A jack is a device that should be located both in the trunk of a car and by a motorist in a garage. In this case, the second option is better to choose more massive with universal functionality and a high load rating. The pneumatic jack completely corresponds to the given characteristics , which it will not be difficult to do it yourself.
Pneumatic Tool Features
There are three main criteria by which a homemade inflatable jack is evaluated:
- Load indicator. To ensure safe operation, this value must exceed the weight of the vehicle. For a passenger car, a characteristic of about two tons will be sufficient; maintenance of heavier cars requires a carrying capacity of at least 2.5 tons.
- Pickup Height. This aspect plays an important role if the car has a small clearance. The optimal indicator is a value of at least 100 mm.
- Lift level. A homemade pneumatic type jack has a height of not more than 500 mm. This stock is enough to replace the wheels and some other works, the rigging unit with connection to the compressor allows you to raise the car to 70-80 cm.
Definitely when choosing a jack and its manufacture, first of all, you need to focus on your car, the conditions of its operation and storage.
How to make a jack on your own?
To build a jack with your own hands, it will take not so much material and effort. The following details must be selected:
- used pillow from the truck;
- suitable bolt;
- ball element;
- wheel VAZ lock;
- fitting;
- as the main drill tool.
The design is assembled from the presented elements. A bolt is screwed into the hole in the pillow. Previously, you need to make a socket for the fitting from the camera in it.
As a valve, a wheel bolt from a VAZ is used, in which a hole is drilled. In the next step, the existing elements are connected after a ball is installed in the hole, which will serve to intake air.
Features
For the practical implementation of this device requires a special pump. An inflatable jack is installed under the bottom of the vehicle. For safety, it is advisable to use a wooden stand, which will interact directly with the machine.
This mechanism has one significant drawback. Since the cargo cushion is of decent size, a low-rise vehicle will have to be preliminarily raised to install the device in question. If you attach a trolley with wheels to the bottom of such units, you will get homemade rolling jacks for cars.
Comparative characteristics
The pneumatic version lifts the load due to the compression force of the air mass. Such modifications work from connecting to additional equipment or from the exhaust of the machine. Air mass enters the chamber. Thanks to the compression and increase in volume, the car rises. The advantage of the models is that there is no need to make special efforts, and if there is a compressor installation, the process takes a matter of seconds.
A mechanical jack for a car involves putting it into operation by rotating or twisting a special handle. Such modifications have a low price and compact size.
The principle of hydraulics is similar to the mechanical version. The difference is to facilitate the pumping process of the working part of the jack, due to the presence of fluid in the working system. Such modifications have a long service life.
The mechanical jack with electric drive works from the mains supply, all the main work of the device is carried out by electricity. The pluses of the device are undeniable, but it needs to be connected to an outlet.
Security measures
Despite the fact that the inflatable jack is one of the most elementary in operational terms, its use requires the observance of certain precautions.
To prevent the unit from flying out from under the vehicle, it must be correctly installed. Before installing a new pneumatic device, it is advisable to deflate it once without load, after which it descends and fits accordingly. To protect the jack from damage, it is better to lay the mat on the floor.
For the manufacture of the working chamber of the device, PVC-based materials are suitable. At sub-zero temperatures, this design hardens and becomes coarse. According to experts, the optimal operating temperature is an indicator up to β10 degrees.
Hydraulic lifting device
Itβs quite possible to make a hydraulic jack with your own hands. It is based on a housing, the main bearing function is performed by a retractable piston and working fluid (oil). Variations of the device can be made with a shortened or elongated skeleton of steel. The housing is an oil tank and a guide cylinder for the piston.
A special adjusting screw with a lifting heel is screwed into the plunger; if necessary, the maximum lifting height can be increased. Such a device is equipped with a hydraulic pump with a manual, foot or air type drive.
The working mechanism and the sliding cylinder are located in the holes of the core. The unit is lowered by turning the T-handle. Some devices are equipped with polyamide wheels, providing maneuverability. Safety of operation is provided by safety valves.
Positive and negative sides of the hydraulic device
Before you make a jack with your own hands, you should consider all its pros and cons. The advantages of a hydraulic device include the following indicators:
- the device is unpretentious in maintenance and operation with a fairly high power indicator;
- smooth running of the working rod, reliable fixation of the load at the desired height, braking accuracy;
- high efficiency (up to 80%) and load rating (over 150 tons).
The disadvantages of using the hydraulic model include a high initial lifting height, the problem of the accuracy of regulating the lowering position, a decent price and quite a lot of weight. Store and transport the device only vertically, otherwise the working fluid may leak.
Output
Making a jack with your own hands will not be a particular problem. Depending on the capabilities, scope of use and other objective circumstances, you should choose the right model for the type of work. A compact fixture of a mechanical or hydraulic type is suitable for operation on the road, and an inexpensive and practical pneumatic device will perfectly prove itself in the garage.