[Northern Bu]

Does anyone know what the load capacity of the car scissor jack that is currently in my trunk that came with the car?

One of the local retailers has a 12V version on special and I'm thinking about getting it. This electric version has a load capacity of 2000 lbs and I was wondering if it's strong enough to replace the manual scissor jack and possible use it as a jack for changing out my snow tires?

 

[Silver LTZ]

Honestly, if you want a jack to swap all your tires do not use a scissor jack. They are the worst, and the least safe. Just buy a decent floor jack. Mine takes maybe 5 cranks to get the car up and has like a 5000 pound rating. I got it at Sears for about $90.

 

[Starship]

An electric car jack? I don't trust anything that needs 12V from the lighter socket (at what amperage?) plus it just sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I second the "decent floor jack."

 

[BlinkQS]

I bought an extra spare jack for my Malibu (for when I want to rotate the tires by myself) because it was cheaper than buying a lift and installing it in my garage.

I don't see why scissor-type jacks are unsafe, as long as you're on level ground, and secure the wheels, you should be fine.

A friend of mine had one of those hydraulic jacks, and I think those things are unsafe. His started to drop ever so slowly and damaged his ground effect.

But... whenever you're working under the car, ALWAYS have the car supported by jack stands. Don't solely rely on a single jack. And block the other wheels so the car doesn't roll.

Plus, the scissor-type jacks will fit under the lowest of cars. At least with a scissor-type jack, it won't start to suddenly "unscrew" and drop.

The only sucky thing about the jack equipped with our Malibus, is that it takes forever to screw it up and lift the car (if you're gonna lift each corner for a project). But I got around that by buying a bit for my Milwaukee power drill, and that thing lifts the car in nanoseconds.

 

[DrivenDaily]

I bought an extra spare jack for my Malibu (for when I want to rotate the tires by myself) because it was cheaper than buying a lift and installing it in my garage.

I don't see why scissor-type jacks are unsafe, as long as you're on level ground, and secure the wheels, you should be fine.

A friend of mine had one of those hydraulic jacks, and I think those things are unsafe. His started to drop ever so slowly and damaged his ground effect.

But... whenever you're working under the car, ALWAYS have the car supported by jack stands. Don't solely rely on a single jack. And block the other wheels so the car doesn't roll.

Plus, the scissor-type jacks will fit under the lowest of cars. At least with a scissor-type jack, it won't start to suddenly "unscrew" and drop.

The only sucky thing about the jack equipped with our Malibus, is that it takes forever to screw it up and lift the car (if you're gonna lift each corner for a project). But I got around that by buying a bit for my Milwaukee power drill, and that thing lifts the car in nanoseconds.

What kind of Milwaukee? Is it 3/8, 1/2, or cordless? (Does Milwaukee even make cordless?)

 

[Silver LTZ]

I bought an extra spare jack for my Malibu (for when I want to rotate the tires by myself) because it was cheaper than buying a lift and installing it in my garage.

I don't see why scissor-type jacks are unsafe, as long as you're on level ground, and secure the wheels, you should be fine.

A friend of mine had one of those hydraulic jacks, and I think those things are unsafe. His started to drop ever so slowly and damaged his ground effect.

But... whenever you're working under the car, ALWAYS have the car supported by jack stands. Don't solely rely on a single jack. And block the other wheels so the car doesn't roll.

Plus, the scissor-type jacks will fit under the lowest of cars. At least with a scissor-type jack, it won't start to suddenly "unscrew" and drop.

The only sucky thing about the jack equipped with our Malibus, is that it takes forever to screw it up and lift the car (if you're gonna lift each corner for a project). But I got around that by buying a bit for my Milwaukee power drill, and that thing lifts the car in nanoseconds.

Scissor jacks are the worst since they tend to tilt and fall over. Plus when they get stressed they give out. Floor jacks are the best, if your buddies gave out there are two reasons. Cheap jack, or lack of maintenance. They are what pit crews and good shops use. As far as getting under low cars, floor jacks are the lowest kind you can buy. You just have to buy the correct one. My Camaro is super low and mine clears it. When it is down, my jack is maybe 4-5" off the ground at most.

 

[Northern Bu]

OK, I will keep watching for sales.

FWIW, here's the item I'm talking about.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...0091008P/12%2BVolt%2BCar%2BJack.jsp?locale=en

 

[Joeyavhu]

That thing looks pretty cool, but how many times do you think that tiny little motor is going to be able to lift the car? It might work for a while lifting your 2 ton vehicle, but its probably gonna have a pretty short lifespan.

You want a hydraulic floor jack, spend about $70-$100 and get a decent one. They will last forever and have more uses than just for the car, plus they will be able to lift things much higher and safer. Although, all jacks can be safe if you use them right and go to the proper jack points.

For example, I sold my old Camaro a week ago and needed to get it on a trailer that didnt have a built on jack or support, so I was able to use the floor jack and prop the hitch section up.

You could also use a floor jack on a truck or other vehicles. You kinda buy a jack for life, or at least a while, so you want to get a decent one, and one that you could use on other things.

 

[Silver LTZ]

That thing looks pretty cool, but how many times do you think that tiny little motor is going to be able to lift the car? It might work for a while lifting your 2 ton vehicle, but its probably gonna have a pretty short lifespan.

You want a hydraulic floor jack, spend about $70-$100 and get a decent one. They will last forever and have more uses than just for the car, plus they will be able to lift things much higher and safer. Although, all jacks can be safe if you use them right and go to the proper jack points.

For example, I sold my old Camaro a week ago and needed to get it on a trailer that didnt have a built on jack or support, so I was able to use the floor jack and prop the hitch section up.

You could also use a floor jack on a truck or other vehicles. You kinda buy a jack for life, or at least a while, so you want to get a decent one, and one that you could use on other things.

When are you gonna post pics of your car with my old wheels!

 

[elcompaLalo]

When are you gonna post pics of your car with my old wheels!

Already has, his avatar.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Already has, his avatar.

Yeah, I saw that, it reminded me. I wanna see bigger pics. Those wheels looked really good on the red jewel.

 

[Joeyavhu]

What better time than the present

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6054