A productive car owner is the one that is well aware of all the information on their vehicles, including how to use a scissor jack. Although this kind of jack is the most common one, not every car owner can tell what it is for and how come it aids their vehicle.
So, in this article, we will present an overview of how scissor jacks function. Are you excited to get to know them all? Buckle up and stay tuned for the essential info coming ahead, especially if you’re new to scissor jacks!
How to Use a Scissor Jack?
Do not underestimate the scissor jack just because it looks simple and works with it in a careless manner. Improper use of this tool can put you and your precious car in a rather tight corner. If you don’t want to face the most horrendous scenario too, take things slow and follow our guide for the best methods to handle a scissor jack safely.
Step 1: No matter how much of an emergency you think you are in, always, we repeat, always get your car to a safe and flat area before you start disassembling it! A garage or parking lot can be a preferable choice. When you are in the middle of the highway and you do not think you can make it to any of the places mentioned above, try to drive your vehicle to the side.
Step 2: Stop your car from rolling back by putting on the brake. This step is a must; otherwise, things can get complicated as the jack cannot function effectively if your vehicle accidentally rolls back.
Step 3: Just to be safe, check your tires inverse from where you’re utilizing the scissor jack. Just to be clear, the front tires for a back lift and contrastingly, the rear wheels for a front lift.
Step 4: Reconsider your jack using purpose to choose the most preferable tool for your problems. Scissor jacks are mostly used for flat tire changing. For other problems that require you to roll under your car, jack stands to purchase will be the decision you won’t regret. The reason is that scissor jacks are not meant for handling the total weight of a whole car, jack stands are more likely to cut it.
Step 5: Before putting the jack into use, thoroughly check it to make sure that the device is in good shape. Do this with extra care as just a small issue can produce significant damages. If your jack has not been used for a long time, some parts are prone to accumulate dust. Wipe them off with a clean towel.
If you are pretty sure that the jacks cannot work as well as before, replace it at once. The new replacement doesn’t cost much, yet it protects you from any potential danger.
Step 6: After you have had the jack secured, test its efficiency by raising and lowering the jack a few times without loading to ensure that everything goes smoothly. If you detect some tight or jerky moments where the jack seems to be off the hook, spray it with some lubricant to loosen them up.
Step 7: Find the lift point that is closest to the area that needs your work. The lift point can take on more pressure to prevent your car from cracking or bending.
If you have problems pinpointing the location of the lift point, check your car’s manual, or the website of your car’s brand, for instructions. Do not just act on your impulse randomly choose a place to jack up your vehicle, or else you will destroy your vehicle without realizing it!
Step 8: Before you put your jack in position, ensure your working space is comfortable and spacious enough for you to work comfortably. Get rid of the debris and obstacles that can refrain you from working productively.
Step 9: Place the scissor jack under the lift point. Turn the handle clockwise to raise the saddle and continue until the seat is most likely in contact with the vehicle. Cautiously alter the jack until it’s situated in the right spot. However, stay cautious all the time by keeping your fingers out of the area between the seat and the vehicle.
Step 10: When the saddle has come in contact with the vehicle, it will be more challenging to turn it. The point is, you must always make sure the jack stays firmly on the ground. Do not let the jack loosen and keep lifting the vehicle until the height is ideal for you to carry out your work.
Step 11: Lower the jack by turning the handle counterclockwise. When you are certain for sure that the jack stands are securely holding the vehicle, you can bring down the jack and remove it from under the car.
Step 12: Remove the stands from its working area. You would now be able to bring the vehicle to the ground. Turn the handle counterclockwise until the tire is back on the ground. Regardless of how much a hurry you are in, this step must be done thoroughly for your own safety. Pull the jack down a level, set it aside, and you’re finished!
How To Use A Scissor Jack – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much weight can a scissor jack handle?
A: As we have mentioned before, the jack in the extra tire pack should be utilized whenever your car tires go phut.
For that reason, a scissor jack is typically suggested for modest-sized vehicles only. Scissor jacks are only capable of carrying weight ranging from 1 to 1.5 tons.
Likewise, the number of people in your vehicle adds to the vehicle’s overall weight. So on the off chance that you end up in a circumstance where you have to lift the car, emptying your car is a must condition.
Q: How high can you lift a scissor jack?
A: The answer depends on what kind of scissor jack you have. When you stretch the full height of a scissor jack, it can go up to 13 or 15 inches.
Does this imply that you ought to completely stretch out the scissor jack for the best result? As far as I can tell, the response is no. The higher a scissor jack is expanded, the more fragile it becomes. You can be in danger if your stud is stretched out near its limit as by that time, if the pressure exceeds the limit allowed the jack can collapse in an instance.
So what would be the ideal height of a scissor jack?
As we referenced, a scissor jack should be utilized merely for tire issues. So your scissor jack should just be reached out far enough for you to get your tire off. The tire should only be an inch or two off the ground.
Conclusion
And that’s all informative steps on how to use a scissor jack. Bear in mind that such a device can lend you more than just a helping hand when dealing with your car’s issue. However, this tool can also endanger you and your vehicle if not used properly.
Make sure to follow our guides to put a scissor jack into use. With the right techniques we have offered, handling any issue with a scissor jack will be effortless.
Thank you for reading our article. If you have any problems while using a scissor jack, don’t hesitate to reach out to us as we will be here to solve all of your questions.