Everyone knows that a Hi-Lift or similar jack is a must when it comes to being prepared. One thing that's often overlooked is keeping the jack clean and dry. It also needs to be properly greased so it functions properly in the worst situations. If the jack gets rusty or dirty, the locking pin mechanism will bind and it won't work. Not a good thing if your tires dug to China and you need to get un-stuck. A similar situation has actually happened to us, which proves these jacks need protection.
Fortunately, Polymer Products have come out with a rugged plastic case for the Hi-Lift jack called Jack Guard. This durable case will house the jack and protect it from nature's elements. The Jack Guard case has many features that make it a better choice compared to the vinyl cover. The jack guard case will never let your jack get rusty since it offers a watertight seal four your jack. It also keeps the jack mechanism free from dirt and mud. Features:
The case is blow-molded of H.D.P.E. which, is a very durable plastic. The handle is large enough for heavy gloves and will actually balances the jack when carried. There's room inside for extra gloves, rags, etc. The end panel flips down which has a recess to snap in pliers and an adjustable wrench (tools can also be ordered as an option). This hard case makes storing the jack inside you new 4x4 ideal since there is no risk of getting grease on the new carpet. Also available are stainless steel mounting brackets. Unlike the vinyl cover, this hard plastic case will offer better protection for the jack. What we really liked is it covered the entire length of our 60" jack where the vinyl cover only covered 48" of the jack since it's a "one size fits all" cover. Polymer Products also makes a case designed for the 48" jack. With the added storage for gloves and misc. items and locking capabilities, this case is a must have for the Hi-Lift jack. Installation: The installation is simple and straightforward. The extended end of the case is installed to fit the 60" jack. The case can then be mounted either inside or outside of the vehicle. Jack Guard may be mounted in any angle however; it's recommended that it be horizontal. The case should be mounted on a secure flat structure, which our swing out tire carrier offered a good mounting point. Luckily, our spare tire mount was being modified so we were able to mount the jack case behind the tire. The straps are used as templates. Some additional metal for the mounts was needed for our application. The strap on the right side should be a slip fit. This will allow the case to be removed with out removal of the right side strap. The strap should be located near the square standoff. The left side strap is the quick release with locking abilities. After the Jack Guard is installed, the jack can be inserted in the case without removing the Jack Guard case. Another way to put the jack in the case is to remove the case from the mounting straps and install it over a standing jack. After the jack is inside the case, a pin is inserted through a hole. This ensures that the jack will always stay inside the case until the pin is removed.
Conclusion: The Jack Guard case is a great addition to the Hi-Lift jack. It's almost a necessity to have if you want to keep your jack in good working condition. With the features such as storage, tools, lockable, watertight, dirt/mud protection and full enclosure on longer jacks, the Jack Guard is a great buy. Questions or Comments about this
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