Disposal of old trolley jack

[raybarrow]

Hi Folks,
I have a tolley jack to dispose of from the days when I worked on my car(s). Hasn't been used for 20+ years. Found it in the garage as part of the downsizing. I haven't tried it yet to see if it even works. I could Freegle it but I'm concerned about the hydaulic fluid (HF) etc as to wether it's a safe thing to do. Does HF lose it's potentancy? I realise that it up to the recipient to use it safely but I could see a serious accident here if it isn't checked/serviced etc. The fact that it may go up and down without the weight of a car means nothing in view of it's lying in the garage all this time.
Any suggestions that don't cost me money or worse?
Ray.

[Dicky99]

Hi Folks,
I have a tolley jack to dispose of from the days when I worked on my car(s). Hasn't been used for 20+ years. Found it in the garage as part of the downsizing. I haven't tried it yet to see if it even works. I could Freegle it but I'm concerned about the hydaulic fluid (HF) etc as to wether it's a safe thing to do. Does HF lose it's potentancy? I realise that it up to the recipient to use it safely but I could see a serious accident here if it isn't checked/serviced etc. The fact that it may go up and down without the weight of a car means nothing in view of it's lying in the garage all this time. No
Any suggestions that don't cost me money or worse?
Ray.

Short of destroying it however you dispose of it will rely on someone using it responsibly. You could take it down the dump and it still end up being rescued and used. But since you're responsible and concerned and want peace of mind how about lifting a corner of your car well off the ground for 24 hours and measure the height at the start and end. Then you can give it away tested and working.

[BellaHubby]

I share your concern at passing on something which is potentially dangerous.

How about a local repair shop? They should have the skills and processes to ensure that equipment is safe. Maybe not the "good home" you would like but better than just junking it

bh

[jaizan]

You're supposed to use something in addition to a trolley jack before crawling under a car. Such as axle stands. I always do.

I think you're safe enough selling it sold as seen.

[Urbandreamer]

Just to correct a few misconceptions.

NEVER rely upon any hydraulic jack if you can avoid it. EVER.

The instructions are always to use them to lift and then to use axle stands for safety.
https://www.safetycompany.com/safetyblo ... ulic-jack/

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it's still worth mentioning that you should never walk or crawl under a hydraulic jack while it's supporting a load.

The same link would suggest changing the oil, given it's age.

[bungeejumper]

1) Arguments pro and con. https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/p ... 81fff7b0e7

2) Angle grinder. Tip. Sleep easy.

BJ

[Gerry557]

Give it away with full disclosure, age, change of fluid etc

You have done your bit. Test idea also useful even if its to prove it works before passing on.

It's free after all.

[88V8]

I have a trolley jack to dispose of from the days when I worked on my car(s).

I would not hesitate to sell it or give it away 'as seen'.
The safety of any lifting equipment depends on the intelligence of the user.... and as said, a trolley jack or any hydraulic jack, even when new is only good for lifting stuff and not for keeping it suspended.

I have two trolleys, both well over 20 yo, and still in use.

V8

[raybarrow]

Thanks folks,
Rather than risk the car on it, perhaps I'll get Mrs B to stand on for an hour or so - only joking!
I would have used axle stands rather than relying on the trolley jack, but it's so tempting with 'liitle' jobs to just use the jack.
I'll clean it up and givie it a go. Then as said, full disclosure as to its condition.
Thanks again,
Ray.

[Watis]

Just to correct a few misconceptions.

NEVER rely upon any hydraulic jack if you can avoid it. EVER.

The instructions are always to use them to lift and then to use axle stands for safety.
https://www.safetycompany.com/safetyblo ... ulic-jack/

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it's still worth mentioning that you should never walk or crawl under a hydraulic jack while it's supporting a load.

The same link would suggest changing the oil, given it's age.

And the seals, if they are still available?

Watis

[pochisoldi]

Drain the oil into a container, and dispose of at your local tip as engine oil.
Put a tag on it saying "oil drained, requires replacement".
Pass the jack on whoever wants it, making it clear that they will have to fill it with oil.
Anyone who doesn't have the required level of competence will be scared off by the lack of oil.
Anyone who is competent enough to know how to top up with oil, will also be competent enough to test it, and use it properly (i.e. use it to lift a vehicle onto axle stands etc)

If you can't give it away, loosen the drain plug (so it isn't sealed) and throw it in the metal recycling skip at the local tip.