Decent trolley jack that won't break the bank?

househead · December 16, 2019, 13:57

So my uber-cheapo (£25) Hilka 3ton trolley jack from screwfix has given up on itself and burst a seal somewhere, shedding most of the fluid and now only works for about 2" of lift. Pretty poor show since I've used it maybe 10 times. Don't have a receipt but I'll ask for a refund anyway, which I'm sure I won't get.

Can anyone recommend one for £60/70 or less? There's a lot to choose from. Should I get a low-profile one?

Topdownman · December 16, 2019, 14:11

Definitely get a low profile!

I have 2 cheap ones and both still working so maybe you have just been unlucky?

jvanzyl · December 16, 2019, 14:29

Low profile definitely - it's great to get a high rise one combined with that, then also getting sufficient lifting capacity to do anything else in the household as you don't want multiple jacks around the place... might push the budget out though. I got one from SGS engineering, it worked great and then the seal seems to have leaked and it's lots more pushes to get it lift like it did before. Weighs a LOT though...

househead · December 16, 2019, 15:35

Quote from: Topdownman on December 16, 2019, 14:11Definitely get a low profile!

I have 2 cheap ones and both still working so maybe you have just been unlucky?

I kind of bought it expecting it to not be that great but figured I'd probably get a years use out of it. As it happens, I've had less than 3 months. Hilka as a brand is now on my blacklist!

househead · December 16, 2019, 15:37

Quote from: jvanzyl on December 16, 2019, 14:29Low profile definitely - it's great to get a high rise one combined with that, then also getting sufficient lifting capacity to do anything else in the household as you don't want multiple jacks around the place... might push the budget out though. I got one from SGS engineering, it worked great and then the seal seems to have leaked and it's lots more pushes to get it lift like it did before. Weighs a LOT though...

I could push the budget a little bit, but it would have to be for a really good one! Ideally one that comes with a decent warranty.

jvanzyl · December 16, 2019, 15:59

Well that's the thing,..I'd opt for a physical shop you can take it back to... otherwise you'll be trying to mail a 25kilo object about...

Carolyn · December 16, 2019, 16:02

This is very similar to ours. We've had quite a few years of service out of it and still going strong.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RACING-TROLLEY-JACK-1-5-Ton-Low-Profile-Lightweight-Alloy-Fast-Dual-Piston-Lift/254157463934?hash=item3b2cf7217e:g:I08AAOSwmWNchCZz

househead · December 16, 2019, 16:06

Quote from: jvanzyl on December 16, 2019, 15:59Well that's the thing,..I'd opt for a physical shop you can take it back to... otherwise you'll be trying to mail a 25kilo object about...

Amazon isn't too bad, they'll let me dump it at the royal mail sorting office which is only a mins walk from my place. Ebay on the other hand could be a pain for returns.

Topdownman · December 16, 2019, 17:33

Hope you have got some nice axle stands too. I dont like to hear stories about seals going!

Hopefully screwfix have a record of the sale (thats how they sell getting all your personal details for their store card as you dont need a receipt).

I would start by taking it back?

Joesson · December 16, 2019, 18:30

I have returned items to Screwfix and it was no problem. I got a replacement (heavy duty SDS hammer drill) and a refund because the price had reduced in the interim. Previously a battery hand drill also exchanged with no problem. I do have a Screwfix card and therefore an " account" I also had my receipt because we keep the paper copies ( so last century but just sometimes!) my experiences have been positive.

wotugonado · December 16, 2019, 18:36

I never really have much good to say about Halfords due to price, but credit where its due, I had a 3 tonne Jack with axle stands, and they've seen some action in the years I've owned them, and are still going strong. See if they've got any "Xmas deals" on

jonbill · December 16, 2019, 18:40

I've got an sgs low entry one like jvanzyl, but no probs with mine.

Joesson · December 16, 2019, 19:15

Quote from: jonbill on December 16, 2019, 18:40I've got an sgs low entry one like jvanzyl, but no probs with mine.

Me too, together with 4 ratchet type axle stands. They do have a range from low cost up to what must be professional grade if prices are a guide.

househead · December 16, 2019, 19:34

So yea screwfix account ... I do have one, but I didn't buy this under it, so think I'd have to find the receipt. It's probably here ... somewhere!

I'll try and take it back regardless. I've since started buying stuff from there under my account so I don't need to keep hold of tiny pieces of paper which fade!

I was eyeing up the Halfords ones @wotugonado so it's good to hear that one has lasted well. I've got socket sets and other bits from there before and tbh never had an issue. The staff in my local one are pretty sound too, which is always a nice touch!

@Topdownman got 4x axle stands and they're decent enough, definitely wouldn't get under the car with just a jack!

While we're on it, what's the proper order/process for getting the car up on 4x stands, completely off the ground? Chock fronts and raise back first (on account of it being slightly heavier than front).

When I've used the axle stands before, I've used them on the flat sill bits, behind the markers on the sheet-like bit that's sticks down from the sills. How bad is this? Feels stable for sure

Carolyn · December 16, 2019, 19:45

Quote from: househead on December 16, 2019, 19:34So yea screwfix account ... I do have one, but I didn't buy this under it, so think I'd have to find the receipt. It's probably here ... somewhere!

I'll try and take it back regardless. I've since started buying stuff from there under my account so I don't need to keep hold of tiny pieces of paper which fade!

I was eyeing up the Halfords ones @wotugonado so it's good to hear that one has lasted well. I've got socket sets and other bits from there before and tbh never had an issue. The staff in my local one are pretty sound too, which is always a nice touch!

@Topdownman got 4x axle stands and they're decent enough, definitely wouldn't get under the car with just a jack!

While we're on it, what's the proper order/process for getting the car up on 4x stands, completely off the ground? Chock fronts and raise back first (on account of it being slightly heavier than front).

When I've used the axle stands before, I've used them on the flat sill bits, behind the markers on the sheet-like bit that's sticks down from the sills. How bad is this? Feels stable for sure

I would start with the rear. Just lifting far enough to get stands under on their lowest setting, then do the front. If you need it higher, take it up in stages.

I'm not a fan of jacking on the sills. I put the rear stands under the chassis-end bracket for the trailing arm, and the front under the rearmost mounting point for the A-arm.

househead · December 16, 2019, 20:02

Thanks @Carolyn I think I read you say as much on another thread. I'll give those mount points a shot next time out. Got brake and suspension stuff arriving so car will be up for a few weekends while I work round each corner.

shnazzle · December 16, 2019, 20:15

Can't recommend a Halfords. I've had 2. Both leak air

Ardent · December 16, 2019, 20:37

Only had halfords. The firsst lasted quite well. Then the 2 arrived and needed a low profile. Did not seem to last as long before a slow leak started. Nothing abrupt or dangerous, but a very slow loss of height.
Get it up in the air, then get the stands under it.
2 or other wise I sometimes struggle with where best to put the stand. Like @Carolyn not a fan of cill based positioning.

househead · December 20, 2019, 15:47

SGS engineering appear to have a sale on at the moment, some of the jacks look to be very well priced.

Unfortunately if I order it now, it will arrive when nobody will be home, so I hope they are still/again cheap in Jan.

Joesson · December 20, 2019, 17:50

@househead , just maybe they would accept your order now but hold back delivery if you ask them.

househead · December 20, 2019, 18:37

Quote from: Joesson on December 20, 2019, 17:50@househead , just maybe they would accept your order now but hold back delivery if you ask them.

Thanks to you I'm now sat in front of the fire with a dram browsing through their wider catalogue which contains a treasure trove of stuff to spend my money on

Joesson · December 20, 2019, 19:53

Feet up, by the fire, dram in hand," window" shopping and off somewhere nice next week. You almost sound like a retiree😉

H1GRM · December 20, 2019, 20:07

Quote from: househead on December 20, 2019, 15:47SGS engineering appear to have a sale on at the moment, some of the jacks look to be very well priced.

Unfortunately if I order it now, it will arrive when nobody will be home, so I hope they are still/again cheap in Jan.

I have an SGS low level jack with 4 axle stands and am very impressed with the quality and price.

househead · December 20, 2019, 20:37

Quote from: Joesson on December 20, 2019, 19:53Feet up, by the fire, dram in hand," window" shopping and off somewhere nice next week. You almost sound like a retiree😉

It's feeling a bit like that! Wrapped up work yesterday for another year and had the day off today. Happy days!

Joesson · December 20, 2019, 21:39

Quote from: househead on December 20, 2019, 20:37
Quote from: Joesson on December 20, 2019, 19:53Feet up, by the fire, dram in hand," window" shopping and off somewhere nice next week. You almost sound like a retiree😉

It's feeling a bit like that! Wrapped up work yesterday for another year and had the day off today. Happy days!

That is the problem with being a retiree, we get no days off or holidays.
Not only that but when the workers get week ends or bank holidays off work they clog up the roads and places of interest!