*DONT BUY A* Hi-Lift jack questions answered

There's a lot of "High Lift" haters on this site so be prepared. Me, I think they have a use on the trail, and I'm not just talking about tire changing. I grew up on a ranch and have used High lifts most of my life for many, many things, including tire changing sometimes. "Disclaimer" But I do acknowledge they can be very dangerous if not used in a safe manner, or if you're not paying attention, of if you do not place them correctly.
 
There's a lot of "High Lift" haters on this site so be prepared. Me, I think they have a use on the trail, and I'm not just talking about tire changing. I grew up on a ranch and have used High lifts most of my life for many, many things, including tire changing sometimes. "Disclaimer" But I do acknowledge they can be very dangerous if not used in a safe manner, or if you're not paying attention, of if you do not place them correctly.
honestly i am only looking for something to have on my jeep so i can change a tire when i inevitably get a flat. also I've got some work to do on it today and i need to set it on the jack stands. as far as i know there really isn't anything else. so i don't understand the hate for them.
 
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honestly i am only looking for something to have on my jeep so i can change a tire when i inevitably get a flat. also I've got some work to do on it today and i need to set it on the jack stands. as far as i know there really isn't anything else. so i don't understand the hate for them.
The hate is hard to understand until something happens that shows you why folks despise them. There is never a need for one to use with jack stands or to change a flat on the trail. If you can't use the OEM jack in a place offroad, move the rig until you can. The tire is flat, you ain't going to make it any flatter.

If you have even seen a guy with a broken jaw from the jack handle, it doesn't take much to figure out he probably hates his hi lift and why.

Go buy a floor jack, leave the hi lift for other things.
 
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I've seen enough YouTube videos to know that I'd never use a Hi-Lift jack on the trail, that's for sure.

I've also noticed that all of the veteran off-roaders never use them (nor do they carry them), which speaks volumes to me.

The only people I ever seem to notice that carry them are the posers.

That statement isn't intended to offend anyone, it's just an observation is all.

My personal opinion is that I would never use one for trail use, nor would I recommend one.
 
Make sure you have the OEM bottle jack under your passenger seat. I believe it is @Jerry Bransford who has used it to change out 35" tires on a trail with no issues.
True it's more than up to changing 35" tires and even 37" tires in a pinch.

This is my OE screw jack, my 35" tire is several inches off the ground in this pic...

35OnOEjack.jpg
 
i would guess that most of the accidents come from people using it as a winch. i guess im at a loss for how its dangerous to use it to simply jack my jeep up and put on jack stands, also was unaware that the bottle jack would lift my jeep high enough doesn't seem possible but i defer to the experience here.
 
i would guess that most of the accidents come from people using it as a winch. i guess im at a loss for how its dangerous to use it to simply jack my jeep up and put on jack stands, also was unaware that the bottle jack would lift my jeep high enough doesn't seem possible but i defer to the experience here.
And that right there is how folks get hurt. If you don't know what can happen, you are the prime candidate to get hurt with one.
 
And that right there is how folks get hurt. If you don't know what can happen, you are the prime candidate to get hurt with one.
thats why im asking questions. im not trying to anger people here. I feel like i just pissed the whole forum off and they are mad at me lol.
 
There's a lot of "High Lift" haters on this site so be prepared. Me, I think they have a use on the trail, and I'm not just talking about tire changing. I grew up on a ranch and have used High lifts most of my life for many, many things, including tire changing sometimes. "Disclaimer" But I do acknowledge they can be very dangerous if not used in a safe manner, or if you're not paying attention, of if you do not place them correctly.
you weren't lying.
 
There's a lot of "High Lift" haters on this site so be prepared.
Not all are mindless haters. Some of us just follow what industry is doing. High Lift, Farmer Jacks have been banned from work sites by WCB in BC for 20 years. And that rule is based on Workers Comp Claims. You won't find a government truck with a high lift jack on it for that reason. They are flat out dangerous.... and anyone saying "no" just has not seen a high lift jack in free fall..... where they rip yer chin off.
 
Not all are mindless haters. Some of us just follow what industry is doing. High Lift, Farmer Jacks have been banned from work sites by WCB in BC for 20 years. And that rule is based on Workers Comp Claims. You won't find a government truck with a high lift jack on it for that reason. They are flat out dangerous.... and anyone saying "no" just has not seen a high lift jack in free fall..... where they rip yer chin off.
yeah i have now watched some videos and won't buy one. i was not prepared for the backlash. its one of those things its hard to know the dangers if you didn't know they were dangerous. i do now though.
 
most of the accidents come from people using it as a winch
no, most workers comp claims happen after the lift is complete, you relax yer grip on the handle and it goes into free fall, the handle ripping yer face open as it flails around.

I keep mine here, next to the canes as a reminder...

IMG_0267.jpeg
 
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I like that the title of this thread suddenly changed :risas3:

In all honesty though, I look at them as Jeep jewelry. People mount them on their hoods or bumpers the same way you would show off some new shiny hoop earrings if you were a girl.

If that's what floats your boat, then by all means, do what makes you happy. But, I look at it as just carrying around a bunch of extra weight for no purpose whatsoever.

And like others have stated, the factory bottle jack is much safer and easier to use. It also works with 35" tires, so there's really no excuse not to use it. I carry around a small sheet of plywood to put under the bottle jack, that way if I'm on uneven terrain, it has something to fit flat against.
 
no, most workers comp claims happen after the lift is complete, you relax yer grip on the handle and it goes into free fall, the handle ripping yer face open as it flails around.
Yeah i saw the videos of a guy doing it on purpose and showing the rebound. after that i don't actually need to see someone get hit to know that straws would be there friend over a few months of recovery.