Tool Review: Bar’s Leak Jack Oil with Stop Leak HJ-12

Sept. 8, 2021
Reviewed by Lou Fort, lead technician, K.A.R.S. Inc., Huntingburg, Indiana

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this product for?  

A: I put the Bar’s Leak HJ-12 into three different problematic jacks. The first was our transmission jack — this one liked to mark it’s territory every time it was used. The transmission jack no longer does this. The second jack was a very, very, very old 50 ton heavy truck jack that just plain leaks all the time. The HJ-12 did not completely cure this one, it did stop the perpetual leak though. Now this jack only leaks when pumping. That is a better result than expected, as I said this is a very old jack that honestly needs a rebuilt or to be replaced. The last jack I used it in had a stuttering problem, both up and down as it were. The Bar’s Leak has cured it’s stutters, sticky pump pistons, so I am quite pleased with the HJ-12. 

Q: How did the product function as far as saving you time? 

A: This product really isn’t designed as a time saving tool. On the other hand using it should stop having to constantly check and fill your jacks. That in itself could save you quite a bit of time. 

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product? 

A: Set up for proper use here is to clean around the jack’s fill port and remove it. No “shake well” required with the HJ-12. 

Q: How was its packaging?  

A: The product itself is just a bottle with a stepped cap. You cut the tip off so it fits into the jack’s fill port. There is a sleeve over the neck of the bottle with useful information. I was sent a display pack that would sit on a shelf. This display container is perforated to allow easy removal of the product. 

Q: Was there a manual included?  

A: No manual; just usage instructions on the bottle.  

Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?   

A: Yes, with very different results. The jack leak stop I have used in the past was thick as molasses. Using it made the jack frustrating to use, especially in cold weather. I was so disappointed I ended up flushing it all out and living with the drips. The HJ-12 has really slowed the leak and perhaps improved the overall performance of this jack. 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to the tool? 

A: How about an extended/flexible spout to make it easier and less messy to get into the jack’s fill port. 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why? 

A: I give the HJ-12 a 10 for sure! Even though it didn’t completely cure our 50 ton it sure made an improvement. I would much rather spend a few bucks refilling this jack than a thousand or so replacing it.  

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