Chad thanks for the link to the jack basics. very interesting.
Those low profile jacks are great, there are times I wish I had one. For every day use in the shop/garage, I think a regular jack with 4 casters on it is a little more rugged and stable.
The low profile jacks are light and easy to throw into the trunk vs the rugged heavy steel ones.
I have one I bought back in 82, made in Japan. It is a 2 ton and has never let me down, but lately I have noticed it is getting tired.
I have a HF 2 1/2 ton POS Chinese jack that bleeds off, and is not all that old. works ok for lifting to get a stand under the car.
I have a Lincoln 5 ton long wheel base Jack I got from work that needs seals. It was over stressed one too many times. one of these days I need to get to it

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THEDON< Joe I thought you got rid of that Delorian.
Most of the jacks on the market are made in China, no matter who`s label is stuck on them. I was at NAPA the other day, and they are China.
Costco has a 2 1/2 or 3 ton, don`t remember which for $100.00, but the larger one.
Charlie