Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Craftsmen steel low profile bike lift

Are there any of you that have this lift?They are on sale for 99 bucks locally.I read a review that said they are too unstable for any real work to be performed with it.Something about he didnt think you could even remove te front wheel without it being off balance and the whole thing would topple?Any thoughts,or better yet expericance?Im a casual wrench at best but I would like to be able toi remove my wheels front and back for cheaper tire changes and other drive train maint.Thanks ahead for the help.

If it's the red one...then I have it and it's adequate for casual wrenching. It will take a bit of trial and error to find the right balance, but once you do it is very stable. ALWAYS lower the jack to use the locks (never just leave the lift hanging and expect it to stay there) and I use the tie down straps if I am pulling tires or anything else that may cause an imbalance.
Other wise, very nice jack, good deal for $99.

I have a very similar jack (motomaster) but mainly use it for lubing the chain. I did tighten the chain once and had no problems. I would definitely be careful if I was removing a wheel. As atperrin said, it would be a good idea to strap it down first.

I think I got mine for a little less with a sale and Craftsman Club... I like it a lot, it works well enough for anything I'm going to do. I've pulled the front end off, and can change the rear tire, what more does a jack need to do?

I say go for it.
I have a similar lift from Harbor Freight.
For anything other than chain maintenance,
I run a tie-down strap over the engine case behind the cylinder.
Then, even after changing the balance by removing the rear wheel,
it still won't tip over.
If you're really concerned, there are usually some screw-down
posts that keep things from moving around.

Thanks guys.RW: A pic says it all.I ran into snekepete today at breakfast,he has a used one to sell me.Im glad I didnt have room in the wifes car yesterday!

I've also got the Harbor Freight version. It's not bad. the only issue I've had is trying to change the oil. I could not get the pan to fit underneath the bike properly and ended up draining half the oil onto my garage floor.

Why do you need the lift to drain the oil?

I have that very craftsman lift......$85 on sale.....had both wheels off last year so I could bring them in for new tires.....very stable with either one or both wheels off....used it when I replaced the chain and sprocket set at 20,000 miles....use it whenever I clean the wheels.....

Looks identical to the one at Harbor Freight for $50.( I have the H F lift)

I put a piece of 5/4 decking I have laying around under my kickstand to drain oil.

I have a similar lift, from Advance Auto when it was on sale for $49. I've never had a stability issue with either the front or rear wheel off. I lower the hydraulic lift til both the little toothed bars engage. I can wrench on it, push it around the garage, whatever.

A much heavier bike on a similar lift. Yes, you do have to block/support the wheels to maintain balance when you're removing them but you do the same when you use a lift table.

.....just found this on craigslist..... http://westernmass.craigslist.org/mcy/1850957453.html

Yes it is 1 1/4 inches but it's called five quarter decking.

okay, as a carpenter, that last little bit made me crack up

Me too. It actually measures 1".

I too am a carpenter and built houses and decks for several years and the decking here is called five quarter decking and yes it actually measures about an inch. You can go to any lumber yard here and ask for five quarter decking and they will know exactly what you want. Just like when you get a 2X4 are you expecting a piece that measures 2" X 4" well you won't get it except in rough cut. I used to start once the foundation was done and leave when it was framed, roofed, sided, doors and windows in. Don't know what that decking is called in other parts of the country but I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is called 5/4 here.I still have my chop box,radial arm saw, table saws,worm drive circular saw, couple std circular saws, and 8" circular saw, hand tools for 5 guys more or less ,sawzalls ,drills etc.... Never had any air tools or done any metal stud work and once they started oriented strand board and the engineered studs and micro lam beams I quit the business. Been a carpenter and mechanic my whole life. Grew up with a complete wood shop and a complete metal shop in the barn. We used to build liquid ox. trailers in the barn among other stuff. It was mt grand fathers business and he also designed and built much of the machinery that went into Bethlehem Steel when it was built.

For sure Ian... it's called 5/4 here too. It starts off life as 1 1/4" rough sawn and ends up being 1" after planing. Anywho...

Back to the bike lift thing... here's a pic of my wooden stand (I too am a carpenter). I just stick a chunk of pipe in the hole to raise and lower the bike.

I bought the red Sears lift 5 years ago for $79. on sale. I consider it a must have. I don't use it changing oil, but do use it to clean the wheels, wax and/or clean the chain, and many other things.

I've never strapped in on the lift, but would it I were removing wheels or anything that would cause an imbalance. Put the oil filter about in the middle and crank up. Be sure to go at least past the first lock position and lower to the lock.