Craftsman cycle jack

[Billy56]

I just bought a used jack and didn't try it out before buying it.  Once I jacked it all the way up I couldn't get it the shaft to go back into the jack base.  I had to open the screw and drain the fluid in order for the jack to release. Has anyone else had this problem and can it be fixed?  This is one that Sears sells for about $90.

Thanks
Bill

[Fxstchewy]

I have one and no issues, you have to open the bleed screw at the bottom about 1 turn to get it to go back down but i have never drained anything out of one  , how you going to get the fluid back in?

[Billy56]

I guess I'll do it as though I was just adding fluid to it, when a jack starts to become weak and it requires more fluid.  I might take the jack off the lift and lay it on it's back and start the slow process of adding fluid to it. I can't think of any other way. 

[fuzznut5197]

Here is some info on bottle-type jacks:

http://www.hyjacks.com/H7.HTM

[PaJoe]

I am on my second Craftsman jack, the first worked about one year and the cylinder started to give me trouble, I thought about ordering a replacement cylinder from the Harbor Freight jack because SEARS does not sell replacement parts for their jack. If it is new and giving you trouble already, I would recommend taking it back and exchanging it while you still can, else you will be stuck with repairing it.

[Panzer]

Word of caution..........
fill the jack with the unit in the down position.
If you don't, the oil will have nowhere to go when coming down and may just stay up.
Might just be the problem, not sure.

[harpo1313]

good link fuzznut,thanks

[ST40]

Had an ex-friend that had a bargain priced bottle jack on a home-made cycle lift fail.  Damned near cut his hand off when his wifes bike crashed to the floor.  After a lot of court costs by him and another friend that built it, a settlement was reached. He's older and hopefully wiser, but not noticably richer.  Still has his hand.   Guess not all bargains turn out so well.  Might pay to buy quality tools in some cases.       Marty                               PS:  His wife left him.  All that maintenance for nothing!

[mackdog]

Thanks Fuzznuts, lotsa info there, previously unknown. I bought a Larin about 6 years ago and last summer it wouldn't stay in the pumped up position with the bike on it. It gets used maybe a half dozen times a year.  Using the lock emergency  lever takes care of that but it shouldn't lose pressure with weight, I wouldn't think.  Never has leaked any fluid so I wouldn't think adding some would do any good.  Servicable problem or try to get a new bottle.  Any hints? THX  MD