DIY pneumatic jack drawings

Before you get to work and make a pneumatic jack with your own hands, you should know more about such an auxiliary tool.

Drawing of a homemade pneumatic jack.

An inflatable jack is the most basic option of all analogues. The convenience of such a tool is that it is unpretentious to use; it does not require a flat surface. Having such a jack in the trunk and getting into a marshy, loose area, you can not be afraid to use it. In addition, with the help of it you can not only replace a problem wheel, but also get out of the mud. When working with it, no special physical effort is required, which is why it is even used in rigging work.

Working principle of pneumatic lift

Diagram of a pneumatic cylinder.

The main working element of this jack is a rubberized cushion. It is made from a special durable material so that the unit can withstand loads within 4-5 tons.

To operate such a tool, it is placed under the bottom of the car and connected to a pump or other air source, such as a compressor or a compressed gas cylinder. There are models that are especially popular, since their work can be carried out, you just need to connect such a jack to the exhaust gases of the car. There is no need for them to acquire additional equipment. Such designs are called air jacks or pneumatic jacks.

For such a device, a hose is enough to connect the exhaust pipe and the jack itself, and then turn on the engine. Literally 2 minutes are enough for the tool to do its job. In this version of the device there are no complex mechanisms that operate using pneumatics.

Technical characteristics of pneumatic jacks

There are three main points by which such a device is assessed:

Load capacity. For the tool to be safe to use, this figure must exceed the weight of the vehicle itself. If the car is a passenger car, then the load capacity should be 1.5-2 tons, and if the car is of the Gazelle type - 2.5-3 tons.
Pickup height. You should pay special attention to this parameter if the car has low ground clearance. You should also be interested in this point if the car often gets stuck in the mud. It is best if this characteristic is within 10 cm.
Lifting height. For pneumatic models, this figure does not exceed 50 cm. But in fact, this is enough to cope with changing wheels. If you use a jack, which is used for rigging work, and it, in turn, is connected to compressors, then this characteristic will be greater - up to 70 cm.

In any case, when choosing a jack, you should focus on your personal car and the conditions in which it is most often found.

Electric jack VARTA V-CJ2.11W

Long searches in stores and on the Internet were a little disappointing: there are only a few models on sale.
We found two electrically driven rhombic mechanisms and two pneumatic lifts, powered either by an electric compressor or by exhaust gases. In any case, they all live up to the title and save the owner’s energy, requiring in return only some mental effort. What we liked the most was the electric jack. Pneumatic ones lost in the “Safety” and “Ease of Use” categories, as well as in price. However, they are well suited for changing wheels off-road. Electric jack VARTA V-CJ2.11W

Designed for vehicles weighing up to 2 tons,

lifting height 180–400 mm,

impact wrench torque 380 Nm

Approximate price - 3500 rubles.

In fact, a whole set of tools for changing wheels: in a plastic box with convenient locks, in addition to the jack itself, there is also an electric impact wrench with an extension and 17, 19, 21 and 23 mm heads! The manufacturer also did not skimp on spare fuses and an adapter for connecting directly to the battery terminals. The cord is long enough to reach any of the wheels. The support platform was made from a bolt, cutting a groove in its head. The minimum height of the threshold of a car must be at least 160 mm (many cars cannot be raised this way). The bolt head is not covered with anything: it will definitely damage the paint on the threshold. With the engine not running, the jack works very loudly, but sluggishly. It seems that the motor is about to jam or burn out. The mechanism should be set almost level, otherwise it will turn inside out. The LED in the control panel will help you not to miss in the dark. If the jack suddenly breaks, it can be lowered using the included plastic lever, but this is a very slow process. The impact wrench more than exceeds the factory torque standards. You just have to wait for the eighth or tenth blow. Long, but effortless.

Electric jack Turbo Jack GB-A20

Choice of ZR

Nominal load capacity 2000 kg,

maximum - 3000 kg,

lifting height 120–350 mm

Approximate price - 2300 rubles.

How to make a jack with your own hands

For a homemade jack you will need the following elements:

an old truck cushion;
bolt of the appropriate diameter;
a ball that can be freely located in the bolt;
wheel bolt from Zhiguli;
chamber fitting;
drill.

The structure is assembled from these components. A bolt is screwed into the hole of the pillow, focusing on the existing thread. You should drill a hole in it in advance into which the chamber fitting will be inserted.

The role of the valve will be performed by a wheel bolt from a Zhiguli, in which a hole should be made. Now these elements need to be connected. But before this is done, a ball is placed in the existing outlet so that during operation it can close the hole, then air will not escape.

To use such a device, you will need a special pump. The jack is installed under the bottom of the car. In such a device you will need to use a small wooden block, which will rest against the machine. If desired, you can attach a trolley with wheels to the bottom part, then it will be a rolling jack.

There is one inconvenience of such a homemade device. The truck cushion is quite large. Therefore, if the car is low-slung, then it will have to be constantly raised in order to place a jack.

Self-production

You can make a pneumatic jack with your own hands in order to save a lot. For a homemade design you will need:

Truck pillow. It is into this element that air is pumped.
A bolt of a certain size that fits the hole in the cushion. Air will be transmitted through it
Wheel bolt from Zhiguli.
A ball located freely in a bolt. It will act as a valve that will prevent air from escaping from the pillow.
Chamber fitting and drill.

Do-it-yourself pneumatic car jacks are assembled as follows:

The cushion you choose must have a bolt hole.
In advance, a hole is created in the bolt into which a chamber fitting is inserted.
A wheel bolt is used as a valve.

All elements are connected to each other. It is worth considering that you can only make a jack from an air spring with your own hands if you have a special pump. A similar device should be used when placing a wooden block under the body of a vehicle. If desired, you can attach a special trolley to the structure, which can simplify the work.

The disadvantage of the homemade mechanism is the rather large size of the used truck cushion. That is why such a jack cannot be called mobile; it takes up a lot of space in the luggage compartment. Also, the homemade version is not suitable for cars with low ground clearance.

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Do you have a garage and are you wondering about assembling a pneumatic jack yourself? It is absolutely possible to do this, and we will not use complex tools and structures. Why a pneumatic jack? It’s simply the most affordable. This is the most convenient option in the garage. In addition, on the road, a pneumatic jack will come in handy. The only negative is that it is difficult to find in stores, and if you do find it, you can only buy it at a high price. But not many people know that this device can be made on your own, and for much less money.

Lifting Strength: Key Points

Table of characteristics of jacks.

There are several options for how a jack can lift a car:

Pneumatics. In this option, the load is lifted using the power of compressed air. Such models operate both from the equipment and from the vehicle exhaust gases themselves. Air enters the chamber, and it, in turn, begins to increase in volume, due to which the transport rises. The convenience of using such models is that no special effort is required, and if you have a compressor, the process takes only a few seconds.
Mechanical. To use this analogue, you need to make twisting movements with the handle or use another similar method. Such jacks are quite affordable and also have small dimensions.
Hydraulic. The principle is similar to the previous option, the only difference is that in this case less effort will be expended. This is due to the fact that the device has a liquid in its design, which ensures that the plunger with a load is pushed out due to the pressure generated. This option has a long service life.
Mechanical with electric drive. In this option, electricity does all the work for a person. The conveniences here are undeniable, but only as long as there is food. As soon as the lights are turned off, you will have to work in the same way as ordinary mechanical ones, the only difference being that more effort will be required.

Depending on the scope of application of the jack, the required model is selected.

Despite the fact that a pneumatic jack is the easiest to use, there are also some nuances in its use. To avoid the tool flying out from under the machine, it should be stowed correctly. Therefore, before using a new device, it is better to empty it once, after which it deflates and folds properly on its own. During the work process, it would be useful to cover the surface of the floor and jack with some kind of rugs. This will protect the instrument from damage.

Overview of species

Currently, there are portable, mobile and stationary jacks; they all differ in design, operating principle and dimensions. Let's consider what varieties exist and in what area of application they will be especially effective.

By type of design

There are several types of lifting devices, which differ in design configuration:

screw;

rolling;

rack and pinion

By control method

Lifting mechanisms also differ in the type of drive they use. The following types of drives exist:

Mechanical jack - the load is lifted by using a foot or hand lever.

Pneumatic lifting mechanism. It requires a source of compressed air to function. In one case this brings discomfort, in the second it guarantees lifting the load to the set height with the least effort.

Hydraulic jack – lifts the load using the pressure of the working fluid and does not require much effort to lift the load.

Electric jack – to bring it into working condition, access to the electrical network is required, which limits the use on the road to the capacitive parameters of the battery.

Design features of a pneumatic jack

The pneumatic inflatable jack has a convenient and lightweight design, with which you can replace a wheel or carry out repair work on a vehicle. The design of the device consists of the following parts:

support screw;
lever;
air duct;
The base of the mechanism is made of durable polymer material.

Using a pneumatic jack, service stations and auto repair shops lift cars with minimal ground clearance in order to carry out repair work. This design is also often used for emergency work and to get out of snowy off-road conditions, sand or swampy ground.

Many experienced motorists recommend giving preference to rolling pneumatic jacks, which are represented by a cushion on a stable platform. To make this lift easy to move, small wheels are attached to it. The pneumatic installation supplies air, due to which the machine will gradually rise.

Hydraulic jack

These jacks are capable of lifting large loads, which is an important aspect when working with heavy vehicles. They are mainly used at service stations. Since this model is the most common, we will start with it today.

Before all work, to make a jack with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the drawings. After studying the theoretical material, prepare everything you need for further work. Namely welding, hacksaw, grinder, steel.

Jacks that operate using liquid come in several types.

Standard, bottle-type, rolling (purchased in a specialized store, or made by hand, most often used among professional mechanics at service stations), hook-on, diamond-shaped, hybrid.

There are many photographs of homemade jacks on the Internet. You can familiarize yourself with them.

The first step is to create a support zone, or in other words, a jack platform. A metal profile measuring 5 by 5 cm is suitable.

Next, we cut 4 pieces 30 cm long from the metal pipe. We lay them side by side and weld the bottom and top.

The next step is making the racks and stops. Cut 2 pieces from the metal pipe. Their length is easily calculated and is based on the possible stroke of the rod.

The jack stop is also made of metal. Its length must match the width of the platform for supporting the mechanism. We weld the stop with the posts.

It is necessary to weld a structure in the shape of the letter P to the bottom of the jack. The jack stop, which is removed, must move along the guides and also transfer pressure to the part that is being processed.

All this can be made from steel strips. Everything is connected using a welding machine. When you install the block on the frame of the press using a jack with your own hands, you need to select 2 bolts, washers and nuts for them.

The main characteristics of a pneumatic jack that you should pay attention to when choosing

There are a number of specific features that you need to look for when purchasing an air cushion jack. These usually include load capacity, article number, pick-up height, hose length, presence of spikes and structural stability. The lifting capacity of a car pneumatic jack must necessarily be several times the weight of the vehicle. For passenger cars, it is advisable to give preference to a hydraulic design with a load capacity of at least 2 tons.

If the car has low ground clearance, is very stuck in the snow or in a sewer manhole, then using small indicators of this parameter you can easily lift the car. Experienced motorists advise buying devices with a pick-up height of up to 100 mm.

Pneumatic jack design

In addition to the main characteristics that you should pay attention to when purchasing an air spring, there are several parameters that have practically no significance:

working stroke;
pressure gauge;
availability of mats included;
mechanism color.

As for the lifting height, for most lift models this parameter reaches 500 mm, and this value is quite enough to lift a vehicle in order to replace a broken wheel.

How to choose a quality tool: comparison of manufacturers and models

The main advantage of the drawing of any model of inflatable lift is that it can be used to lift even a vehicle that has minimal ground clearance. When using such a tool, you do not need to make any special efforts, since it is inflated exclusively by exhaust gases.

Popular models of rolling jacks include SOROKIN 3.693, which is equipped with a splitter. As a result, the tool can even be used to repair vehicles with two exhaust pipes. The advantages of this design include a pick-up height of 50 mm, a load capacity of 3 tons, and a lifting height of 640 mm. The disadvantage of the SOROKIN inflatable jack is the high cost and poor quality of the rubber mat.

The most successful models

Trade enterprises offer a huge number of different models of electrified car lifts. They amaze with their functionality and versatility. The choice is very difficult. Many people try their hand at making an electric jack with their own hands, to suit their personal requirements. But we can give as an example a couple of samples that will not amaze with unusual properties, but are quite typical for this segment and will satisfy the widest needs of car enthusiasts.

The model of the electro-hydraulic jack 12 volts, with a wrench, in the case Sorokin 3. 562 is a balanced multi-purpose device, equipped with additional accessories. It is suitable even for SUV owners, since the load capacity of this model has been increased to three tons. In addition to its usual purpose, it can be used as a compressor or flashlight. The possibility of unscrewing nuts from other objects is indicated by the name itself. It is powered universally, both from its own battery and from the car’s generator. This sample has all the positive qualities of instruments of this type.

Another representative of electric jacks that enjoys the trust of consumers is the Turbo Jack GB - A20 model. This model is also not deprived of advantages in the form of load capacity like the previous model, as well as a pickup level reduced to 110 millimeters.

Car enthusiasts appreciate this modification for its high-quality manufacturing and performance on any surface. This jack is distinguished by a reduced noise level.

Every year the number of cars on the roads of our country increases. The number of drivers who prefer modern and functional electric devices is also growing. Manufacturers are bringing new models of devices to the market in the fight for the love and wallets of motorists.

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How the device works

The operating principle of the air lift is a kind of inflatable cushion that is installed under the vehicle body. The deflated structure is installed under the car before starting tire fitting, and it must be placed on the side of the wheel that needs to be replaced.

The hoses leading to the pneumatic tool are hermetically connected to the exhaust pipe, and the exhaust gases fill the chamber of the device, the volume of which gradually increases, due to which the body of the machine rises.

After the air bag is filled to the required volume, the air flow into it ends. It takes 2-3 minutes to reach the working condition of the lift chamber, and the lifting height of the car can be adjusted using the volume of the cylinder, which was filled with air.

How to make a pneumatic jack with your own hands

In order to save money, a pneumatic-hydraulic jack from the exhaust pipe can be made at home from an air spring. To do this, you must first prepare the tools and materials:

an air spring for a jack from a truck, into which air will be pumped;
a bolt of the required size, suitable for the hole in the cushion (air will be supplied through it), as well as a wheel bolt from a Zhiguli;
a ball that prevents air leakage from the structure, a drill and a chamber fitting.

The chosen pad must have a hole in it so that a bolt can be inserted into it. A hole must first be created in the bolt to install the chamber fitting, and the role of the valve will be played by the wheel bolt. After which all the parts need to be connected to each other, taking into account the fact that a homemade car pneumatic jack can only be inflated with a special pump.

Before starting repair work using a homemade rolling device, you need to place a wooden block under the car body.

DIY pneumatic jack repair

The first and most common reason why a jack may not hold the load well or become completely unusable is improper storage of the device. The whole point is that the instrument cannot be stored and transported in an inflated and horizontal position, since a hole may form in the body through which air will leak.

To avoid such an undesirable problem, the lift must be regularly inspected for corrosion, and the hydraulic system must be flushed.

When repairing a pneumatic jack at home, it is necessary to completely change the cuffs and seals. Experienced car enthusiasts do not recommend knocking on the doorsteps of car repair shops in search of original seals, because such searches will most likely not be crowned with success. This statement is due to the fact that the parameters of pneumatic jack seals differ in standard sizes, and they can be purchased at any store that specializes in selling components for automobile or tractor hydraulics. By following this recommendation, you can save a significant amount of money without having to put in too much effort.

After assembling and repairing the pneumatic car jack, you can begin using it again. But it is worth remembering that during use you must follow safety rules so as not to cause harm to yourself or the vehicle.

Car trips over any distance can be full of surprises – both pleasant and not so pleasant. Any motorist can deal with pleasant ones, but of course, you don’t want to encounter such car incidents as an unpleasant tire puncture, but, nevertheless, you often have to. In such cases, the car owner simply must have a spare wheel and a jack in the trunk - a simple device will allow you to replace a wheel in almost any conditions. Today we will talk about the pneumatic version of the jack, namely the air jack.

The reliability of the jack has been tested

Today is 2022 and the air jack has been working without problems for 4 years now. It had no breakdowns, leaks, etc. There are 8 cars at the car depot, including 2 minibuses. They regularly change tires there for winter and summer. It even happens that neighbors ask him for business, because it is more convenient and faster to work with him.

A jack is found in the trunk of almost every car enthusiast. A similar device is used for lifting various devices that are heavy. Recently, the pneumatic jack has become most widespread. This mechanism is characterized by high load capacity. Its high cost determines that many people think of making a pneumatic jack with their own hands. Let's take a closer look at the features of this device.

How does an air jack work?

The auto industry does not stand still, but is developing by leaps and bounds, and therefore, more and more often, instead of a conventional mechanical jack, motorists (especially women) prefer a pneumatic jack, which is an easy-to-use inflatable structure that is convenient for changing a wheel.

The principle of operation of a pneumatic jack is very simple - it is a kind of inflatable cushion, in a deflated state, installed under the bottom of the car during tire mounting on the side of the wheel being replaced (the location is the same as when using a mechanical manual jack). The hoses supplied with the air jack are connected as tightly as possible to the car exhaust pipe: the gases exhausted during engine operation fill the air jack chamber, which gradually lifts the car body (a compressed air cylinder or compressor can also be used as an air source). No physical effort - even a fragile girl can perform this procedure without outside help. After filling the air bag to the required volume, the air supply stops.

Section for skeptics

We anticipate the question of skeptics: will a regular car camera withstand the load? According to the laws of physics, the pressure inside a closed space will be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the chamber.

It is not difficult to calculate that each square centimeter of area will not have such a high load, so the rubber will definitely withstand it. The only danger can be from irregularities and nicks on the existing metal parts of the jack. They can damage the rubber mechanically. To prevent this from happening, before assembling all the components into a single mechanism, make sure that the metal surfaces that will come into contact with the rubber are well sanded and coated with lubricant.

Before using the jack, test it. First, fill the chamber as much as possible with air, creating a slight load on the stand. After this, the air should be released. If the test result is satisfactory, you can use a jack to lift the car.

We remind you that homemade jack designs have not undergone technical tests in laboratories, and no one can guarantee the quality of their work. Therefore, it is unsafe to be under a raised vehicle. Use the jack for simple maintenance such as wheel replacement or suspension repairs.

Advantages of an air jack

In order to switch from a conventional mechanical jack to its pneumatic version, you need convincing reasons, and there are plenty of them:

an automobile pneumatic jack does not require a perfectly flat platform: its streamlining and natural filling of uneven local terrain allows this device to be used in any field conditions - in swampy areas, on loose surfaces, in ruts, etc.;
a pneumatic jack can be used to change wheels on vehicles of any type: cars, trucks, special vehicles;
a powerful pneumatic jack can lift the car body to a height of over half a meter in a matter of minutes - the lifting height is easily adjusted due to the volume of the air-filled bag;
a conventional jack requires considerable physical strength during installation and lifting, and therefore women driving will certainly appreciate the comfortable opportunity to perform tire mounting using a lightweight and convenient pneumatic jack;
the need to replace a wheel does not limit the scope of application of a pneumatic jack - it can also be successfully used to pull a car out of deep mud, sand or snow drifts, in which a mechanical jack would simply sink without the necessary solid support;
The inflatable pneumatic jack is easy to inflate and deflate quickly – it takes up little space during storage and transportation.

One of the clear advantages of branded pneumatic jacks from well-known manufacturing brands is their reliability: a high-quality tool will not let you down on the road under any circumstances and will last for many years. The price of a pneumatic jack depends on the design, quality of materials used, power, chamber volume and the manufacturer’s branding - the cost of such a tool can vary from 2,000 to 20,000 rubles.

Tools and materials for a homemade jack

In order to make a jack, you must have the right tool. The first step is welding, since with its help the assembly will take place. It is desirable that it be a semi-automatic device with carbon dioxide. Then the seams will turn out much smoother and there will be no excess slag

Second, and no less important, is the grinder. It’s good if the assortment includes both small and large

With their help you will cut blanks from steel. You will also need a drill, because you will have to make more than one hole. To easily process iron parts, you definitely need an electric sharpener. It is key in the fitting process. In addition, it is advisable to have hand tools: files, needle files, whetstones, hammers, screwdrivers, rasps, levers with a set of taps, sledgehammers, vices, etc. The more devices you have at hand, the easier the manufacturing process will seem.

The more tools you have, the easier and better the jack will be.

A lathe is an excellent assistant in any business, but not everyone has one. In principle, you can do it without it, but if you have such a unit in your garage or workshop, it will work out much faster. After all, with the help of a milling unit it is easy to turn or process any part. For example, a bolt or rod. In general, your own machine will be very useful.

It's also worth talking about the material. You can buy it at the market or at a scrap metal collection point. The second option is much cheaper, since at scrap yards all the metal is rusty and broken. It is not suitable for use, but it is perfect as a donor. It is advisable, of course, to purchase more of everything. After all, depending on what kind of jack you want, you may need additional mechanisms or fasteners that you cannot make yourself. Therefore, be prepared to purchase some components from the market.

How to choose a pneumatic jack?

Due to their design and powerful lifting capacity, air inflatable jacks can be used for any type of vehicle: from a passenger car to a powerful SUV or heavy construction equipment. In addition to the air jack, it is also convenient to use a rolling hydraulic jack.

The criteria for choosing the best inflatable jack for a particular car are quite simple:

price category - pneumatic jacks have not been a new product on the automotive market for a long time, and therefore their cost is not something exorbitant: any car owner will find a quality option affordable for their budget;
The color range of air jacks is different - from standard black and gray to red, yellow, and orange, which are clearly visible in any road conditions;
only the use of high-quality rubberized materials, characterized by super strength and wear resistance, will allow the pneumatic jack to serve for a long time and reliably - cheap models with a thin chamber surface will quickly become unusable;
when choosing a tool, the lifting height of the car body is important, which can be guaranteed by a specific jack model - usually up to half a meter for tire mounting or up to 0.75 m for rigging work (when using a compressor unit);

When choosing an air jack for a specific car, you should make sure that the lifting capacity of the tool is significantly higher than the weight of the car: for a regular passenger car, the lifting capacity of an air jack should be about two tons; for minibuses, Gazelles and other light-duty vehicles, it is recommended to choose a jack with a higher lifting capacity (up to 3-5 -ty tons);
Another important selection criterion will be the ground clearance of the car - this value should be sufficient to accommodate the air jack in a deflated state;
For all-weather use, you should make sure that the air jack is designed to work in both hot conditions and winter frosts - in addition, such universal jacks are usually equipped with anti-slip pads that allow the tool to be used on snow and ice surfaces.

Remember that only a high-quality pneumatic jack will allow you to do the job quickly and comfortably and make it safe: durable materials are not afraid of cuts and punctures, the cameras are reliable, the hoses are sealed - such a tool will last a long time.

Recommendations and tips

The most important question remains. Is it even worth making the jack yourself? The answers to it may be different, however, after weighing all the nuances, you can come to a final conclusion. First, it’s worth understanding the cost. It is clear that no one will buy a tool for manufacturing, however, you will need material and some parts that will still have to be purchased. It is quite possible to buy a new factory jack for 5,000 rubles. The expenses for a homemade one will depend on what kind and type it is. So, making a hydraulic one will be the most expensive, but the pneumatic one discussed above is the cheapest.

In general, the cost of a jack is not so much that you have to rack your brains and make it yourself. If you don't care about it, then it's better not to bother with it and buy a new one at the store. But, if the process itself is interesting and you want to make something, then this is a great idea to test your skills. You might even be able to save 1-2 thousand rubles. That is, when there is a desire to do it, try, be smart and achieve results. But if the process of making a jack is not interesting to you, then it is better to postpone this matter.

The main thing to remember is safety measures. Any tool in inexperienced hands can cause serious injury. Also remember to wear safety glasses when working on metal and when welding to protect your eyes.