Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

[Efibroncoman]

Like everyone else I'm sure, I've heard stories of people getting hurt/knocked out from using Hi-lift jacks. While I am sure there is a lot of instances where user error or stupidity play a part. I was wondering if there is a difference between Handyman jacks and the Hi-lift brand jacks. My father was telling me that way way back in the day when he grew up on the farm that no farmer would leave home without a Handyman. Basically what I am trying to figure out is, are Hi-lift jacks a cheap copy of a Handyman, or are they the same company now?

[House]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

"When it was invented by P.J. Harrah in 1905, it was called the Automatic Combination Tool. With a major design revision in 1919, it became the Handyman jack. In 1963, a version of the Handyman was spun off into the truck and 4x4 market as the Hi-Lift jack. The Hi-Lift is still produced by the company that first offered it, the Bloomfield Manufacturing Company, of Bloomfield, Indiana, which began in 1895. If that isn't enough to give you the warm and fuzzies, note that it's still owned and run by the Harrah family."

[seahawkfan]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

As much as I dont want to admit to this, I would venture a guess that most injuries are definately user error/stupidity. I have used mY High Lift a few times with no issues. However I also knocked myself silly once. Don't remember exactly what happened except it was my first time using it, I was in a hurry and not being careful and the lump on my head is the only proof as to what happened.

[CityHick]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

Hi-Lift/handyman jacks are inherently dangerous. Think about it - you're lifting a vehicle by its bumper or rocker. The jack itself has a very small base and as the vehicle lifts, the jack has a tendency to lean one way or another. Put this on an uneven surface such as off-road and the danger increases. Your best bet is to make sure that the jack has a dedicated spot on the bumper that it can't slide out of when lifting the vehicle. Many aftermarket plate bumpers have jack points built-in. Rear hitch receivers also work well for this.

Keep the jack serviced according to the manufacturer's guidelines, make sure no parts are excessively worn, and use extreme caution with these jacks. I carry one as does pretty much everybody else. They are a very useful tool that can work as a winch and a variety of other tools... you just have to be mindful that they are not the most stable jack in the world.

[Efibroncoman]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

Okay, thanks guys. I am thinking when I buy one I'll get the Hi-lift Xtreme. They do look like an extremely useful tool and I like the idea of dedicated jacking points on the bumper!

[tortuga]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

They are really useful, and dangerous as well. Kind of a mixed blessing.

X2 on keeping it clean and well lubed - if the pins don't pop in/out when you want them to it can give you a rude surprise.

The Hi-lift can work as a clamp, a spreader, a winch of sorts - all kinds of things. The only thing I don't want to use it for is changing tires!

With the suspensions many have today, you can't get a tire of the ground with a 48" jack. I carry a bottle jack just for this. Either that, or carry some straps/chains so you can lash the axle to the frame before lifting so the tire will actually come off.

[Fungus232]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

GREAT tools on the trail & farm! That being said, I have my own experience using one w/ my head up my ass that I was lucky to get out of with all my fingers. Use your head & be careful as they are UNFORGIVING. I got my 60"er on special at 4 wheel parts w/ a bag of goodies. Also got the handle isolator (extremely convenient) & the large plastic base for use on soft ground (a must have imo).

[welndmn]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

I've clocked myself using one, but really anyone that's been fourwheeling for a number of years should of hurt themselves with one, it's just in the numbers.
I carry a bottle jack though.
I think it has more advantages then a high lift.

[71BRONCO71]

Re: Hi-lift vs. Handyman....

I can see how you could hurt yourself and thankfully I have not.

The main problem is people will buy a hi-lift and never use it. Then by the time they need to use it...WHACK. They injure themselves and blame it on the tool. The day I got one, I played with for hours and figured out how it works. You need to figure out what the jack is going to do after the truck is lifted in the air.