DIY DRILL POWERED TONGUE JACK FOR A TRAILER

[@thepitpatrol]

There is absolutley no overkill involved in this at all lol.

[@ManCrafting]

Never. No always.

[@motocarriersllc7258]

😂

[@dloregon]

I did the same thing for my boat trailer, but just used a bolt that was the same size as the shaft , drilled a hole for the pin, stuck it back together and was done. works great. no welding or making threads.

[@ManCrafting]

Yep. That would have been the smarter route. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@kawikakillah5471]

That's what I'm talking about!👍🏽

[@Desert515]

Love the work very clean and well done however what is your reasoning on blue locktight to put a roll pin in its spring steel and wouldn’t move unless you punch and hammer it

[@ManCrafting]

I want it to stay in. The hole was a little oversized.

[@7eis]

Got to hang out with a friend doing a project, result makes your life a little easier. Even caught it on tape an shared the experience with the world. Big win in my book!

[@TrailChaser]

Great Video! I'd suggest using a regular drill and not an impact. Those gears are powdered metal gears and don't handle shock loads very well. I loved the part where you said 10mins, then I saw you guys using a micrometer to find the diameter for the center offset. Why did you guys cut threads if your plan was to just weld it.(just turning it to the minor diameter of the ID threads would have been quicker and just as effective) I thought for sure you were going to just drill and roll pin the nut to the threaded shaft after all that work on the lathe.

[@ManCrafting]

Truthfully. Inexperience. I had an idea. Didn’t look for many ways to accomplish it. In retrospect from comments I see several options.

[@TrailChaser]

@@ManCrafting I'm just an old machinist. You guys did a great job! I'm just glad to see some single point threading and you guys were even feeding in at 29°👍

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks.

[@bartman59laj55]

I agree with using a drill instead of an impact driver. I did the same thing with some hand winches for lifting steel hatches on a sewage pump well for a subdivision and the drill worked much better than an impact. Nice work.

[@rydred0823]

although if your trailer is too heavy a drill will rip its self out of your hands

[@douglasbattjes3991]

Nice job on trailer, but why didn't you just weld the hex bolt coupler onto the shaft you made, but enjoyed seeing the old Atlas 101 12" lathe, have 4 just like it. Like to see more on your trailer fix up too, Q, did you think of praying that foam insulation on inside the firing strips? It hold everything in place and is great R value. 👍👍

[@ManCrafting]

I considered it. I just wanted to be as square as I could and this was what I came up with. I could have done it at least three other ways. I got this in my head and became the only way.

[@noname-ox4yt]

Very nice job, little extensive maybe. Could also just have cut your handle shaft off while on the jack and welded a 3/8 drive wobbly attachment on.. but again can appreciate the craftsmanship 👍

[@ManCrafting]

So many ways to do it, and really we just wanted to play with the tools. It gave us that excuse.

[@kennethcox421]

Great idea. My Dad always said we need to find a way to work smarter not harder. A little intense work today saves lots of hard work tomorrow. Thank you!!!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks.

[@navajopsych]

I did the same with a 4.5 inch 1/2 inch grade 8 bolt and a jam nut and coupler... any problems using an impact and anything shearing or wearing quickly??

[@ManCrafting]

I haven’t yet, I really want to use just a drill, but I’ve yet to find one beefy enough to lift the trailer. If I destroy this I’ll upgrade to another style or maybe build one.

[@easttexasengineering3489]

Great video brother. As a machine shop owner here in Texas, your guy pays great attention to detail for just a garage machinist. But the money shot for me was that paint can shaker. Where did you buy that brother. I got to have it!!!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I’ll let him know. As for the mixer. Ask and you shall receive. amzn.to/3rSOWsh

[@waynesjeepman]

With the trailer loaded will the drill be powerful enough to lift the trailer?

[@ManCrafting]

It is with the hammer drill which I’ve stopped using. Down isn’t really an issue though. I’m still on the hunt for a beefier drill that’s not a hammer drill.

[@Vintauri]

Great idea to make it fit the same lug as all your other jacks. I'd imagine this also is one extra small step to help prevent theft if they can't raise or lower the jack easily. I'd love to see more on the trailer build out!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I didn’t initially do that for the intention of preventing theft, but it did occur to me that it could be a deterrent. I’m constantly thinking of ways to insure it won’t disappear from my driveway. Several work trailers have been stollen in this area over the years.

[@Greenjeans2020]

I did the same thing about 3 years ago. Actually I made a new shaft and cross drilled the hole and welded a nut to it. The shaft is 1/2" round stock I got from my local hardware store. No need for machining. Works great!

[@ManCrafting]

Awesome. Glad you still think it was a good idea 3 years later.

[@dannyw7662]

Where did you get that can shaker !!!

[@ManCrafting]

amzn.to/3c01c32

[@MNDashcam]

As far as practical applications I can definitely see this useful for somebody with arthritis or up there in age who might not be able to have the strength or mobility to raise and lower the trailer. However this does come with additional issues where if your impact runs out of battery you might be out of luck but at the same time you could just carry a breaker bar with a socket as a backup.

[@ManCrafting]

I have stabilizing jacks and they all work with the same socket or handle. So with a 8ah battery I can raise and lower all of the jacks dozens of times. Many more times than I’ll need on any trip.

[@mikemonster349]

I also liked using an Allen wrench as a punch to drive the pin out then later pliers to drive it in, then all of the overkill machine work only to weld a nut on the rod in the end, followed by spooging out the loktite on the ground then putting what was left in the tube on a roll pin (which I had never seen). SERIOUSLY, we have all done some of the same things before and in the end you got what you needed. I did like the paint shaker and have looked for some DIY's for ideas.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. It may not be the only way, probably not the best way, but hopefully got people thinking of a better way. The comments are full of them. For me a Doug it was a project that allowed us to us tools that teach us new skills. It was a lot of fun.

[@Memo-vu3zp]

Loved your video and YES would be very interested in seeing more of the FIT-OUT of your trailer.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I’ve made a bunch of changes in the past week or two. I’ll get a video up soon.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Awesome! Powering a hitch jack with an impact wrench. Think about saving the handle and welding it to an old closed end wrench for manually turning the jack when your drill batteries are dead. Nice video, Chad!

[@ManCrafting]

GreenShortz DIY I already have another handle that came with the jacks. So I’m good. That and it’s a 6 amp hour battery.

[@jacobrunklewithjacobscount4248]

Yes I'd like to see this completed.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I made a big leap two weeks ago, but because I wanted it ready for a camping trip I didn’t video any of it. That said, before I start the next part, I’ll give a rundown and show the progress.

[@craigwoll5041]

do u know the distance from the shoulder to the center of the hole. great idea! tia.

[@ManCrafting]

I probably did. No idea now.

[@ForgivenBob]

At the end, on the inside walls, why is it recommended to spray with Rinolining.? To prevent condensation.?

[@ManCrafting]

I had a couple of reasons I wanted to do it. One was sound. I thought it might deaden it. Second I thought it would help with preventing water leaks. I am not sure If it’s going to really make much of a difference, but I’ll be monitoring both and let everyone know.

[@BrandonStankevitz]

Man I really enjoyed watching this video this morning I was on a group chat with my brother and dad back in Texas telling them about my last month and a half up here working in Oregon and how many times I've seen guys ( myself included) getting out in the nasty cold rain sleet etc. cranking up & down on trailer hitches and told them there should be a device where you can hook up your drill motor or in this case impact and make things a whole lot easier,... this was everything and plus some in your video and I greatly appreciate you making it. Cool trailer you got there too !

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks so much for the comment. Made my day.

[@ricpowers1475]

To make it even simpler, cut the handcrank leaving about two inches of the shank exposed from the housing cover, heat up cut shank with torch, straighten, and voila, you have a straight shank to chuck onto any drill motor.

[@ManCrafting]

Sounds good in practice. My first thought is it’s now hardened and more prone to breaking at that bend. Second. I have zero confidence I could get it straight enough to keep the drill on it. At high RPM’s it doesn’t take much to cause death wobble.

[@ricpowers1475]

@@ManCrafting Actually neither points of concern have occured here at our marina in S. Florida. Granted the slightly less than machine shop perfect straightening only causes your cordless to wobble slightly but not violently. No need at all for high rpm since your only raising up/or down less than a foot and cranking mere seconds.

[@jeremylakenes6859]

A sawzall paint shaker? I can’t decide if it’s lazy or cool.

[@ManCrafting]

No question. It’s both. I just hate shaking a can for 2 minutes.

[@3Hose]

and I'll be utilizing that idea soon

[@rayrobertson2068]

It is a good idea, but will an impact or drill fit between the lug on the jack and the tailgate of a truck? I probably would have turned the jack in the tongue so the lug would be pointing out the side. I agree with a previous post that you put way too much time and effort into all of the machine work for something that was going to be welded anyway don't you think?

[@ManCrafting]

There’s a lot of space. The drill doesn’t even extend past the tongue.

[@Mtbdrumrunner]

Take us to the pretty side! yes! videos on your trailer build would be awesome!

[@ManCrafting]

Working on it. Believe it or not I primed/bed lined and am back to insulation installation. Ordering interior power components.

[@edwardpaschal3412]

AWESOME JOB ON MAKING THE TRAILER STAND SPEED BIT THING...

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@shanerolfe8022]

Great idea, I put a grade 8 bolt through,with a nylock nut at the back(drilled drive pin hole)with a washer each side. Me question is do you think that a impact driver might destroy the gears long term. I’m using a drill at the moment it works ok 👍

[@ManCrafting]

Shane Rolfe I had a friend make the same comment. He thinks I’ll be sorry if I persist. I’m looking for a battery powered drill with enough guts to lift and lower it. I’d prefer not to screw it up. That said, I’m sure as infrequently as I’ll be raising a lowering it, it’s not going to make a huge difference.

[@NistaDGB]

Was that can shaker gadget a saws all?! That is awesome

[@ManCrafting]

It’s an attachment for reciprocating saws. It’s in my description.

[@MNDashcam]

I did a similar thing to a scissor jack where I welded a socket on the end so I could just use an impact under it. I would highly avoid using a scissor jack for anything because they are cheap flimsy garbage that ends up just crushing people but it worked.

[@ManCrafting]

I use scissor jacks for stabilizing jacks. Not to lift anything. Just one in each corner to keep the trailer from moving.

[@OneWildTurkey]

I always hate destroying stuff before I try to replace it. How about just replacing the handle with a rod of same size, make a hole for the gear pin, put threads on outside end, 2 nuts of right size side by side, pin them each to the rod and keep the handle for when it's needed later?

[@ManCrafting]

That’s been a common recommendation I was trying to reuse what I had, but had I thought of it, I would have gone that route.

[@justjayjustjay5054]

YESSS!!! Definitely want to see the trailer build! Love watching trailer conversions, however the way you get involved in it and explain i'm sure would be a much better vid. Look forward to seeing this!!

[@ManCrafting]

justjay justjay thanks. I’ll try to document the important decisions and processes. Thanks.

[@DaVilla1126]

Very nice idea. Are you going to add 2 jacks to rear for leveling when get it ready for camping?

[@ManCrafting]

I have the jacks in place now as I work on it. I matched the tongue jack to those jacks so I can raise and lower all three with the same socket.

[@gigmaresh8772]

Had it all apart and didn't smear a hunk of grease in there?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice mod to the jack. Nice trailer upgrade.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks Randy. Got a lot of work ahead of me especially considering what I want the build to be able to achieve, but it’s a fun new challenge.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

@@ManCrafting For sure a lot of work.

[@fin-addictyaker6573]

Awesome! Now mass produce them (if you haven’t already) if so, Link to where I can buy this piece

[@ManCrafting]

I’d love to but not my strong suit.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

If only we all had a buddy like Doug 🤣 Cheers

[@ManCrafting]

I have acquired several friends that have skills or equipment I don’t have that compliment the tools and skills I do have. So sometimes I need a Doug, sometimes I am Doug. There are 4 of us in about a 3 mile radius that help each other out on a regular basis.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

@@ManCrafting Yep - I think its great Cheers

[@WorksbySolo]

Nice upgrade! Good job on the video also, I watched it all the way through. My favorite part is the machinist work you guys did at Doug's shop. Can never get enough of those drilling operations! 😉

[@ManCrafting]

I know you’re a little obsessed with the lathe and mill you have. I would be too if I had the tools you have. Very very good tools to own. Someday I’ll add them. I just need to move before I get any more big tools.

[@truckerray7533]

Thats a purty dang good idea. I'll have to do that to my trailers. I to get tired of hand cranking. Job well done

[@ManCrafting]

Exactly. It’s nice being able to have my wife or daughters help as well.

[@truckerray7533]

@@ManCrafting This type of idea would've been awesome to use when i was driving the big rigs for 25+ yrs. There was often many a time i would think when i was hand cranking all those semi truck trailers. . . . ."there has gottuh be a way to make hand cranking these things easier" That would be cool to walk up to the side of a semi trailer with your powered socket driver & put it on where the crank handle would be, squeeze the trigger, & watch the trailer legs go up or go down. no cranking these heavey trailers.

[@andrewmyers8035]

Anymore updates on this? I've got an 8.5x24 I'm getting ready to rebuild after it being stolen. Really want to get some ideas for the interior. This jack mod would help make it more difficult to just steal as well. Most criminals don't carry too many tools.... I think

[@ManCrafting]

I’m further along but lost some footage when my iMac hard drive failed. I have some footage, but want to put the bed system together before the next video and that means electrical, flooring and walls will be in the next video as well.

[@ronmckee8132]

2:27 haven't watched all yet ,, but why destroy old crank before you know it works???? and thanks I really want to see if this works maybe in lazy toooo

[@ManCrafting]

Maybe I was overly confident it would work.

[@joerucinski1962]

Nice build!! You did a great job on the tongue jack. I agree with using the drill instead of the impact driver. Those little gears and that pin are going to fail if you continue to use an impact on them.

[@ManCrafting]

I’m with you. I just didn’t own a battery powered drill with enough gusto. I’ll be switching to one as soon as I find one. Fortunately an unfortunately it hasn’t moved yet.

[@yellowmuginc]

You will appreciate this project every time you move the trailer, such a great idea! Keep them coming CG!

[@ManCrafting]

What I really appreciate is I can even count on Jodie to lift it even with her shoulder injury. Might even loosen it up a bit. 😁

[@louisbrou4061]

Ya man love to see how it turns out

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@AceBoy2099]

Favorited and saved to look into doing this on mine...but I have to figure out the 90 degree from my top wind.

[@ManCrafting]

You could go straight up. I would prefer that.

[@AceBoy2099]

@@ManCrafting slide in winch is above jack, no access to the top when winch is on trailer.

[@chrism5768]

Why not just measure the pin diameter and find a bolt with a long shank that matches it and drill threw it for the roll pin for the gear. Then use correct socket for bolt head on impact. Edit: I see about 100 others had the same idea lol

[@ManCrafting]

Yea, I just didn’t think of that at the time. Definitely a viable option.

[@rcmike09]

That's 100% how I did mine.

[@johntime2906]

Check out at 11:10 looks like the retaining spring popped off.

[@TheMuzShop]

Great idea for the jack Chad. Can't wait to see how the trailer slowly comes together.👍👍

[@ManCrafting]

The Muz Shop I hope it’s not too slowly. Thanks for watching Mike. 👊🏼

[@deant876]

I have been thinking of converting my 8.5X 24 enclosed into an camper. Have you thought of spray foam insulation?

[@ManCrafting]

I considered it. Mostly doing it myself. I ended up settling on ridged board insulation. 2in thick. If I had to do it again I’d probably spray it.

[@billbowles2380]

Why did you go to all the trouble of threading that shaft just to end up welding it? Thought you said you were lazy.

[@ManCrafting]

It was the surest way of making the nut straight.

[@tomcanfield705]

I had a similar idea for my 20-ton equipment lowbed, which was a pain to jack due to a poor landing jack. I tried a Milwaukee impact but that didn't cut it. I ended up with a Dewalt 60 volt stud drill, which works the balls!

[@ManCrafting]

I’ll be looking for something bigger than the drill I have without impact. That may be it.

[@GregsGarage]

Slick setup Chad! That will make your campsite setup a breeze!

[@ManCrafting]

Greg's Garage I lost my taste for tent camping when I was in the Army. 🤣. I’m going off grid. But I need to fumigate out WiFi and cable. 😂

[@ronhietala7216]

Great idea for the trailer project! Hope to see more content. Thank you,

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I have a lot more coming on this build.

[@donotrobme9295]

Thank u. I have told so many people all trailers should do this. They’ve all argued not safe and not long lasting etc.

[@donotrobme9295]

Everyone I know who really hauls a trailer and takes it on and off throughout the day would kill for this.

[@ManCrafting]

It’s been super helpful and I’m glad I did it. Thanks

[@ArtfullyRogue]

very cool mod on the trailer jack. I say share the content on the trailer making process. Plenty of cool videos could come out of that for sure. I think this is the year I'm finally going to get a round to my bus build :D

[@ManCrafting]

I will definitely do that. I wish you had been sharing that bus build back when you first talked about it. I can only imagine the creative ideas you’d come up with.

[@dreamergth]

Great work, i use the same method to lift cars with some scissors and some bottle jacks, the only thing i'll recommend to use a low speed strong drill to avoid damage on jacks using impact tools but that's only what i think and works great for me.

[@ManCrafting]

I’ve been looking for a non impact drill with enough torque to move it up and I just haven’t found one yet.

[@CrotchetRocket]

That slomo projectile pin is the summary of all my projects

[@ManCrafting]

Haha. I feel that way sometimes as well.

[@superfastjeffoftheworld5817]

I did this and used a impact gun also. The impact snapped the ring gear. I'm replacing the ring gear and buying a high torque Makita cordless drill

[@ManCrafting]

I haven’t found a cordless with enough torque yet, let me know how it works out.

[@superfastjeffoftheworld5817]

I got a Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT It works fine but struggles with a full load and half battery life

[@dougjackson9206]

Does the impact gun harm the gears

[@ManCrafting]

It will or can. I’m still looking for a cordless drill option with the torque I need.

[@bradscottbutler]

It’s a good thing most of us have this equipment or a friend that does. Couldn’t you just cut the 90, get a larger long nut and drill a hole for a pin?

[@ManCrafting]

That’s been said. My concern was it not being square. Probably not a big problem though.

[@ralphelmorejr2579]

Where did you get the paint can shaker?

[@ManCrafting]

amzn.to/2Z8SVSF

[@jimmybates1972jcb]

What happens when you put the drill in reverse to lower jack back down or maybe i put this comment on to early

[@jimmybates1972jcb]

Yep I did my bad but why didn't you just sold it to begin with?

[@ManCrafting]

Sold what?

[@lbrumleve]

That needs to be available to everyone

[@ManCrafting]

It would be nice for sure.

[@djhotjams7030]

Oh hell yeah..... I wanna see a video of you working on your trailer

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. It’s been delayed. Computer crash losing some footage, but I can probably get around that and I started welding school, so it’s taking a lot out of me. Maybe I can start back on it this weekend.

[@josephtincknell4708]

Best shaker ever ! You’re a brilliant man.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I love that little attachment.

[@billiebobthorntown6679]

Why come you didn't just remove the lower gear and tighten your drill chuck on that shaft?

[@ManCrafting]

I’ve never had one of these apart, so I wouldn’t be confident that’s an option. It very well may be, but I’d still put a nut on it.

[@jeremylakenes6859]

Not sure your gears will last. Cast gears vs impacts?

[@ManCrafting]

That’s certainly a concern. If it fails hopefully it will happen at a convenient time. That said it will see infrequent use. So I’m thinking it will be fine for a while.

[@jeremylakenes6859]

@@ManCrafting cool idea though and great craftsmanship

[@ManCrafting]

@@jeremylakenes6859 thanks. My goal is to just get better with each project.

[@jeremylakenes6859]

@@ManCrafting a good quality drill in 1st gear I imagine would provide longevity. I attached a screw type bottle jack to a platform and a board so I can slide it under an axle without getting on my knees. Using a drill it jacked up a truck pretty easy...using my impact gun worked too, but it never felt easy by hand after that.

[@FranksDIY]

LOL came in to cool off a bit after putting my new electric jack on my Travel trailer and saw your video post lol. Great job on that mod bi the way

[@ManCrafting]

Franks DIY thanks Frank. The electric jacks are nice, and I considered it. I was already using the drill for the other jacks, so it just seemed to make sense to try this first.

[@pyro323]

What? A complete and used drill bit set? What else does this guy have, only one 10mm socket?

[@ManCrafting]

He does. He is so meticulous it drive me crazy. Not because he is. Because I just can’t get that organized.

[@SilentNoise1780]

I've been thinking of doing the same thing with both of my trailers, but just haven't pulled the trigger on it. Nice work. Keep going with the trailer project!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I’ll let you know if the gear has any issues. I’ve tried a few regular drills, but none are capable of raising the jack.

[@grubbyray34]

Stuff like this makes me wish I took metals class in high school

[@ManCrafting]

You and me both. Unfortunately all of that was off campus for me. Our schools had switched over to all college prep. That was the expectation. Now they are bringing a lot of this back to high schools.

[@marklengal9990]

So funny you’re doing this a week after I was thinking the same thing. Although my jack handle sits on the top. I wanted to do it so I could have both options Incase I forget to put the impact gun. Great job. The trailer build would be great content for the channel. Wish I was there love to help. Building is right up my alley.

[@ManCrafting]

Mark Lengal you have no idea how much I’d love to have the help. Fortunately I’ve been doing metal work for two friends in the midst of Van builds, so I’m hoping to cash in those chips. 😄

[@dwwoodbuilds]

Nice job! One word of caution with welding (or forging!) zinc coated metal, the zinc vaporizes at a much lower temperature and and is easily inhaled. This can lead to metal fume fever (google it for details) which can lead to hospitalization and death. That being said, please share your progress on the trailer!

[@ManCrafting]

DW Wood Builds thanks. I’m aware. It’s like getting the flu. I had a fume extractor above. I probably should wear a respirator as well. If this was a big job I’d have definitely hit it with the grinder. But seriously, thanks. Not everyone knows.

[@cap2c484]

This probably adds a little bit of security as well. Many potential trailer thieves won’t be carrying around a hand crank to fit that.

[@ManCrafting]

I hadn’t really considered that as a benefit, but if it is that’s great.

[@kevinburns6759]

Very cool! Great idea Chad!!

[@ManCrafting]

Kevin Burns thanks Kevin. I’m guessing Doug sent the link. 👊🏼👍🏼

[@reddogrg]

Why did you cut up your old handle?

[@ManCrafting]

I will never put it back one so I wanted to reuse it. If I ever do this again I may just use a grade 8 bolt.

[@TheGarageEngineer]

Looking good. I need to do this to my trailers.

[@ManCrafting]

TheGarageEngineer it’s a game changer.

[@IndianaDundee]

Yes, I am interested in these type of videos.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I’ll be adding more soon.

[@simonp5836]

Impact is going to brake your gear really fast. As previous comment suggests a regular drill is the way to go. I did exactly this mod 15years a go, and still working like a charm..

[@ManCrafting]

Yep. I’m getting a higher torque drill to replace the impact.

[@simonp5836]

@@ManCrafting ive use a 18v milwaukee for years with a great succes.

[@ManCrafting]

Do you know which one you have. My normal one isn’t quite stout enough.

[@BruceAUlrich]

That's a nice solution you've come up with!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks Bruce.

[@louislyons2605]

that shaker is a good idea i am going to make me one thanks

[@ManCrafting]

Awesome.

[@AJCsr]

Yes, very good work ! I would love to see more.

[@ManCrafting]

Thank you.

[@jameo624]

I like your style. Anything worth doing is worth over doing. Nice job

[@ManCrafting]

Haha. Thanks.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Cool upgrade. Good thing you have manual back up. You know how it goes, the more critical the situation, the more likely a chance of having a dead battery in the driver...lol.

[@ManCrafting]

Jim Dockrell this is true. 2 is one and 1 is none. I’m a fan of redundancy.

[@FredMcIntyre]

That's awesome, nicely done Chad! 😃👍🏻👊🏻 .... I wouldn't mind watching you fix up the trailer.

[@ManCrafting]

Fred McIntyre thanks Fred. Appreciate the support. I’ll definitely be adding more videos.

[@51-FS]

What kinda impact was u useing?

[@ManCrafting]

I was using this, but I’m looking to get a more robust drill that isn’t impact. amzn.to/2MLN1EM

[@422904]

Hopefully it’s the same size as the trailer tire lugs so you will always have a method of operation... I would use a drill, non impact, the impact drivers will eat up the gears after a bit... Awesome time saver!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. Switched to a drill. This matches the stabilizing jacks. Where I’ll use it the most, but I do keep a set of sockets on the trailer so I’m good for that as well when needed.

[@IndianaDundee]

Why an impact instead of a drill? Seems like an impact would cause undue stress...

[@ManCrafting]

You’re correct. The drill I have just wasn’t robust enough. I’m on the hunt for a more powerful drill.

[@kornpops1261]

And noise lol

[@kornpops1261]

I need a welder so bad I want to start learning how to weld

[@gmeister03]

I did this. I literally cut the handle off and welded a bolt to it. It still works 15 years later.

[@ManCrafting]

Awesome. How heavy is the trailer?

[@WildmanTech]

I need one of Doug’s stickers. Good job!

[@ManCrafting]

Wildman Tech you do. Especially since you’ve hung out.

[@mikeh4327]

Can i buy it off of you? I have the same jack. Would happily pay for this please

[@ManCrafting]

I don’t think this is the kind of thing I’d make without some serious product liability insurance.

[@accuratealloys]

Why thread then weld it? You really wasted a lot of effort to just weld it on. Just get a rod and an old socket and weld that on. Then all you’d need would be the 3/8 or 1/2 driver.

[@ManCrafting]

Lots of great ideas. I have reasons why I did it the way I did, but I’m seeing a lot of options I hadn’t considered.

[@WallyFuller]

Oh that's a great idea! As a back-up, in case a person misplaced his drill; you could use a 3/8" or 1/2" breaker bar directly into the welded socket. I like redundancies. Just in case.

[@robertweitlauf4653]

great idea on tongue jack

[@ManCrafting]

Thank you.

[@eds3079]

I will do this. My handle / jack is mounted 90 degrees from one in video. Safer / easier two handed operation of drill motor and DEFINITELY with non-impact drill motor. Too much for gears. Will make mine from scratch. No welding. No threading. I'm sure I can find sized coupler needing a little reaming / drilling out to fit rod diameter. Coupler and rod will be doweled together for ease of replacing either piece if needed. Can use bench vise to hold original rod on top or beside new rod for gear end spring pin. Put pin in a little to " eye it " to keep hole on centerline of new rod. Remove pin and follow thru SLOWLY. Slow and steady. Remember, someone will want to see what you did. Or !!!!!!!!!!!! Get a piece of hex stock large enough and turn down to better fit the gear bore ( MAY BE A LITTLE SLOPPY FROM USAGE :) ) and drill ONE spring pin hole. Original handle will be stowed, just in case.

[@ManCrafting]

You are probably right. I’ll likely upgrade at some point.

[@HyperF1]

A gear is not designed for impulse power transmission and it is easy to shatter when hammered. It is better to use a high torque drill instead but it is ok to use an impact wrench on scissor jacks.

[@ManCrafting]

I was concerned about that as well. I’m looking for a drill that will do the work. So far no luck.

[@HyperF1]

@@ManCrafting I have noticed the gear ratio is roughly 1:1 and it is only used to change the rotation axle. In fact, you can totally remove the gear and mount a hex nut at the end of the vertical axle. Then you can use an impact wrench as the impact is on the screw thread only. I noticed from another channel that there have already been a tongue jack designed for this purpose: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZPGlHuNg7iei7c

[@ManCrafting]

@@HyperF1 that’s actually pretty sweet. I may upgrade to that at some point.

[@ajwolgemuth5981]

You should of just taken an extension and turned that down to fit in there then you could just put your impact right into it and not even needed a socket and then you would not of had to waste time threading it

[@ManCrafting]

That’s definitely any other way to go about it. I would have needed a way to ensure the rod was square to the socket, but if I could that’s another option.

[@ajwolgemuth5981]

The Extension already has your square Drive built into it so you don’t need a socket

[@2LateIWon]

Pretty simple idea to make something so easy to use.

[@ManCrafting]

2LateIWon/Organized Chaos there are. Thanks.

[@mchammer655]

Great work!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. It was fun.

[@oldsloane]

A word of caution, using an allen key for a punch is a bad idea as they are hardened steel and act like a spring. I was doing that one day and when I hit the key it sprung back and damn near took out my eye I severely bruised my eyeball and had to wear a patch for a week.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I hadn’t considered that.

[@jameshendricks8526]

I use Allen wrenches on roll pins all the time. Because of there shape they don't get stuck inside. With that said, yes I hit them with a hammer but I don't hit them like I would a nail. It's just gentle taps.

[@stevestumpy6873]

Why not just grid the end of the rod down so you could put a hex socket on it?

[@ManCrafting]

I wanted to ensure it was straight. Not close. It as straight as I could get given the tools I have available.