An ordinary person thinks like this: if he doesn’t have something, he can buy it. A simple and straightforward approach that can only be accomplished if you have enough money in your pocket.
The DIY master has a slightly different opinion: if something doesn’t exist, it can be done.
And really, why spend money on something if you can do it yourself?
Very often this concerns tools and devices for car repair and maintenance.
Let's take, for example, a rolling jack. Yes, you can always buy the first mechanism you come across on the market, paying 1500-2000 rubles for it. But will you be sure of its reliability?
Practice shows that there are things on which it is better not to skimp. And a rolling jack is just that case.
If you buy a good jack from a reliable manufacturer - the toad is pressing, then if you have scraps of metal, you can make it yourself.
Moreover, you can immediately kill two birds with one stone. A homemade rolling jack will be much cheaper than branded models, but at the same time, more reliable than cheap Chinese analogues.
In this article, we will take a closer look at 4 interesting ideas from home craftsmen on how to make a rolling jack for a car with your own hands. If you like any of the designs, take note!
Option #3. Another rolling jack
Homemade rolling jack
There are many examples of rolling jacks on the Internet, but in this master class the author made this design from an old five-ton truck.
Jack from an old five-ton truck
The jack, as in the previous instructions, is made of channel material. Old hockey pucks were used as stops.
The structure is welded from channel another photo of the rolling jack
And below you can see the dimensions of this homemade jack.
Dimensions of a homemade jackIts heightLength of the upper partMore dimensions...And more...Width in the area of the stopsPhoto of the finished structure
In addition, the author installed wheels to make the structure easier to move.
This is where the wheels will be installed. Holes for mounting the wheels. Wheels make it easier to move the jack. This jack is literally made from junk.
As you can see, a simple hydraulic jack can be made from the most unnecessary materials at hand, literally from trash.
Preparation
Before you start building your own jack, you need to do a little preparation. It’s better to start with the theoretical part and decide what kind of jack you need: what lifting capacity is needed (to lift a car or a simpler option will do), what type of mechanism you prefer and, in general, think through all the nuances.
After this, you will need a suitable circuit. You also need to prepare materials and tools. Some models may require additional parts, but the constant “ingredients” for creating a rack and pinion jack are:
- channel (small piece of size 200);
- square profile pipe with a minimum wall thickness of 2 millimeters;
- 8mm steel strip;
- various nuts, bolts, springs and other small parts.
The list of necessary tools is also small:
- drill;
- wrench;
- Bulgarian;
- welding machine.
After all preparations are completed, you can begin to work.
All dimensions indicated for details, by the way, are only approximate. You may well choose both more and less reliable options.
But remember that the load-carrying capacity of your jack will depend on the thickness and size of the parts.
How to make a rolling machine
The main advantage of this scheme is a smooth increase in load for more precise adjustment of the bending radius. Pressure is smoothly applied to the central roller using a screw, hydraulic or rack jack. The leading ones can be either support or central rollers.
A reliable platform is welded from metal profiles, on which fastenings for the frame can be immediately provided. A frame is welded to the platform - a supporting structure for the central roller and jack. Choose a jack with the smoothest possible stroke of the rod.
If the bending of the pipe is controlled by the position of the outer rollers (and the central one is the leading one), then the supporting structure can be made of wood. However, some parts will still be made of metal:
- roller axes;
- stock;
- fasteners;
- handle for scrolling the rollers.
Next, support rollers are installed on the platform and the drive mechanism is installed. In some cases, an adjustable distance between the stops is provided: through grooves are drilled in the base, the clamps are pressed tightly with bolts and washers.
Manual lift for lifting a car
This device is not a jack in the truest sense of the word. However, this is one of the types of mechanical lift.
The idea of making this device belongs to the author of the YouTube channel “BOBKA TV”.
First of all, we prepare the necessary parts. To do this, we use the following materials: profile pipes, strips of metal and a piece of round pipe (we cut the round pipe blank lengthwise and use one of the resulting halves).
Next, we proceed to the manufacture of a homemade device. We weld a piece of round pipe to a section of professional pipe, as shown in the photo below.
We weld another piece of corrugated pipe to the opposite end of the profile. We weld a stand from a long section of profile pipe to it - it will act as a lever. A handle must be welded to the top of the rack.
Next, install the wheel axle from a threaded rod and weld it. We weld a piece of profile with furniture wheels to the stand.
We clean the welds and start painting. After this we install the support wheels.
The principle of operation of a homemade device is very simple. We rest the trolley against the bottom of the car. Then we press on the lever with our own weight and lift the car. In this case, you no longer need to press the lever.
The step-by-step process of making a homemade rolling jack is shown in the author's video.
New!!! Incredible Life Hack for the Driver! Homemade Car Jack
If you liked this homemade product, you can repeat it. But be sure to use car safety stands.
Recommendations
Nowadays, it is advisable to make homemade jacks of a complex type with your own hands only in cases where there is enough material and old devices collected in the garage for this purpose, which will ensure their creation practically free of charge. A rolling version of the lift can be built without hydraulics - using a pneumatic jack.
You should also not forget about such an important negative side of the rolling lifting device as its significant dimensions. This product is more likely a garage type, and not for transportation in the trunk. However, for those mechanics who are seriously involved in car repairs, such a lifting unit is an indispensable assistant in their work.
To learn how to make a rolling jack with your own hands, see below.
Review Reviews
Buyers' opinions about this modern equipment vary widely, but most often users are satisfied with the purchased product because it is quite specific - its scope of application involves certain conditions and human skills that not every car enthusiast possesses. The possibility of repair and widespread spare parts allow you to use the product for a very long time.
It is also noted by customers for its impressive appearance. When such a “monster” is placed on the spare tire or on the roof rack, the car takes on the appearance of an all-terrain vehicle prepared for expeditions, even if there is very little other attachments. Operation of such devices can be dangerous if not handled correctly. This fact scares off some users who are not very familiar with these jacks.
A more detailed and visual overview of the operation of High Jack rack jacks is presented in the following video.
Drive types
Mechanical. For lifting, the movement of the handle is used. These types of jacks are physically demanding, but their design is compact. Recommended when the need for use occurs rarely.
Hydraulic. Lifting occurs using the pressure of the working fluid. It is similar to the previous type, but the physical costs are much less. Recommended if frequent use is expected.
Pneumatic. Lifting is carried out using the energy of compressed gas. Gas from high-pressure cylinders is supplied to a special chamber, where, expanding, it lifts the car.
The advantage of this type is the absence of any physical costs for lifting.
The main characteristics of a rack jack that you should pay attention to when choosing
The following qualities influence the efficiency and safety of work:
- Load capacity - in the instructions for the jack it is indicated in tons.
- Compliance of the support platform with established standards. The platform must be stable and not shake during work. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to ensure that the shape of the base is correct.
- An important parameter when choosing is the pick-up height. This element can be of different shapes, but the indicator does not affect the quality of work.
- Also, special attention is paid to the lifting height. This is the difference between the distance from the pick-up to the support platform.
- The force required to lift a load. It depends on the maximum permissible weight. This parameter is different for different types of mechanisms.
Leading device characteristics
How to make a pneumatic jack at home: description
To make a pneumatic lift with your own hands at home, you must first acquire an air cushion and two bolts. The air cushion is the main working part, which is sold on the market or in specialized stores. It is also recommended to give preference to an ordinary rubber cylinder, which is located on the air suspension of any vehicle.
Important! It is advisable to use a cylinder from a truck, since its strength allows it to withstand strong pressure and significantly increase the lifting moment. But these cylinders are distinguished by their large height, due to which it is not always possible to substitute such a device under a car with low ground clearance. To make a cushion and a valve, you need to prepare two bolts in advance
The pillow must be equipped with a factory threaded hole into which a high-pressure tube is screwed. This tube needs to be replaced with a bolt of the same diameter, and then select another one that will act as the top cover. The products must be drilled in such a way that a cavity is formed during their connection
To make the cushion and valve, you need to prepare two bolts in advance. The pillow must be equipped with a factory threaded hole into which a high-pressure tube is screwed. This tube needs to be replaced with a bolt of the same diameter, and then select another one that will act as the top cover. The products must be drilled in such a way that a cavity is formed during their connection.
Arrangement of cushions in a pneumatic jack
You need to place a strong fitting for inflation in the top bolt, as well as a ball from the bearing. The final stage is welding the structure and screwing it into the hole of the pillow.
Application area
A rack and pinion jack is a multifunctional device, because a vehicle can be lifted in four ways. In addition, the device can replace a winch, clamp and even a press. Let's consider all the options for using the tool in more detail.
Lifting the machine by the power parts
Place the jack on a solid surface before lifting the machine.
Jacking up a car by reinforced protruding elements such as sills and bumpers is, of course, the most obvious way to use a rack and pinion “comrade”. So, you can get the vehicle out of a deep and muddy rut or lift the front of the car, thereby simplifying the winch’s task.
Wheel lift
If your car is not equipped with reinforced structures, then a special accessory called Lift Mate, which is often included with the lift, will help you pull it out of any substance. This device is put on the “beak” of the lift and clings to the wheel rim with hooks hanging on rag slings. After this, the ascent is performed.
Special slings are used to lift the car by the wheel.
Helpful Hint: If the Lift Mate was not originally included with the jack, it can be purchased separately. In this case, you should give preference to accessories with rubberized hooks.
Jacking up the bumper
The device is suitable for almost all metal bumpers, under which it is impossible to install a jack “beak”
There are situations when to replace a damaged wheel you need to lift the car by the bumper. But what to do if the latter is not able to withstand the weight of the car. In this case, another additional device will help you out - Bumper Lift. This device is a chain sling with an attachment to the “beak” of the jack and one powerful hook that can be used to grab the power elements under the bumper (frame, axles, etc.).
Helpful Hint: When purchasing a Bumper Lift, pay attention to its maximum load capacity.
Jack as a winch replacement
As noted earlier, the operation of rack and pinion tools is not limited to lifting vehicles and other heavy loads. Hi Jack can also be used as a hand winch. Sometimes, in order to free your “iron horse” from snow or mud captivity, you need to move it less than half a meter. And the capabilities of a rack and pinion jack are quite enough to solve such problems. Moreover, the lift can be placed in the most convenient place, in front or behind the car, and then push or pull the car in the desired direction.
Making a rolling jack
The jack received the name “rolling” because of its external resemblance to a cart. Despite the simplicity of the design, it is used to lift trucks.
The easiest way to make a rolling jack with your own hands is to base it on a bottle-type mechanism, the lifting height of which is 23 cm. To work, you will need 10 and 12 mm channels. The stand is made from 12 mm, and the base and lifting lever are made from 10 mm.
When operating the jack, several working rods are used. The main part of the unit is the piston. The task of lifting the load is performed by a hydraulic cylinder acting on the lever.
Rollers used in a household washing machine are mounted on the front. During the assembly process, a car bumper cup is used, and a 20 mm rod is used for braces.
The operating principle of a rolling jack is similar to a bottle jack, but unlike the latter, the working cylinder is placed in a horizontal plane.
When the mechanism is operating, the piston is not directly connected to the pickup, but moves under the car when the lever is lifted.
The unit is activated by the movement of the lever and lowered by turning the valve screw. To lower the load, the handle is put on the valve screw and when it rotates, the pressure in the cylinder decreases.
Helpful information
The simple design of the rack jack allows it to be used in construction and on vehicles. Occasionally when performing repairs, installation and dismantling.
The main consumers of jacks remain SUV drivers. It is ideal for extreme driving.
The rack and pinion jack has lifted countless heavy SUVs around the world.
Therefore, it is necessary for any novice car enthusiast who is going to drive off-road, and it is better not to waste money.
In addition, it is possible to use a plastic stand or a wooden board. This will prevent the jack from sinking into soft or wet soil.
In the usual version, the rack and pinion jack is used only in cars with a metal bumper or frame.
For cars with a plastic bumper, it is better to use the Lift Mate accessory. The device allows you to hook the jack to the disk. It sounds menacing, but these are just 2 small hooks, with a chain at the end, and a stop to prevent contact with the machine.
As mentioned above, the jack can also be used as a mechanical hand winch.
Possible breakdowns and their elimination
The original hi-jack is considered a very reliable device and rarely breaks down. Most often, force failures occur from poor fastening or increased weight. In this case, it is necessary to replace the rack or other broken part.
It is recommended to use only original spare parts. You can buy cheaper Chinese analogues, but they will last very little.
The Hi-Jack is a very popular tool among off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Thanks to its quality and reliability, it is a must-have accessory for anyone who regularly makes off-road forays.
