Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 13:53:00

Title: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 13:53:00
Is it just me or is the base/support part really small, considering what it maybe lifting?

This type appears common:

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/tbj4-4-ton-telescopic-bottle-jack?___store=sgs_en&___store=sgs_en&gclid=CN-L5Yv0vrsCFZGWtAodAXYAfQ (http://www.sgs-engineering.com/tbj4-4-ton-telescopic-bottle-jack?___store=sgs_en&___store=sgs_en&gclid=CN-L5Yv0vrsCFZGWtAodAXYAfQ)

This one from the states looks better, I like the lift point, looks like it would sit nicely on the chassis rail. The base is also bigger, which for me makes it look more stable?

Reason for asking is in a single garage space is limited, I can't easily (if at-all) get around the side of the car to use my proper big jack. So thinking of using ramps, to drive up and onto. Then using a bottle jack which would easily slot under, lift car, then drop it onto a stand.

That would allow wheel(s) removal and allow working around the car, while it's nose or arse is in a garage.

Anyone use them regularly or recommend one?
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 20 December 2013, 14:17:52
Is it just me or is the base/support part really small, considering what it maybe lifting?

This type appears common:

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/tbj4-4-ton-telescopic-bottle-jack?___store=sgs_en&___store=sgs_en&gclid=CN-L5Yv0vrsCFZGWtAodAXYAfQ (http://www.sgs-engineering.com/tbj4-4-ton-telescopic-bottle-jack?___store=sgs_en&___store=sgs_en&gclid=CN-L5Yv0vrsCFZGWtAodAXYAfQ)

This one from the states looks better, I like the lift point, looks like it would sit nicely on the chassis rail. The base is also bigger, which for me makes it look more stable?

Reason for asking is in a single garage space is limited, I can't easily (if at-all) get around the side of the car to use my proper big jack. So thinking of using ramps, to drive up and onto. Then using a bottle jack which would easily slot under, lift car, then drop it onto a stand.

That would allow wheel(s) removal and allow working around the car, while it's nose or arse is in a garage.

Anyone use them regularly or recommend one?
They aren't designed for that... ie lifting in an arc.

Best suited for commercial vehicles, on flat level surfaces, for jacking axles, wher the actual lift height is only a couple of inches at most.

Only diy use is for supporting gearbox when changing rear mounts, helping support exhausts etc, or as cheap portapower for straightening bent body work...
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 14:20:53
Humm understood, that's annoying, as I was hoping that would a solution to jacking the car with limited access either side  :(
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: omega3000 on 20 December 2013, 14:21:29
I wouldn't use any bottle jack , not stable enough . Pity they dont design them with supports like an axle stand  :)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: hotel21 on 20 December 2013, 14:25:09
If you want one then have a look under the bonnet of a discovery in he scrappy, left side, next to the radiator, under the plastic inspection panel. If it's not already been robbed there should be an OE landrover bottle jack there. I use one for assorted things including horizontally to force locking wheel nut keys into place if required.

Be cheaper than the link you have and probably only used a handfull of times if at all.
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 14:25:34
I wouldn't use any bottle jack , not stable enough . Pity they dont design them with supports like an axle stand  :)

What I was thinking, my 'big jack' is on 4 wheels and rather long/wide so very stable. Area on these bottle jacks are tiny  :(
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 14:27:12
If you want one then have a look under the bonnet of a discovery in he scrappy, left side, next to the radiator, under the plastic inspection panel. If it's not already been robbed there should be an OE landrover bottle jack there. I use one for assorted things including horizontally to force locking wheel nut keys into place if required.

Be cheaper than the link you have and probably only used a handfull of times if at all.

Cheers, will take a look when next at the scrappy. Thing is I was planning to to be in use fair bit, so that I can have the front/rear on stands while in a single garage
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: hotel21 on 20 December 2013, 14:30:35
I meant that the one in the scrappy would be hardly used. Mine gets pressganged into use many times! ;D
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 20 December 2013, 14:31:02
Probably a non starter jacking an Omega in a single garage... better off using ramps to lift either end up then jack/support as required :-\ you'll have bugger all working space too.

Trying will likely end at A+E though :-\
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 14:31:19
I meant that the one in the scrappy would be hardly used. Mine gets pressganged into use many times! ;D

Ahhh see your point  :y

Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 14:32:31
Probably a non starter jacking an Omega in a single garage... better off using ramps to lift either end up then jack/support as required :-\

Trying will likely end at A+E though :-\

Stands not an issue, got those, front/rear not a problem to get on.

Issue then is removing a wheel, for basic things like pads/discs ect.  :-\
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 20 December 2013, 14:35:41
Buy a better coat ;D

Or a gazebo...a 6x3m one will give some protection and working space :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Entwood on 20 December 2013, 14:43:04
Probably a non starter jacking an Omega in a single garage... better off using ramps to lift either end up then jack/support as required :-\

Trying will likely end at A+E though :-\

Stands not an issue, got those, front/rear not a problem to get on.

Issue then is removing a wheel, for basic things like pads/discs ect.  :-\

Given that bottle jacks are only any good for "straight" lifts ..and therefore fail on long distance lifting (arcs) ... a long winded solution to your particular problem might be ... raise car by driving up ramp .. then use bottle jack to raise the car a further "tad" to allow ramp to be removed, and stand fitted .. work on car .. with wheel off as required ... reverse procedure to lower ????  Its a faf I agree .. but if space is limited .....  :(
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 20 December 2013, 14:46:56
Driving an Omega into a single garage and being able to get out of the car is a gamble as it is... let alone removing a wheel :-\
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 14:55:10
Probably a non starter jacking an Omega in a single garage... better off using ramps to lift either end up then jack/support as required :-\

Trying will likely end at A+E though :-\

Stands not an issue, got those, front/rear not a problem to get on.

Issue then is removing a wheel, for basic things like pads/discs ect.  :-\

Given that bottle jacks are only any good for "straight" lifts ..and therefore fail on long distance lifting (arcs) ... a long winded solution to your particular problem might be ... raise car by driving up ramp .. then use bottle jack to raise the car a further "tad" to allow ramp to be removed, and stand fitted .. work on car .. with wheel off as required ... reverse procedure to lower ????  Its a faf I agree .. but if space is limited .....  :(

This is exactly how I planned to use it  :y

Use ramps to get the height, then use jack to support it, while the ramp is swapped for a stand. A hassle yes, but sods law the car will need new pads when it's pishing it down out there.

Driving an Omega into a single garage and being able to get out of the car is a gamble as it is... let alone removing a wheel :-\

Unlike some other members here, I'll avoid mentioning names  ::) - I'm not quite as errrrr, how to put this. FAT as them  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Seriously though, it is a bit of a struggle but easily doable  :)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: TheBoy on 20 December 2013, 15:08:12
Ever thought why I never did any car work in my garage (when I had one)...   ...its not practical TBH.

Accept you will get wet sometimes. Its not that much of an issue most of the time.
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 15:10:13
Ever thought why I never did any car work in my garage (when I had one)...   ...its not practical TBH.

Largely because:

1) It's just as full of "stuff" (Motorbike, tools, bences)
2) Because you could not get out of the car once in?  ;D

Apparently, according to the current owner the garage a tad wider and longer than standard  :-\
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: TheBoy on 20 December 2013, 15:14:05
Ever thought why I never did any car work in my garage (when I had one)...   ...its not practical TBH.

Largely because:

1) It's just as full of "stuff" (Motorbike, tools, bences)
2) Because you could not get out of the car once in?  ;D

Apparently, according to the current owner the garage a tad wider and longer than standard  :-\
Before I put all the benchwork in there, the car would fit in...  ...and I could use the side door.

Nah, not practical.  It will be so cramped that its easier to sit in the rain.


Pretty much all garages on newbuilds are the same size, something like 18' x 8' (can't remember eact size).
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: biggriffin on 20 December 2013, 19:33:21
Whoops. Didn't see that coming, new house under 10 years old and cant fit a car in the garage. Bought the wrong house,  :-X
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 20 December 2013, 19:56:43
For reference, it's curry space not fat :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 20:06:20
Whoops. Didn't see that coming, new house under 10 years old and cant fit a car in the garage. Bought the wrong house,  :-X

Try finding a house with a double garage in central(ish) locations, it's impossible.

Besides garage was always going to be mainly for tools, storage and the bikes. Was only ever nose/boot in, never the whole car.  :)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: YZ250 on 20 December 2013, 20:14:47
I use my bottle jacks merely for holding a part level or lifting it in to place to align it . They make a good makeshift press as well in the right frame.  ;) They are handy for raising a wishbone level, or jacking a hub to a certain height but I really wouldn't want to trust them for lifting a car.
I have used mine, with a special chassis plate, to raise my caravan to put its winter stands on and it really does not feel safe.
For your own safety, stick with the trolley jack Tunnie.  :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 20:42:43
Thanks for the advice  :y :y :y

I was concerned about them anyway, this thread has confirmed my thoughts.

Time to look at other options  :)

Thanks everyone  8)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 20 December 2013, 20:56:11
I wouldn't trust a bottle jack lifting a car as said. Plus the ones I've seen have been too tall to fit under a standard height omega anyway.

If I ever get this bloody welder working I intend to weld a nut on a scissor jack handle and wiz the car up with my impact wrench.

Equally unstable as a bottle jack so insuring the car is well chocked is obviously vital or it will topple off. But I just get do hacked off dragging trolly jacks around/pumping the car up/drag it round the other side/pump the car up. Repeat to drop the car, sigh, they're heavy, noisy with metal wheels and the noise rattles through both our house and next doors through the Tarmac.
 Of course moving the mv8 away from the garage door would help, but its "got no rather wheels man" ;D

A bottle jack has too small a saddle area concentrating too much pressure on the metal work of the car IMO.

Given how often I jack mine up I was seriously considering one of those built in air jack systems they use in Ausie and German touring cars. Afix air line to the car, four rams lift the car off the floor. Seemples ;D
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: MR MISTER on 20 December 2013, 21:07:59
I only have to jack my car up if I have a flat tyre. Isn't that how it's supposed to be? :-X
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: tunnie on 20 December 2013, 21:08:09
Good idea, shame you need to buy a tub of vaseline when you get it  :o

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/tools/car-lift-recovery-tools/jacking-and-lifting/air-jacks/?534775010&0&t5_230 (http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/tools/car-lift-recovery-tools/jacking-and-lifting/air-jacks/?534775010&0&t5_230)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 20 December 2013, 21:08:33
AP sell them... Doubt they're cheap though ::)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 20 December 2013, 21:08:52
I only have to jack my car up if I have a flat tyre. Isn't that how it's supposed to be? :-X

Shut up you! ;D
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: flyer 0712 on 20 December 2013, 21:11:23
Absolute death traps.....as stated for use on commercial vehicles where the amount of room underneath  is far greater.....far better and safer to use long base..low level..high lift trolley jack and do one end of the car you are working on in the dry in the garage and the other end out in the cold......and dont forget the axle stands then we live to tell the tale.. :y :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 20 December 2013, 21:13:51
Good idea, shame you need to buy a tub of vaseline when you get it  :o

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/tools/car-lift-recovery-tools/jacking-and-lifting/air-jacks/?534775010&0&t5_230 (http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/tools/car-lift-recovery-tools/jacking-and-lifting/air-jacks/?534775010&0&t5_230)

They are too tall, going by the retard at pro tyre in sloughs attempt to set my toe after a track rod change. ::)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 20 December 2013, 21:33:17
I've used bottle jacks loads on cars and trucks with never a problem.  :)  As said though, a bottle jack that is 'man' enough to lift an Omega will probably be too tall too get underneath the car.  :-\

But generally with bottle jacks, as long as you are sensible about the surface you are jacking on and find a suitable jacking point then you shouldn't have a problem.  As with any vehicle lift don't get underneath until it is securely chocked/blocked or sat nicely on axle/chassis stands.  ;)

A good friend didn't follow the advice in the last sentence and had a vehicle come down on him 12 years ago and has been in a wheelchair ever since.  :( :( :( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Vamps on 21 December 2013, 00:54:37
How times change, I accept all the comments on bottle jacks, have used them in the past, but go back a bit to scissor jacks, and the various T shaped ones, now they are an experience!........ ;) ;)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 21 December 2013, 01:04:13
I was thinking along these lines. ;D

http://youtu.be/-jDK6HGLNRQ
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Vamps on 21 December 2013, 01:10:37
I was thinking along these lines. ;D

http://youtu.be/-jDK6HGLNRQ

Perfect.......... :y :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 21 December 2013, 01:23:50
Or more realisticly, something like this. :)

http://youtu.be/nxtZstVAm7M

...although not attached to a pikeys plastic tent.
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Vamps on 21 December 2013, 01:26:51
Or more realisticly, something like this. :)

http://youtu.be/nxtZstVAm7M

...although not attached to a pikeys plastic tent.

Done that............ :y :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 21 December 2013, 01:29:07
Or...

http://youtu.be/yC8PDLka5eA

With impact wrench or drill attachment.


Not sure why they have it on the side of the sill. But I like the tilting head/saddle thingy. :)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Vamps on 21 December 2013, 01:34:36
Or...

http://youtu.be/yC8PDLka5eA

With impact wrench or drill attachment.


Not sure why they have it on the side of the sill. But I like the tilting head/saddle thingy. :)

That looks ok but not sure I would trust a sill to take the weight, why not put it under the chassis? kind of reminds me of jacks that pushed into jacking points in the sills, fine when the car was new...... ;) ;)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 21 December 2013, 01:38:43
Or...

http://youtu.be/yC8PDLka5eA

With impact wrench or drill attachment.


Not sure why they have it on the side of the sill. But I like the tilting head/saddle thingy. :)

That looks ok but not sure I would trust a sill to take the weight, why not put it under the chassis? kind of reminds me of jacks that pushed into jacking points in the sills, fine when the car was new...... ;) ;)

Like I said, not sure why it's placed on the sill. ::) the rear one was placed under the car, omega style.

Here's a "tool tip" for you Vamps. ;) ;)

http://youtu.be/nTSsGaHXTlA


Yeaheheha "the man channel" ;D Esta sent me that link btw. ;)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 21 December 2013, 01:48:06
Obviously if welding a nut onto a scissor jack for impact wrench opperation, it would have to be a 17mm to match the wheel nuts and save the messing about.


....in fact I've got some wheel nuts somewhere. Just tack that on the end of the scissor jack handle. :)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: martin42 on 21 December 2013, 08:02:26
Instead of a using a jack,what about an air jack?
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 21 December 2013, 12:24:48
To be honest, I've always found the standard Omega jack quick and easy to use and you can jack the old girl up to a decent height as well!  ;)  :)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: omega3000 on 21 December 2013, 13:00:48
To be honest, I've always found the standard Omega jack quick and easy to use and you can jack the old girl up to a decent height as well!  ;)  :)

Hmm , good point , just that flimsy scissor jack is beef enough to wind the omega up so tunnie could use that as long as supports were in place before getting anywhere near underneath  :-\
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 21 December 2013, 13:05:26
To be honest, I've always found the standard Omega jack quick and easy to use and you can jack the old girl up to a decent height as well!  ;)  :)

Hmm , good point , just that flimsy scissor jack is beef enough to wind the omega up so tunnie could use that as long as supports were in place before getting anywhere near underneath  :-\

I think there's a tendency here to 'overthink' things sometimes.  :-X  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: omega3000 on 21 December 2013, 13:08:38
To be honest, I've always found the standard Omega jack quick and easy to use and you can jack the old girl up to a decent height as well!  ;)  :)

Hmm , good point , just that flimsy scissor jack is beef enough to wind the omega up so tunnie could use that as long as supports were in place before getting anywhere near underneath  :-\

I think there's a tendency here to 'overthink' things sometimes.  :-X  ;)  ;D

Not read all of this thread but it mite have been mentioned  :-\ The standard jack often gets forgotten , thats why many of them are in mint condition  ;D
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: YZ250 on 21 December 2013, 19:28:57
This is what bottle jacks are good for.  :y  ;D ;D

(http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac142/Alan-Hearn/92dd5b27-046c-46a5-ace7-781a101a9b58_zps5f4a9c62.jpg) (http://s894.photobucket.com/user/Alan-Hearn/media/92dd5b27-046c-46a5-ace7-781a101a9b58_zps5f4a9c62.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: chrisgixer on 22 December 2013, 21:29:23
Good work Al :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: YZ250 on 22 December 2013, 21:45:45
Good work Al :y

It got used again today to press new UJ's in the Navara forward propshaft.  :y Press'em out and press'em in.  :y

Originally knocked up to press bearing cases in to the Moto X crankcase but has proved invaluable for loads of other little jobs.  :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 22 December 2013, 22:30:49
This is what bottle jacks are good for.  :y  ;D ;D

(http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac142/Alan-Hearn/92dd5b27-046c-46a5-ace7-781a101a9b58_zps5f4a9c62.jpg) (http://s894.photobucket.com/user/Alan-Hearn/media/92dd5b27-046c-46a5-ace7-781a101a9b58_zps5f4a9c62.jpg.html)

Make a nice little cider press that!  :y
Title: Re: Bottle Jacks
Post by: YZ250 on 22 December 2013, 22:49:50
Make a nice little cider press that!  :y

 :y

That's pretty much where the idea originated.   ;D :y