Quote
I think I remember hearing about a High-Lift jack and EricD breaking his leg. But he was carrying it and slipped on some rocks, so that doesn't really qualify.

Never (!) trust any jack! I had a friend in college who had his '78 Trans Am fall on his face (yep), and that left a really nasty scrape.

John B.


Yeah, don't run with a hi-lift in one hand, running full speed, after dark, over a bunch of unstable boulders.

But that actually illustrates a good point... I broke my leg because i was being a complete idiot .. the same goes for any time you are actually using the jack.

The jacks are tools, and tools should ALWAYS be respected both in care and in caution. Never get under a vehicle that is supported by only a jack or two, never get under a vehicle that is not redundantly supported. Keep your jack clean and lubed. Don't be afraid to throw away a jack that looks like it's had too many hard seasons... if it's shank is bent and the locking pawls are chewed up and won't slide anymore.. either rebuild it or chuck it, your health is worth more than the $60 a jack is gonna cost.

The jacks are also a necessity of serious 4 wheeling, which is an inherently dangerous sport.

But what's more dangerous? To go out and live, and possibly die? Or to sit at home and probably never live?