A jack is a device that should be in the trunk of a car, as well as in the garage of a car enthusiast. At the same time, it is better to choose the second option more massive with universal functionality and a high load capacity. These characteristics are 100% consistent with a pneumatic jack, which is not difficult to make with your own hands.
Pneumatic attachment specifications
There are three main criteria by which a homemade inflatable jack is judged:
- Capacity indicator. To ensure safe operation, this value must exceed the weight of the vehicle. For a passenger car, a performance of about two tons will be enough; maintenance of heavier cars requires a load capacity of at least 2.5 tons.
- Height pickup. This aspect plays an important role if the car has a small ground clearance. The optimal indicator is a value of at least 100 mm.
- Rise level. Homemade pneumatic type jack has a height of not more than 500 mm. This stock is enough to replace the wheelsand some other works, the rigging unit with connection to the compressor allows you to raise the car up to 70-80 cm.
Definitely, when choosing a jack and its manufacture, first of all, you need to focus on your car, its operating and storage conditions.
How to make your own jack?
To build a jack with your own hands, you will not need much material and effort. You need to pick up the following parts:
- a used pillow from a truck;
- suitable bolt;
- ball element;
- wheel VAZ retainer;
- fitting;
- as the main tool drill.
The construction is assembled from the presented elements. A bolt is screwed into the hole in the pillow. First, you need to make a socket for the fitting from the camera.
As a valve, a wheel bolt from VAZ is used, in which a hole is drilled. At the next stage, the existing elements are connected after a ball is installed in the hole, which will serve as an air intake.
Features
For the practical implementation of this device requires a special pump. The inflatable jack is installed under the bottom of the vehicle. For safety, it is advisable to use a wooden stand that will interact directly with the machine.
There is one significant drawback in such a mechanism. Since the cargo cushion is of a decent size, a car with a low seating position will have to belift to install the device in question. If you attach a cart with wheels to the bottom of such units, you get home-made rolling jacks for cars.
Comparative characteristics
Pneumatic version lifts the load due to the compression force of the air mass. Such modifications work from connection to additional equipment or from the exhaust of the machine. The air mass enters the chamber. Due to compression and increase in volume, the car rises. The advantage of the models is that you do not need to make any special efforts, and in the presence of a compressor unit, the process takes a few seconds.
A mechanical jack for a car involves bringing 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 lies in facilitating the process of pumping out the working part of the jack, due to the presence of liquid in the working system. Such modifications have a long service life.
The mechanical jack with electric drive is powered by mains power, all the main work of the device is done by electricity. The advantages of the device are undeniable, but you need to connect it to the outlet.
Safety measures
Despite the fact that the inflatable jack is one of the most basic in terms of operation, its use requires certain precautions.
Woto prevent the unit from flying out from under the car, it must be installed correctly. Before installing a new pneumatic device, it is advisable to deflate it once without load, after which it descends and fits itself accordingly. To protect the jack from damage, it is better to lay a rug on the floor.
PVC-based materials are suitable for the manufacture of the working chamber of the device. At sub-zero temperatures, this design hardens and becomes rough. According to experts, the optimal operating temperature is up to -10 degrees.
Hydraulic lifting device
It is quite possible to make a hydraulic jack with your own hands. It is based on a body, the main bearing function is performed by a retractable piston and a working fluid (oil). Variations of the fixture can be made with a shortened or elongated steel frame. The housing is the oil reservoir and the piston guide cylinder.
A special adjustment screw with a lifting heel is screwed into the plunger, if necessary, you can increase the maximum lifting height. Such a device is equipped with a hydraulic pump with a manual, foot or air type drive.
The operating mechanism and the retractable cylinder are located in the holes in the frame. The unit is lowered by turning the T-handle. Some devices are equipped with polyamide wheels that provide maneuverability. Operational safety is ensuredrelief valves.
Positive and negative aspects of the hydraulic device
Before you make a jack with your own hands, you should consider all its pros and cons. The advantages of the hydraulic device include the following indicators:
- device is unpretentious in maintenance and operation at a fairly high power rate;
- smooth stroke of the working rod, reliable fixation of the load at the desired height, braking accuracy;
- high efficiency (up to 80%) and load capacity (over 150 tons).
The disadvantages of using the hydraulic model include a high initial lift height, the problem of the accuracy of lowering position control, a decent price and quite a lot of weight. Store and transport the device only vertically, otherwise the working fluid may leak out.
Conclusion
Making a jack with your own hands will not be a particular problem. Depending on the possibilities, the scope of use and other objective circumstances, you should choose the right model for the type of work. For use on the road, a compact device of a mechanical or hydraulic type is suitable, and in the garage an inexpensive and practical pneumatic device will prove to be excellent.
