I pitched that jack, bought an AC hydraulics jack, made in the Netherlands!, and never looked back. It was expensive, actually very expensive, BUT three lessons learned that day; never trust a big butt and a smile, always have your mind and eyes on your work AT ALL TIMES and invest in quality tools (unless in a pinch, then the left handed cable stretcher will do)

Steel Jack A- older HF model from circa 2009ish. Work well but had to replace the fluid about a year ago as it was starting to get really sticky. Cleaned it up and serviced the whole thing at that time but now its starting to loosing lifting power. one full push gives you about 3" vs. the 6" it use to. 

Steel Jack B- newer HF model. Circa 2015ish? Works fine with no issues. Now has two handle pistion lifts vs. one like the old model. no issues yet.

Aluminum HF jack- newer HF model as well, about 2014ish? Works fine but is super creaky without lubing it often. Rolling it on cement sucks.

GunMetalGrey said:

HipMF said:

Looks like HF is the way to go.

I wonder if the long-reach model would be worth a try... Loos like it's bigger and heavier, but also should reach farther under a low car and also goes about 4" higher than the regular low profile jack.

https://m.harborfreight.com/2-ton-low-profilelong-reach-steel-heavy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-60678.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot provided

I know a few people that have these, and the foot lever is pretty neat for lifting, but the biggest downfall is that the release is a fairly small diameter knob at the end of the T handle, and it apparently can be a bit tricky to control (aka dropping really fast to start).

That may not be true of all of them, but just a heads up.

That’s the one I have

The foot pump is only useful to quickly get the jack to the lifting point on the car, which is ironic because usually we use these on lowered cars, soooo.

It’s useless for actually lifting any weight (I don’t think anyone was under the assumption you could lift your car via the foot portion anyhow)

The knob at the top can be a real SOB if you hulk mode tighten it. I’ve found that just barely snugging it works well & doesn’t act like a 40year old jar of pickles when you go to loosen it

HipMF said:

Looks like HF is the way to go.

I wonder if the long-reach model would be worth a try... Loos like it's bigger and heavier, but also should reach farther under a low car and also goes about 4" higher than the regular low profile jack.

https://m.harborfreight.com/2-ton-low-profilelong-reach-steel-heavy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-60678.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot provided

I know a few people that have these, and the foot lever is pretty neat for lifting, but the biggest downfall is that the release is a fairly small diameter knob at the end of the T handle, and it apparently can be a bit tricky to control (aka dropping really fast to start).
That may not be true of all of them, but just a heads up.

I wonder if the long-reach model would be worth a try... Loos like it's bigger and heavier, but also should reach farther under a low car and also goes about 4" higher than the regular low profile jack.

https://m.harborfreight.com/2-ton-low-profilelong-reach-steel-heavy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-60678.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot provided

HipMF said:

The google thinks I might like this:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/rocker-jack-pad-adapter/001852sch01a/

Called me out on my my wannabe hipster e36 lifestyle ;_;

I have a different brand but the same thing and it works great.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/80006/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710606898&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=39714413703&CATCI=pla-171302083751&CATARGETID=230006180039220999&cadevice=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhMXjxcPh1wIVx7XACh2IdQVHEAQYBCABEgLYhfD_BwE

They also have rebuild kits available if it ever starts leaking

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/80006/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710606898&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=39714413703&CATCI=pla-171302083751&CATARGETID=230006180039220999&cadevice=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhMXjxcPh1wIVx7XACh2IdQVHEAQYBCABEgLYhfD_BwE

And, if you find you frequently need to jack up the car on grass/etc (auto-x pits or something) they make a skid plate!

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/80027/10002/-1

I have a craftsman jack that is about 35 years old and still going,I keep it around just in case I need it. Not sure how the quality of craftsman is any more seeing as every time I use there tool one of them breaks.

The Napa auto parts by me has some really nice jacks also. If I ever have an issue with mine again I will be getting one from there. The quality seems great compared to everything else.

Harbor freight low profile aluminum has held up well.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/rocker-jack-pad-adapter/001852sch01a/

Called me out on my my wannabe hipster e36 lifestyle ;_;