Tool Review: OTC 3-Ton Service Jack and 3-Ton Geared Jack Stand Set
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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: The OTC jack stands have a neat feature I haven't seen before that allows you to raise or lower the adjustable support arm fork with an extendable handle. The handle extends to over 4 ', allowing you to make your adjustment from a safer location.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability?
A: Having access to an additional floor jack and its matching jack stands offers an additional working bay for more vehicles to be serviced. This combination was a great fit for our current setup in the shop.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: No setup was required other than opening the packaging. The hydraulic jack came full of oil and ready for use.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: The hydraulic jack was very easy to use and similar to other jacks on the market. The geared jack stands were handy because they could be placed in a hard-to-access area under a vehicle while remaining in a safer location.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: Both products came in typical cardboard boxes. The jack stand came with an adjustable handle.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was it easy to understand?
A: Both products came with a manual that was easy to read and understand.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The hydraulic jack rolls very smoothly and pumps up quickly. Being that it is a 3-ton jack, its lifting capacity is higher than other jacks we have in the shop.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: The adjustable handle that comes with the jack stands is a little cumbersome to insert into the gearbox of the jack stand. Once you get it in the right spot, it locks in and becomes easy to use. Having some type of indicator on the mechanism that would aid in aligning the handle to the gear would be helpful.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: Any time I needed to jack a car up with a floor jack, I used these tools. They provide a quick, reliable option when our standard hoist was occupied.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you've used like it?
A: Yes, floor jacks are very common in every repair shop. The quick lifting ability of the jack was very nice to get the pad to the vehicle frame with just a few pumps. On the jack stands, the remote adjustment feature was very handy. The jack stands are also a slimmer footprint, allowing for more space when working under the vehicle.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: An 8. I love the idea of the extendable handle on the jack stands; however, the mechanism could be designed better to allow easier insertion of the tool end.
The OTC 3-Ton Geared Jack Stand (Pair), No. S03G, is designed to help technicians stay a safe distance from a lifted vehicle, while being able to safely position a locking stand for support. The handle features three individual locking sections, extending range 19" to 50" in length to reach under lifted vehicles for safe placement and support of the geared jack stand. Collapses to fit in toolbox drawers or for easy storage next to jack stands. A self-locking geared ratchet handle cannot be released under load and features a wide range of locking heights and adjusting positions to provide a universal stand for most vehicles.
About the Author
Brian Culotta
Brian Culotta is a graduate of the Universal Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, he started working for an independent car dealership as a lead technician for seven years. He then moved to a new job at an independent repair shop where he stayed for three years. He now works at Dave's Auto Care in Willoughby, Ohio, as the shop foreman and ASE Master L1, L3 technician.