal-Slotted-Rubber-Medium/dp/B01MQD0YXO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1520305806&sr=8-6&keywords=jack+pinch+weld+adapter

Never, because I use these :)

I bought this one off amazon and it has worked great. It’s compact and inexpensive.
Zeny 1100 LB Motorcycle Center Scissor Lift Jack Hoist Stand Bikes ATVs (#01) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01860HLCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Vo3KRPVWIXCJz

You’re looking for something like this.


Tesla Model 3 Lifting Jack pad - 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QR19NM9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qjRYDbFWFJMJ5

Center stand

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-5001-5047-Motorcycle-Scissors/dp/B0196PAYP0/ref=sr_1_6?gclid=CjwKCAiAh5_uBRA5EiwASW3IasIMFnQo804LL3aB58Yweypspqprui5NqOiEkxn20Mir9FRR-Q6fDxoCs8kQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241914105244&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9032437&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14079434640772928100&hvtargid=kwd-1194916088&hydadcr=24631_10399647&keywords=motorcycle+scissor+jack&qid=1573447187&sr=8-6

$70 bucks now will save you hundreds in shop fees. From changing your oil to pulling your tire to get it changed.

An oil change in your garage using HD supplied oil might run you $35 for oil/filter

And get yourself a shop manual. There is so much you can do on your own with some basic hand tools!

I would trust any nationwide chain to do it. Suggest buying some jack plugs and keep them in the car. Out of an abundance of caution mention to the shop they need to have these plugs in the holes as the contact for the jack points, best bet is buy a set of 4.

BASENOR Tesla Model 3 Jack Pad Pucks Jack Lift Pad Adapter Tool (Protects Battery & Chassis) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QM6RNRH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_MFEQPhR7M8KUI

Just for off-road. I used to keep it mounted in the back of the Jeep on the roll bar, but it rattled so much I would get annoyed driving on dirt roads. I think I can place a couple pieces of foam into the foot and mechanism to make it quiet, but I just decided to keep it off the vehicle when I'm not off roading instead. Less weight to carry around day-to-day.

Edit: I'll get around to priming it and putting some bedliner on it in the future to match the color. It's kind of expensive for what it is, but most of the jack mounts are $40-$150 so I guess it's within expectations. I liked this solution because I could use it on the roll bar inside or on the bumper. I had previously made some mounts out of u-bolt muffler clamps and wing nuts; those worked but was a pain to get the jack on and off so I gave up and went with this.

https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Lift-Jack-TM-750-Adjustable-Mount/dp/B003CEFJ2U/

https://www.amazon.com/Orange-Heavy-Vehicle-Recovery-Traction/dp/B00B11UFS4

you can get those jack adapter cheaper at amazon bro

​

https://www.amazon.com/Tesla-Model-Lifting-Jack-pad/dp/B07QR19NM9/ref=sr_1_4?crid=OLQ0XORMDH&keywords=tesla+model+3+jack+pad&qid=1571467161&sprefix=tesla+model+3+jack%2Caps%2C234&sr=8-4

With that jack, you'll want a few hockey pucks, or custom jack adapters, to ensure that you don't damage the battery pack. There are specific jack points that you need to use (denoted by circular holes along the edge of the battery pack) to avoid damaging the pack.

Or buy an adapter... https://www.amazon.com/APDTY-Protects-Individually-Purchase-Professional/dp/B07GHGM9BP

i got something similar

i would recommend double-sided tape to keep them in place. other than that i'm happy i got them

i also got this adapter so i can use my floor jack easier

Pyrometer

Low profile jack stands (flat feet, safe for tarmac)

Racing gloves

RaceQuip Helmet Support

A GoPro off-brand accessory kit To help mounting that GoPro to whatever you want to mount it to.

Some Mechanix gloves lots of options

Paint markers various colors.

F4 self-sealing silicone tape

Going Faster
Speed Secrets
High-Performance Handling for Street or Track

Another few things would be to find out what the driver uses for brake pads, brake fluid, rotors, oil filter, etc., as those can be pricey and nice gifts. (I use Hawk DTC-60 front, HP+ rear pads, Motul RBF-600 fluid)

Portable battery powered air pump for tires I have one very similar to this. It's cheap and great to use for adjusting pressures before sessions.

A decent tire pressure gauge This is the one I have and have used for several years and I have been very happy with it.

A subscription to Grassroots Motorsports

Torque wrench, +200 ft/lbs This is the one I have been using for a few years and it works well.

I've got lots of other ideas for tools and such; specific socket sets, impact gun & sockets, special bits for your car, magnet, flash lights/head lamp/stick light, channel locks, stubby sockets, various wrenches, extensions, breaker bar, bits, allen wrenches, vice grips, pry bars, adapters, pliers, cutters, etc that would be good to put on your list if you don't have them in your kit.

Happy holidays!

I would like to start changing the oil on my car (potentially on my parent's too) so does anyone have the link to that floor jack post from a couple days ago, if there was one? I have a 2000 Celica GTS, if you want to recommend anything here. I was thinking this with these jack stands, but that jack is expensive for me. I just don't want to have a car on my face.

Also, what are some other jack points/ jack stand positions other than the ones on the side of the car for the scissor jack?

I wouldn't recommend it. With soft surfaces often you may have the jack stand start tilting to one side which becomes an avalanche effect. I have had two cars fall off of jack stands because of this (I know, I should have learned my lesson the first time.) Plywood or plate steel are the best options, or these kind of stands with the flat bottoms: link.

It's the Harbor Freight knockoff of the OTC Racing Jack. I have the OTC one, I wouldn't trust the Harbor Freight jack to last very long.

Hi-Lift makes adjustable mounts that work well:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CEFJ2U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these to mount mine to my tire carrier (AEV Hardrock carrier) and they work great.

https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Sparta-Adapter-Protects-Battery/dp/B07QXXVD9Y

I didnt have to since as the G2 Kit uses paint brush, so I just painted around it since it’s all about the aesthetics.

I used the adapters i bought from Amazon

Seven Sparta Jack Lift Pad for Tesla Model 3, 4PCS Jack Point Pad Sturdy Adapter Protects Battery & Paint for Using with a Floor Jack, Jack Lift Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QXXVD9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7q4tDbMK9X0ZE


Jackstands like these and took the stick out and put the adapters on top of it. Make sure when you lower the car with a Jack, to Jack it down very slowly because the adapters can get out of place. Be VERY VERY careful hahah.

Pro-LifT T-6902 Grey Jack Stand - 2 Ton Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CBJKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ws4tDbAVV9ZWN

I applied clear coat before applying the decal and then applied clear coat on the decal, so it can have the extra layer to cover it with 2 coats.

As i said earlier: You are over thinking this. Google 2 ton jack and this is the result: https://www.amazon.com/Torin-T82012-Hydraulic-Trolley-Jack/dp/B0028JQYSS

You REALLY wanna trust that thing? Notice the one I linked earlier is a fullsize floor jack and the one I linked now is basically a last ditch effort type tool?

As I said earlier: The jack is ONLY lifting 1 corner or end at a time, thus not the entire curb weight of the vehicle.

Emergency jack isn't the safest thing to do it with.

You can buy a $25 jack and be much easier and safer to work with.

http://www.amazon.com/Torin-T82012-Hydraulic-Trolley-Jack/dp/B0028JQYSS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427251005&sr=8-1&keywords=car+jack

I went to Big O tires and brought jack pads. They were more than willing to learn how to lift it.

Might as well buy a set if you are going to get tires changed. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GHGM9BP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ngb9BbXKS0JG6 need 4 of them. Or if you have a 3D printer you can make some with hockey pucks super easy.

If you are a very light user it will be an ok product. My bf is a hobby mechanic and he's won't even entertain the idea of this jack.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00336EN60/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Is a really life long abuse taking truck lifting beast with safety features.

Glad insurance covered it.

I use this for the pinch weld jack points.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073SR1TW2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is way better, albeit $65, it makes life easy. raise it up until its just below your bike frame, slide it under, crank it 10 times, and you're off the ground. easy peasy.

I live in a 1br in a walk up as well. KangarooCornchips pretty well covered it although I just stick with one good torque wrench, a big adjustable, a cheap Stanley socket set, vice grip, and a flip out hex and torx set. A good JIS screwdriver would be useful too.
Don’t forget there should be a cheap oem toolkit stashed somewhere on the bike, not that it’s enough.

The only thing directly motorcycle related I’ve needed was a cheap jack similar to this
https://www.amazon.com/LiftMaster-Motorcycle-Center-Scissor-Hoist/dp/B01NCT4IKW/
It’s not too heavy to haul downstairs although it is annoying

I’ve been able to do everything from valve clearances to swingarm replacements in my complex’s covered parking lot. The only problem is running back and forth for all the bulky peripheral things like cans of penetrating fluid or degreaser or an oil jug.

• This
  
  
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• This x2
  
  
• This

You appear to be paying too much for recovery tracks.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S0CZZD2/ $18.99 for two

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NF7JTRG/ $29.88 for two

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B11UFS4/ $34.99 for one, but it is metal.

Question for those of you who live where it snows: How many do you need? One? Two? Four?

Would be simpler to put it on ramps or simply lower the car to get it level. I've never seen a car where you need to lift all four corners to do ATF drain/refill but could be wrong.

You need sturdy jackstands and a strong jack. Since the parking brake is on the rear wheels and the front end is heaviest, I would lift the front first and put the car on the front jackstands then do the back end second.

Of course you need jackstands that don't eff up your pinch welds and I assume your car has a front/rear central jack point for a floor jack?

https://www.amazon.com/10499-Profile-Performance-Cushion-Capacity/dp/B01EJ1OGRI

Right on the crosstrek looks great too! I sort my gear by bags like these and keep everything under the rear seats in the cab. I have one bag with a socket set, a few wrenches, screw drivers. One bag with various grease, pb blaster, jb weld, and anti-seize. One bag with air compressor hose end bits, tire deflators and pressure gauge, hi-lift slider adapter, and trailer hitch pin. One bag with a few beer koozies, spare batteries, and a handful of cheap headlamps

Aside from those things in the bags I have an air compressor hose, air compressor is probably the thing I use the most often. Hi-lift has not been needed for the Colorado yet. I upgraded my headlights with the Retrofit source HID kit for the Colorado it is awesome. I also always have a cheap cooler in the bed usually loaded with gatorades for my crew when it’s damn hot out.

I lack a good first aid kit. But that’s about everything that always stays in my truck, been building the load out for a few years now and I have used it all on the trails in my old xterra never missed anything

Good man! I was going to ask this, I use mine in the desert to jack off to (you know what I mean!) I use this adapter with my hi lift jack -

https://www.amazon.com/Lotus-Development-Slider-Adapter-Locking/dp/B00F4HX9FW

Like this even..
Liftmaster Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack 2 Ton Heavy Duty Car Lift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013FA4XA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_OLVOBbKV3JW3J

Questions on wheel cleaning

1. Should I stop using Meguiar's Hot Shine High Gloss Tire Spray? What damage do silicone based tire dressing do? I've only used it once so far.
   
   
2. What pieces of equipment should I buy to remove my tires in order to clean inside the wheel wells and wax them? I'm thinking a tire iron and a floor jack should do the trick.
   
   Thanks

US JACK D-41610 6 Ton Garage Stands Made In USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P248NYO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oRNnyb4H7SSWF

https://www.amazon.com/US-JACK-D-41610-Garage-Stands/dp/B00P248NYO

You get what you pay for. That is just an example. Made In America and this is what you what to see:

The only 100% USA made with 100% USA parts garage stands. Featuring a “Double Lock Security System” that utilizes two pawls to engage two teeth on the load bar. Rated capacity is PER stand– stands are packaged in PAIRS. The 3-ton and 6-ton stands have stamped legs held in position by an outside perimeter ring welded to the legs. All stands have ductile iron load bars. US Jack is the brand used by our U.S. Military, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Snap-On. Each run of garage stands are load tested to 1 1/2 times the rated capacity per stand.

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Profile-Floor-Pittsburgh-Automotive/dp/B00IOBOAEE/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=floor+jack&qid=1554479909&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=gateway&sr=8-16

I have one exactly like the one you linked. Works great. Best $10 tool I ever bought. Never had an issue with it not working.

I have one of the cheap Harbor Freight 5-ton floor jacks. I've had it for 8 years and it just broke on me a few days ago. Not bad for a $60 jack that I use all the time.

I've decided to upgrade to this one, because it'll come in handy with my tractors and John Deere Gator:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00336EN60/

TSC has the same jack for $150 right now, but less than $130 with free shipping is better. ;-)

Not sure how that would work. How would you lift the bike onto the stands? Lifts are relatively low cost and you can get a dedicated one at Harbor Freight or use what I use which is a simple scissor jack. You can certainly get the scissor jack for cheaper since they're quite common. Also check a local auto parts store to see if they have loaner/rental of jacks.

I do a lot of my own maintenance, and I had a craftsman jack for a while, but I just got this thing, and it is far and away 100 times nicer than that pile of shit I used to use. Avoid the jack stands with the lever you pull up to lower or raise the holds. These are much safer.
OTC jack with 2 stands
Pricey? Yep. Will it last? Most likely. Is it easy to use and pretty fucking cool? You bet.