If you’re looking to change a tire on your car or get it repaired, chances are you’ll need the help of a car jack. But putting a car jack together can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. This article will teach you how to put a car jack together in just a few simple steps.
Jack Placement
There are a few different ways to put a car jack together, but the most common way is to have the jack located on the front axle. This is because it’s easier to get a socket onto the bolt that holds the wheel on and also the jack can sit flush against the axle when it’s in use.
Another common placement for a car jack is on the rear axle. This is because it’s easier to access the bolt that holds the wheel on and also you can keep more weight off of the front suspension while jacking up your car.
If you have a truck or SUV, you may want to consider placing your car jack in between the front and rear axles. This is because it gives you more room to work and also helps distribute weight evenly across all four tires.
Tightening the Jack
When tightening the jack, it is important to make sure that you do not over-tighten. Over-tightening can cause the jack to break, which could lead to injury.
To tighten the jack, use a wrench to turn the screw on the arm that attaches to the jack stand. Tightening should be done in small increments and checked after each turn.
Using the Jack to Lift the Vehicle
When you’re putting a car jack together, it’s important to make sure that the jack is sturdy and able to handle the weight of the vehicle. The following instructions will help you assemble your jack properly.
1. Open the jack up so that it forms a U-shape. This will make it easier to lift the vehicle.
2. Make sure that the nose of the jack is resting on the ground and that the arms are fully extended.
3. Place one foot on either side of the jack, near the arm tips, and hold on while pulling up on the arms. It’s important to use a strong grip when lifting the vehicle, or you could hurt yourself or damage the jack.
4. Once the vehicle is off of the ground, slowly lowering it back down so that it’s resting on the jack. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when lowering; if done incorrectly, you could damage your car or yourself.
Removing the Jack
One of the first things you will want to do when putting a car jack together is remove the old jack. There are a few different ways to do this, and the one you choose depends on how the jack is attached to the car.
If the jack is attached with screws, use a screwdriver to unscrew them. If the jack is attached with nails, use a tool such as a pry bar to pull it off.
Once the old jack is removed, you can lay out the new one on the car. Make sure that it’s aligned correctly with the car’s wheels and stake it into place using screws or nails if necessary.
Putting the Jack Away
When you’re done using your car jack, it’s important to store it properly so that it doesn’t get damaged. Here are three tips for storing your car jack:
1. Store your car jack in a place where it’s easy to access but out of the way. A garage is a good option, but you can also store it in a nearby outdoor space if you have one.
2. Make sure the jack is securely fastened to the ground. If you can, use stakes or ropes to anchor the jack firmly in place. Otherwise, make sure the base is weighted down with rocks or bricks.
3. Store your car jack’s cables away from other potential pieces of equipment that could catch on them and pull them loose. Keep them coiled up and tucked away until you need them again.