Len, Friction Jack rebuild kit?

[MARTINSR]

Len, I have a worn out Keysco Friction jack (K63A is the number on the aluminum jack part) that is worn out. Do you have any availablilty to a rebuild kit for this thing?

I can't imagine that I have to buy a $150.00 tool just because a couple of five dollar pieces are worn out.

Brian

[Phil V]

How the heck can you wear one of those things out Brian ? I've had mine for close to 30 years and it still works great. Is it locking up on you ? Mine does that once in a while but a whack in the side usually cures that problem.

[MARTINSR]

Phil, I didn't wear it out, some dirty rotten SOB wore it out then traded it for mine which worked! Yep, we got a new hire at the shop, THREE of my tools have turned up missing, two being swapped for worn out identical tools!

The darn thing slips, you can get almost zero pressure out it, it will simply slip when jacked.

Brian

[Phil V]

Brian, what if you took those two spring loaded steel plates the rod goes through out and turned them around then put the thing back together ?

[Henry]

Hi guys; what is a friction jack? I'm sure in 30 years I must have used one but probably called something else; maybe like hey Jack.
MS: does the new hire have health insurance for injuries.........stealing tools that you use to feed the family. Henry

[MARTINSR]

Before I ever read a catalog, I thought they were a "Monkey on a stick", that is all I ever hear them called for years!

Well, unless you catch them actually stealing......I haven't caught him.

Brian

[Phil V]

Henry, have you ever looked at a tire jack for the older VW beetles ? The bodyshop friction jack is basically the same tool except that the bodyshop one has a 5/8" round steel bar about 5 feet long. Its used mainly for lining up front ends (kicking core supports over, pushing fenders forward or sideways so the mounting bolts line up. The friction jack kit comes with several attachments but they usually disappear in the first couple years and all your left with is the jack itself (which is an excellent tool). I should add that the friction jack can pull things together as well as push them apart (by switching the direction of the slilding head)l.

[MARTINSR]

Yeah, I use mine about 90% of the time on front end alignments for shifting the sub frame.

Phil, I just sat on my couch as I watched the Yankees beat the pants off the Oakland A's in the season opener and pulled apart the head of the friction jack. There really isn't a darn bit of wear on those peices. The only wear I see is in the housing, just about impossible to repair. But what I did see is that the spring was pretty weak on the lock that keeps it from moving. I am thinking I may be able to find one at the near buy hardware store and get this thing working.

Thanks, Brian