Operating a Hi-Lift Jack

Have a great day everyone! And don't knock your teeth out with one of these!
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Hi-Lift Jack
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[@essentialcraftsman]

Construction on the spec house has started! 👍👍

[@austinpatrick2682]

I can't wait to see it! Wish I was closer and I'd come help!

[@lukehunter3902]

YES!!! 👌👌👌✊✊✊🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@dansreallife]

👍

[@alexanderbell3102]

Hooray!

[@vanish85]

Great news!

[@chrisb3583]

Had to come back and watch this again after AVE’s latest installment

[@chrism6952]

Same here man. This showed up in my recommendations right after AvEs vid

[@Demicron]

Probably why he made the video.... saw AvE's nighmare.

[@chrism6952]

@@Demicron nah this was almost a year before AvE made his

[@Demicron]

@@chrism6952 your right lol

[@803mastiff9]

AVE needs to watch this

[@simonforget280]

Removing fence posts and small trees are another great usage for these farm jacks (as we called them here). Keep up your excellent work!

[@douglasg14b]

That's almost entirely what I've used them for. Fence post removal. Though often they don't have the lifting force to lift most of our tamped posts out without a big of digging first.

[@walterconn5637]

I was about to make the same comment.

[@SoleHarrower]

Car scissor Jack works fine too

[@mattpeterson7074]

Definitely done that here! Great tip.

[@suicidaljell]

I pulled 4x4 posts that were supporting a deck around a pool all the post had concrete and it pulled them up no problem

[@last426]

To make a long story short, one of these Handyman Jacks saved a colleague's life when a large piece of machinery pinned him under and onto a massive burner. Co-workers ran to a parked jeep, got the jack and saved his life. Don, I still think of you and that day in 1969 whenever I see this type of jack.

[@Misha-dr9rh]

One of these deathtraps saving a life is a nice change of pace.

[@peternyc]

@@Misha-dr9rh Is a Hi Lift Jack dangerous?

[@JustinRaymer]

@@peternyc Anything that works under a load can be. Winches, ComeAlongs, PowerPulls, and Hi Lifts all can injure or kill. Inexperience is usually the culprit.

[@danno5805]

I was 4 then lol

[@danno5805]

@@Misha-dr9rh death trap? You watch a different video lol

[@budwoodman1716]

I am 70 yrs old and I can still see my dad using one of these, out in the field, lifting up a tandem disc to repair or replace a component. He carried in on a home made bracket on the the fender and on the other fender he had a removable 1" thick iron plate that served as a support plate. Thanks for memory.

[@michaellohre1470]

Classic farmer memory. My dad too. Didn't carry it on a tractor but remember him lifting a gravity wagon full of beans with one when it had a broken axle. They are such a handy jack and you can even dig a hole to get low enough to get the first bite on things right at ground level.

[@normbarnett6469]

1

[@user-gu1hl2kx2k]

a 70 year that uses computer?

[@mmichaud08]

@@user-gu1hl2kx2k both my grandparents are 71 and work full time and have iPhones/ run a property management business that very much involves computers and email. It is kind of funny to think about though. Gotta stay relevant.

[@waltp3373]

@@user-gu1hl2kx2k Hey, I'm 71 and I got my first computer in 1980. It had no hard drive and no disk drives. I had to learn to program in Basic just to get it to do anything close to what I wanted it to do. You guys got it easy today. Just turn it on and Windows pops up. I mostly use Linux. How many of you have the wherewithal to use Linux?

[@HBSuccess]

When I was a young pup I did a fair amount of foundation replacement/repair where we used hi-lifts just like the one you're showing to lift houses and small building off their existing foundations so we could replace sills, re-lay a few courses of block, or get beams in to start cribbing/excavation. It was sometimes pretty scary. Greenhorns take note - this type of jack will kick out in a second unless you can get them perfectly set, which will seldom be the case. And the higher you go the worse it is. So block under your load as you go - lift it 2" -put 2" of blocking under it.. 2 more inches... more blocking. That way if it does kick out the load will only fall to your last block. It's also better to dig down a little, level a spot, and set a better footing under the jack -sturdy hardwood or multiple layers of plywood - NOT a concrete cap block (which can crush under a point load). At least get rid of the sod and topsoil directly under the foot of the jack.

[@jacobramirez4586]

Finally someone that knows how to use a high-lift jack.kudos

[@matthewpotter1933]

I have had one of these in my pickup for years. An insurance policy against getting stuck while elk hunting. Also, I built a shed in my backyard a couple years ago. I had to build it a few feet off the foundation due to the fact that its final resting spot would be right next to a fence. I built the shed on skids. When it was completed I ised the handyman jack, the foot against a solid rest, to push the shed (it was real heavy!) Into position. Then I used the jack to lift a side and remove the skid, then the same on the other side. I have also used it to take out fenceposts that had broken off and were set in concrete. I dug around the concrete, wrapped a chain around it, then jacked it up. I olaced the foot on a section of 2x6 so it would not fall in the hole. I also connected with a bolt and nut a piece of angle iron about 6 feet long and at a 45 degree angle so the bottom would rest on the ground, giving support to the top of the jack so it would not tip over when it came under a load. Thanks for explaining the up/down part. It always takes my simple mind a few minutes to remember how that works.

[@bpccmath251calculusiihitch4]

Scott, I just have to share a lube tip with you that I discovered via serendipity. Anything with moving parts like this jack (e.g., trailer nose wheels, implement pins, hand pliers, trailer hinges, etc.) that must be oiled frequently to keep them operating correctly can be lubed with plumbers' silicone grease made by Danco. This is available at Lowes in a 0.5-oz squeeze tube (item #53861). It's pricey as heck compared to oil, but it cuts right through rust and I have never (so far) had to lube those items again. It has an operational temperature range of -40 to 400 degrees F and is totally impervious to water.

[@chasinghistory8992]

I’ve used these jacks for 15+ years. I still clicked to watch this, i appreciate you taking the time to teach a new generation. I have so many young men start for me that know none of this kinda stuff. Great stuff!

[@troyupshaw3846]

Used one for 40 years. Uprooted small trees, moved shit that didn't want to move and jacked up cars and trucks to change tires. Very useful tool but very dangerous if not respected. NEVER get your head/body in the path of the handle, You just can't tell when something might fail to work as you imagined.

[@pandyslittlesenpai1777]

I grew up watching my dad use one. I started helping him when I was about twelve. He was never hurt by one I was never her by one. Luck you say not at all. We had very strict safety rules we aways followed. I have used one hundreds of times, many times in the wild. 1. When working under a vehicle always make a secondary support. Usually a 2x4 and a block of firewood large enough to make a firm support under the axle. 2. Always have two or three 2x4 and 2x6. A 2x6 12 to 16 inches long under the foot of the jack makes it much more stable especially in soft ground. 3. Never wrap your fingers all the way around the bar of the jack while jacking the handle with the other hand. In other words never have your fingers between any where the handle can reach. 4. There are several pinch points on the jack treat them as if you were jacking with a rattlesnake. 5. While jacking up things can go wrong. If it doesn't feel right on the way up, stop, keep a firm grip kick the down latch and lower the jack and reset the jack and try agian. 6. Never have your head over the handle. 7. Keep others away out of reach of the jack. 8. Always block both sides of at least one tire while jacking up a vehicle. That is the short list.

[@BCVS777]

I have a love hate relationship with these jacks. I have been using one since I was big enough to lift it-over 50 yrs. Every ranch truck has one attached somewhere. It is incredibly dusty here and oiling the mechanism accumulates dust so bad. I have found that just pouring a little water on it will loosen it up. It’s so dry here the water evaporates before it can rust the jack. It is an essential tool for me. They require a very high degree of respect or you will get hurt. Great video!

[@pirateofmarysin]

I know I'm late, but here's a trick I picked up in cross country racing: use motorcycle chain oil. It keeps parts well lubricated in any conditions, and dust or sand don't stick to it nearly as much.

[@BCVS777]

armor 326 Good to know.

[@jeremiahmiller6431]

I learned my lesson on these jacks when I was fifteen and changing a tire on my project truck. I don't remember getting hit with the handle, but I absolutely do remember picking myself up off the floor with a hell of a shiner and all of my bells rung. Must have been out thirty seconds or so before I came to.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

"Whackety whack"? I guess that describes it best. I appreciate very much that you brought this out to teach on it. I have two of them. The things that come to mind when I think of these is, 1. As shown, the free dental work you can get from one of these. If you can't keep your head out of the way as much as possible, AND keep a good grip on the handle, well... you will never forget what could happen to you. 2. Always keep this machine oiled. It will relieve your frustration. NOTICE! He used a lubricant more substantial than WD40. Take the hint. 3. More than once this jack has helped me rescue a stuck pickup truck. I jacked it up out of the hole and pushed it over onto solid ground. One day it took about ten times doing this before I could drive out of the woods. But I was alone and had the help of this great tool. Thank the Lord for his provision!

[@billfischer6464]

Reminds me of the old time bumper jacks that used to be in the old cars, 101 uses.

[@ncshpfox]

They also make a great impromptu press. My dad used one in a tobacco bailer. He built a wood box the size of the bail you want to create. With a front that comes off and a fixed metal bar across the top. Put your tobacco leaves in, place a board on top and use the jack to press it all down nice and tight. Brings back memories. I can still smell the fresh cured tobacco.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Used on in the wild to bend a bumper back do a wheel could rotate. Used one to bend a steering arm back into a usable shape. A very versatile tool indeed. Cheers from Tokyo

[@LukePighetti]

Hey man, love your work, love your channel, love your videos. Just wanted to mention to your viewers that your head should NEVER be in the path of that handle. The way I've found to handle this (har har!), is to face away from the jack, stand with the jack on your right, and use your right hand to power the jack, leaning forward away from the jack. With a little practice you can get your entire body, except for your shoulder/arm/hand, out of the path of that handle, and I find a huge mechanical advantage to this method. As a note, these fit under the rear seat of an XJ if you give the transmission tunnel a few good whacks. Thanks for listening!

[@michaelthibault7930]

A good bit of advice to keep your teeth in your mouth -- with the caveat that you check frequently on the work actually being done. On the subject of using this jack: is a cheater pipe on occasion advised? It seems to me this type of jack could use, on the head, a (wide) nautiloid cam to help keep the jack (more) vertical while lifting. The nautiloid could be ratcheting and lockable, and by its nature allow slight or substantial push-away from the object being lifted. Make its cam surface out of appropriate rubber, and the cam would prevent lateral slippage at that end. Tools are a contagion.

[@grantdavis5992]

Not driving my XJ much anymore, but did lift it off a high center situation with deep ruts and red clay on one memorable snowy day about 20 years ago. Time flies faster the older I get.

[@ZimZam5871]

My grandfather's hi-jack made him a lot of money and continues to make me money. they are the best!

[@vanman798]

I really enjoy watching your videos and learning from you. That said, sometimes the student (me) can teach the teacher. In this video you attached a shackle to the hole in the nose of the running gear on the Farm Jack.... just an FYI, and with all due respect, that hole is NOT rated for a shackle as such it could shear long before the shear pin of the jack. Winching attachments for these types of jacks are available allowing the full strength of the nose to be used rather than the limited strength of the nose hole. Anyways, I hope that is helpful. Please keep sharing your extensive knowledge through your wonderful videos. Have a great day!

[@scottmcfarland5830]

2:30 was a nice touch. Well done

[@fredcox961]

With the top clevis/clamp/handle bolted at right angles to the bar, this jack can also work to clamp parts together, e.g., for woodworking or welding.

[@dashdelarosbel4755]

That should be added to the video. I’ve used it as a clamp many times as well. If your going to do a jack-all video...

[@AnMadreMor]

I like the quick concise method that you use to explain the functions of the jack . Thanks for your time.

[@normanlorrain]

On Dad's farm this was close at hand. We called it the jack-all. Maybe that was the brand name. On soil put some blocks underneath to spread the load.

[@robertscott2210]

Ah, changed many a tire with one of those back in the day when cars came with bumper jacks as standard equipment. And nice to see someone else still using 3-in-1 oil in this day of modern synthetic, specific wonder lubes.

[@jamesbenedict7206]

Whats a bumper?

[@lexboegen]

I carried one in the bed of my 4x4 back in the days when I went off-roading. I remember seeing an accessory for my Hi-Lift jack to allow it to be used for splitting firewood, which is not something that I ever tried. This jack, a come-along, and a snatch strap were all I needed to ever get my truck unstuck.

[@KLP99]

A high lift Jack was one of my first purchases once I could afford it. I'd grown up using my Dad's. When he died I inherited his tools, except somewhere along the way a brother-in-law had gotten that Jack, plus a grinding wheel and a vice. Both are long gone because her became wealthy and they lost value in his eyes. He was a very hard worker and won the respect of my father, who valued hard work. But being a fair number of years younger, I wasn't in a position to need those tools. The latter two belonged to my grandfather and I'd like them just for that reason. The jack was my Dad's alone. I have just a few tools that belonged to Dad. They are well used, but are older now and I've retired them in favor of modern tools. Except a planer and a couple others. Thanks for another great video. My high lift is my come along and winch

[@zacharymorse9029]

I got one after I saw this video, can't tell you how many times it's saved my back and gotten the job done. Thinking about getting another one.

[@badlandskid]

Dentists all over the world make their house payments off that jack.

[@ironlion805]

badlandskid that’s not true. Dentists use dental tools

[@57fitter]

I've used them for a LOT of years and let the handle slip ONCE in all those years. Still have my teeth!

[@r.blakehole932]

badlandskid I have used this jack type for 45 years and not once let the handle slip. NO tool is without danger. The way to avoid injury is to use any tool with knowledge, caution, and intelligence. That is why the essential craftsman is emphasizing this particular tool's cautions.

[@blackdogultra]

If that thing was to come up and swat you in the mouth your teeth would be the least of your worries. If it doesn't kill you, you are going to wish it had. Multiple face fractures, shattered jaw, possible skull fractures, concussion. You had better get use to sucking food through a straw for about 2 months after that jaw gets wired shut.

[@joeholmberg250]

@@ironlion805 😂😂

[@John-zh6ld]

Carry that Jack every day! Phenomenal tool.

[@hangugeohaksaeng]

The good old farm jack combined with a come-along has helped me move several large sheds as a team of one, as well as leveling a 10x16 shed. Very useful and completely worth investing in.

[@ovwok]

Let me repeat that again for u all "Keep a firm grip on the handle" I was stuck in the mud and rain once and while using the high jack the handle slipped out of my hand and popped me in the cheek giving me a nice shiner and I got knocked out. Still have a scar!

[@Geo-oe8ce]

Mark Patton Similar thing happened to my best friend while we’re out four wheeling in the early 80s. Never saw a use for one after seeing how unstable and dangerous they are.

[@slit4659]

LOL

[@inactiveusertypeofaccount181]

You and many many others

[@c.davidadkins3391]

You sir could pass as my Paws' twin. He passed away just last year and I spent a lot of time with him doing things similar to this. I miss him greatly!

[@victorcastle1840]

Thanks for the video on this old jack. I believe it has old history back to the high axle wagons. I use to have to carry it to work in my 4x4 pickup to take the front chains off, before starting home from the plant I worked in. As the town roads would be cleared so far out to the country twp. Then would have to put them back on when I got home, knowing the roads would be blown back shut by mornings. We had a lot of big snows, back in the 1970's and '80's. After slipping off the ice packed snow once on a curve and jumping the ditch, my winch bumper stuck on the other side, with wheels suspended over ditch. I had just enough chain to reach across the road to a fence post, with highlift jack hooked up to it. I had just verily enough umph to drag the front bumper off the frozen dirt and snow, into the ditch. After that, I inserted a steel pipe inside the handle, for extra leverage if ever needed. Treat them as a gun, assume they are loaded, with respect as what they can do, if you don't. you can't be to careful, like any tool. Over a hundred year old tool, still in need.

[@JasonSmith-xo9qr]

This is a tool that commands respect. It will break bones and shatter teeth if you neglect body positioning. If used with mindfulness the beast can be asked to do just about anything. On the farm we've been known to break down tractor tire beads, winch tracks back on even a tie rod field fix was possible. The jack was used many a time to clamp barn beams together as lags were screwed in. Also a great beam welding clamp. The thing is only limited to your imagination. The farm hand was never left behind. That being said, the actions being done were always clearly laid out for an excape route.

[@jamesmccord8895]

We used to call them “Farm Jacks” or “Ranch Jacks”. Very handy tool to have around, especially if you don’t have any help near by. But be cautious, they can bite you if you’re not thinking!

[@benningtoncamper2852]

However not all 'farm jacks' are created equal...

[@jamesmccord8895]

@@benningtoncamper2852 Is true comrad!!!!

[@jrucker2004]

Good video, but I think you missed an opportunity to talk about the single most important thing to keep in mind when using these things: They are seriously dangerous. Rule 1: When using one of these jacks: NEVER take your hand off of the handle while lowering the jack (when the selector is in the down position). The handle has enough weight if it falls to trip the mechanism, which will cause it to spring up, bounce back down and repeat, causing your load to hit the ground faster than you can react. I've seen it happen, and it's a dangerous position to be in. Rule 2: As a result of rule 1, never leave the selector in the down position. Always leave it in the up position, even if you have to step away for a second.

[@psidvicious]

@jrucker2004 - He did talk about the danger w/them. He even said it was “The elephant in the living room” @2:10.

[@jrucker2004]

@@psidvicious He's talking about using it with the selector in the up position, which is nowhere near as dangerous.

[@LukePighetti]

@@jrucker2004 Lowering the load is way more dangerous than lifting it in my experience. Thanks for your comment. 👍

[@Dick49311]

You are so correct about letting a load down and he failed to mention the most dangerous part of using a jack of this type. Thank you for explaining this in detail. Again, with the latch in the down position and you push the handle down until it clicks, you then have all the weight of your lift on the handle while you try to hold it as the handle is pulled by the weight to the top. It’s a lot easier to push down on the handle while raising a load but not as easy to raise the handle under a load. This is the most dangerous time using one of these jacks.

[@psidvicious]

@Dick49311 - Agreed. Lowering a load will break your nose if you’re not aware of how to use this jack carefully. I mentioned in another comment that I’d like to see EC and Nate do another video w/this jack. Very versatile tool.

[@StephenMattison66]

Ha, last year I was driving down a country road in mid Missouri and there was a rusty old high-lift Jack lying in the middle of the road! I had to throw it in my truck! Oiled the crap out of it and it's in perfect working order! Great video, thank you!

[@dimik3855]

Even though you know how to use your own farmjack, there's still something satisfying about watching this man putting it plain and simple and straight ahead. Good stuff.

[@dustyfarmer]

NEVER! put your hand around the top of the high lift jack lifting bar & a pinch point otherwise you will run the risk of crushing and/or losing your hand, you won't hold that jack back if it want's to move anyway, put a block of wood between the lifting bar & shipping container wall to maintain a vertical lift and get the lift hook right under the load not just gripping the edge that will slide out at any moment.

[@boodro2122]

Keep head and anything else away from the top of that bar.

[@grantdavis5992]

I bought my first Handyman (similar style and made in the same town in Indiana) in 1972 and been using these jacks ever since. I once lifted the back bumper of a 32 ft long schoolbus enough to get rocks under the duals when it got stuck going over a water bar on a mountain road. The biggest come-a-long is 2 tons, and a Highlift can pull 3 1/2 tons, so when it gets serious, the come-a-long can't match it. I once got a truck out of snow by lifting the front and tipping it off the jack towards the clear area.

[@bcbloc02]

I have been using those jacks for 40 years and the first thing I do with them is look for something else to use first. The fact that they are virtually impossible to keep up right in all but the most ideal conditions makes me super gun shy of them. i can't count the number of times the load shifted and the jack pushed it over on the ground while in use. Those things just beg to hurt ya so I usually always try to find something else to use besides an overgrown bumper jack.

[@andrewwilson8317]

I found mine excellent at pulling up fence posts. Wrap a cain around the post base and shackle to toe of jack. Couple of pumps and out the post pops.

[@spevakdesigns]

I made a few cool attachment for mine including a cant hook for moving or rolling logs and a heavy duty pry bar that is shaped like a burke bar and slides over the end of the main bar. Have flipped 20" oak logs and moved two milling machines with them so far. Truly a versatile tool as is, and even more so if you can build your own custom attachments for it. I have one mounted on the bumper my truck and find a use for it every month or so. Recently hauled two trees I dropped back up a hill and spun them sideways across the hill to use for a retaining wall behind a friend's home who is trying to terrace down the hill behind the house. A come along would have sped the process up, but this worked as well.

[@staceynico]

3in1 oil.......always handy to have in any workshop. Love the new editing with Tom and Jerry 🔨😬

[@darinvoight68]

We always called these railroad jacks. Used them most often for pulling small stumps and fence posts. Or occasionally to get a tractor unstuck. I've seen first hand the damage these can do to a person if something goes wrong and it's not pretty. Make sure you know what you're doing if you use one, and never put anything over the handle that you're not prepared to lose when it's under load.

[@ColinQuinnuniverse]

A family member didnt know what an agricultural or High Lift jack was and low and behold you have a video. Thank you for your clear and deliberate explanation, as always.

[@wildbill23c]

I don't use mine very often but its sure great to have for those occasions where one is needed and its readily available. I've actually used mine for pulling T-posts far more than anything else. Used it once to lift the tongue of a car trailer that had dropped off the trailer hitch ball due to not being locked onto the ball....this was one time I was happy the ground was soft. Used the hi-lift jack to get the trailer tongue up enough to get a board under it with a bottle jack...if it weren't for that hi-lift jack I'm not sure exactly how I would have got the tongue of that 2k+ trailer off the ground LOL. All I was doing was moving the trailer out of the field into the driveway and stupid me decided ehh don't need to lock the tongue down to the ball, its heavy enough it'll be fine....yeah until it hit a bump LOL.

[@richwilson5761]

One of my top 5 KZbin channels love the content

[@garrettscott9427]

who are the other 4?

[@cjmueller5455]

Excellent video! The Hi-Lift jack company has a library of videos explaining how to use their Rescue Jack, which is sold to fire departments throughout the world as a poor man’s “Jaws of Life”.

[@grimacres]

I recently purchased a riding mower/atv lift that utilizes a farm jack as the lifting mechanism. Pull a couple of pins and it separates to be used as a standard farm jack. It's made by Larin.

[@WickedZZzY]

My buddies and I had to pull out a stuck tractor with one of these. The come-a-long we had just wasn't strong enough to move that heavy tractor. It wasn't easy, but our 60" hi-lift saved the day. Boy I'm glad I had it in my shop!

[@louf7178]

Just saw a 2013 episode of Mountain Men that did the same exact thing with a Jeep in a bog.

[@kimazbell460]

Around here they are called a handyman jack. The name fits because they ARE handy. They are more commonly called a widow-maker jack and that name fits even better because these things are EXTREMELY dangerous. The handle flying up is one way but also lack of lubrication makes the pins a little sticky and if you get a heavy load on it and the pin doesn't quite seat...next thing you know the load comes crashing down. That plus the higher they get, the more unstable they are. Be VERY careful with these things.

[@mikes1345]

I know a guy who was hauling cattle in the rain. Of course that was when the trailer got a flat. He used this jack to lift trailer and his wet hands slipped. His companion saw the handle hit him twice in the jaw and cold cock him in an eye blink. His buddy got him to the truck with a broken jaw and finished the job for him. Even good tools can hurt a person badly in a split second. I seldom use mine without a spotter. Glad my friend did when he broke his jaw.

[@mikewest712]

I highly recommend spending the extra cheddar on the xtreme model. i use the clamping/spreading feature way more than a jack. and don't buy an off brand, hi lift only.

[@benningtoncamper2852]

Ditto!!

[@bxxj]

I've been eyeing the rescue version. It's a bit longer and the base is designed to fit a 4x4 to spread the load on soft soil . The angles on the base also grab better so you dont slip when spreading. It also has slots for chains in the base.

[@benningtoncamper2852]

@@bxxj I have the XTREME model and it has the same lengths as options and the spreader/clamp at the top. The only difference is the foot and paint job. And the increased price of course...

[@20mcarroll02]

I love my extreme.

[@timberray9572]

I bought the chinesium model you speak of, I broke the handle almost instantly. After that I did buy the extreme hi lift, worth every extra dollar. Twenty something years and no issues.

[@cubehire3653]

I am old and this is how all car jacks worked in the 1960s. Even then some people were putting their heads in the path of the jack lever and some people got hit. Keep clear of the path of the lever and that is most of what to watch out for. You have to be careful, have an understanding of its operation and you have a useful tool which can solve many problems for you. This is one of the better Hi Lift jack videos I have watched. thank you

[@MonkeyTrade]

What a great lift jack. I hope it works for many years to come for you

[@philreynolds7216]

My grandfather, who was a safety engineer, and worked his way through college as a machinist, had about 6 of those. One of them he had cut down to about 2 feet tall. He taught me how to use those when I was about 8, and being a safety engineer, he taught me to first think of every direction that thing could move. Left, right, in towards the load, out away from the load, into the ground, and combinations of those directions. Then he said (and this goes for many pieces of machinery), "And boy, make sure not to put your face in front of any of the moving parts, and you should be fine." I've used them in fire rescue over the years. They were used before we had all the spiffy hydraulic tools of today, and they did fine. I've loaded those to the point where the bar was flexing and they didn't fail. There are accessories made for them that make them even handier: Oversized base plates, clevises, etc. Very impressive piece of equipment, when used with proper respect. Hi-Lift Jack brand is the only one I'll own. Thanks for a great channel.

[@Rusty_ok]

Used this marvelous invention for years. Called them widow maker jacks. Used them to pull out stuck vehicles, pull fence posts and small trees. You can’t jack up a vehicle with them since all the bumpers are plastic and if you lift from the side the shaft hits the body. Going to clean and oil mine today.

[@kevinobrien1933]

One of the most useful tools you could ever own but one you pray you never need. I love the variety of topics you cover. Im always looking forward tge the next.

[@1JawsJr]

Good Video on the basics. I have had the mis-pleasure of operating one in some very extreme conditions. Yes I said mis-pleasure, because it did get my truck out of the spot it was in, it was one of the most difficult single person recovery jobs I have ever done. With that, it did just as it was intended to do. if there are no other tools available for lifting or pulling, the Handyman Jack works very very well, if you know what you are doing. As for lubing it up, I never use oil, because oil collects dirt. I use a Teflon spray which collects less dirt and performs quite nicely.

[@ryandogandkitty8544]

Listening to you explain practical applications for regular tools in impractical situations remind me of Working along side my My Grandad as a much younger man. I’m 43 and A Carpenter now and find my self watching your Videos with same admiration. Thanks for that.

[@jonnywalker8471]

I remember my grandpa comming home from the farm early because the jack handle slipped hit him in the face and knocked him out. He had to get new dentures but he took it pretty good for being in his 70s. Now he's 93 and still tries to be as independent as he can. Although he has to use a walker due to recent hip and back surgery. He is just a tough old farmer that lived through the great depression and served his country and state for most of his life.

[@Hunter-ym2kk]

i worked as a farm hand and horse hand, we used them to tighten fence lines, and to pull strands together and mend em.. great tool.. we had a strand holder that cinches the wire as you pulled it together.. was a real trip to learn to do it one man..

[@bjr2379]

Cars used to come with a derivative of a high lift called a bumper jack. The steel bumpers had a slot cut into them for the jack to hook into. The jack had fingers that fit into the slot for lifting the car.

[@shlongerjr]

Straight and to the point, great video for someone like me who has never used one before.

[@metroplexchl]

My God....farm jacks are the coolest tool ever.

[@jakeparker3082]

One of the top 10 must haves in my opinion.

[@TadhgIrish]

Awesome. Thank you for the demonstration. Used it to pull a massive tree stump out. Thank you

[@rjtumble]

they're awesome fence post pullers. I've used one several times but never really had an in depth look like this, so thanks.

[@patblack2291]

Thanks for this video. Pulled some t-posts today. Had a farm jack and didn't know how to work it. Now I do.

[@danr7996]

My first few cars had this kind of jack that they called a bumper jack. The first time I had to use it to change a flat tire, yes it fell and luckily I just missed having the car fall on me! Your videos are always so informing and teach so much.

[@vancebekker4641]

This is the 4th video about how to use this type of jack. Without any doubt, this is the best one. Good close up of how the mechanism functions is of utmost importance! Well done and thank you.

[@ericl2969]

I have one of these that's older than I am (I'm in my 60s). I don't use it much, but it sure is handy when I need it. I watched my dad use these jacks for all sorts of things when I was younger. In the old days, cars and light trucks could be lifted right off the ground with bumper jacks. Once when my dad and I were squirrel hunting, we came out of the woods to find that the snowplow had gone by and our van was trapped by a big ridge of snow. It would have taken at least half an hour to dig out. Instead, my dad got out the hi-lift jack and picked up one entire end of the van (both wheels off the ground) with the jack a little off-center so it would be easy to tip it over toward the road. Ka-woomp. He tipped the jack over and dropped that end of the van about 1.5 feet closer to the road, right in the snowbank. After doing that about three times at both ends of the vehicle, the whole car had been moved far enough sideways that we were no longer trapped and just drove right out.

[@dratter24]

I have known them as "Farm Jack." I have also heard them called a "Widow Maker." and I can understand why the second name is more appropriate .

[@SuperSetright]

Most tools are ''widow makers'' if you don't know how to use them.

[@bubbafudpucker397]

I own two and I call them farm jacks. My son calls them jeep jacks. I use them all the time to break tires off the rim.

[@seankelly1291]

Love that you have a spare anvil sitting on your bench.

[@stamrly418]

These operate very similar to what I knew ( in UK) as a Silverster The only rule that was given to us when training was always pull the leaver.. as if it slipped ( as you said) would come and hurt you if you forgot and were pushing it...The posters all said. ”A silverster like your luck should never be pushed” It is amazing what is brought back from the memory by you and what you do. Amacf

[@markl6769]

Also called dead man jack for the reasons you pointed out. Always one in the truck since discovered in my teens.

[@davoland1926]

This is the absolute best video explaining how to use this tool!! Great job!!!

[@garyblatt8925]

The hi-lift jack. The best tool in every off-road Jeeps kit, if you have the right bumpers to go with the jack. Something that is a little more stable for work, but more cumbersome to transport is the venerable "railroad jack" which nice well maintained examples can still be found at swap meets and flea markets throughout the Ohio Valley. From my days as a rigger, I always favored the railroad jack over the Hi-Lift jack for our work in moving equipment. And it is also a great machine for teeth breakage if you are not careful with the handle.

[@MechInvent]

This was my favorite video in a few years on KZbin, and I watch hundreds a week... This gentleman probably knows mountains of hidden knowledge.

[@duncansq47]

Awesome video. I found an old one on the side of a road and was trying to get it back to working order . Seems cool

[@stokeburner6730]

I was way out in the booneys in my 4x4. I had a flat and my truck was lifted so I had to use a high lift to raise it. That handle popped up and hit me in the mouth. It made stars jump around in my head. I remember hoping I didnt pass out and bleed to death. lol I didnt and I got the tire changed but I never forgot that and never let it happen again.

[@BaconAficionado]

Hey, I grew up in the town where HiLift jacks are made. I still remember the sound that would come from the factory that you could hear all over town.

[@robertgreer5229]

Never used one and thinking of getting one after someone recommended high lift jack for vehicle recovery. Great video thank you! 😊

[@5x535]

Another great video, Scott. Every time I pick this wonderfully useful tool I say out loud to myself or whoever is around."Beware of handle or eat teeth"!

[@rcompton]

I have used these since my teen age years. They are a very helpful tool, but has to be respected that is for sure. I put one in my Jeep if I am going off road to supplement my 2 bottle jacks I keep in the Jeep always. Thanks for the videos. I enjoy them.

[@brantgarner8535]

Great Video! Used these jacks for years leveling sheds. I would add, placing a block of wood between the top of the jack and whatever your lifting ensures the jack travels plumb when going up and will keep the foot from kicking out. Like numerous others, I sincerely appreciate all these videos you put out. You've unknowingly been one of my mentors!

[@bluenadas]

Mine gets used for pulling fence posts more than anything

[@fouroakfarm]

Yep! Great for t-posts too especially with the metal adapter you can buy

[@stroys7061]

It will save your back. Wish I had appreciated that when I still had a good back.

[@12thDecember]

@@stroys7061 That's exactly why I bought one. After removing three 4x4 fence posts set in concrete the hard way (softening the soil, then rocking them back and forth for 20 minutes, then lifting them out by hand by myself), I decided to spend the 60 bucks for the HF jack instead of wrecking my back to remove another eight posts. I'm watching videos like this to learn how to safely use this jack.

[@paulkolodner2445]

My friend Doug "acquired" a huge Italian espresso machine that worked by cocking a very stiff spring using a long handle that the user had to push down. The spring force pushed the water through the coffee. The lever presented the same danger as your jack lever: if you let go before it was cocked the handle would certainly fly up and hit you in the chin. It clearly had enough stored energy to take your face off. I'm glad to see it gone.

[@lloydprunier4415]

Just bought one of these from Harbor Freight and it is really useful. It's a lot like the old bumper jacks I grew up using and somehow survived. Caution and planning is the only way to go with these, but they can do a tremendous amount of work.

[@fredla7353]

I have one mounted on my Jeep. I just used it last month to pull fence posts. Great info! Thanks.

[@Qarlo99]

Best presentation of the workings of the Hi-Lift and how to use it! Thank you! I'm about two years late for this one, but you now have a new subscriber.

[@Minamina-hr2xs]

I've watched about 40 of your videos and I must tell you their hypnotic you just you have to watch him all the way through.

[@robertcornelius3514]

Lubricating it is so underrated.

[@stratocrewzr]

Hi Lift should hire you. More informative in a few mins than they have done in hours. You Sir have undoubtedly saved lives.

[@kengermer]

I was raised on a farm in northern Idaho and I remember my Dad got one of these jacks. We used it all the time. After we moved to California I saw one at a hardware store and purchased it right away. I still have it and I used it the other day to change the tires on my utility trailer.

[@markgazelka8493]

Great tutorial as always. I have used theses extensively over the years. Good reminder to oil them on occasion too!

[@charliedee9276]

I learned about the teeth removal handle when I was a kid with a car bumper jack, they would do the same thing when lowering the load.