Collar for Hydraulic Ram

[Chris Iriarte]

I used to have a pair of Alpha Aviation low wing jacks that used a metal collar around the exposed piston shaft to lock it in position once the plane was up.

Now I have an engine hoist I use to lift the short-wing and it doesn't seem to hold pressure/position and thought the easiest fix would be to put one of these collars on it. Does anyone know where I could find this?

Chris

[Steve Pierce]

I had to replace t G e ram. Hagnt seen the collar you mention.

[Chris Iriarte]

I thought of doing that, but I hate the thought of chucking this ram just to have the next one leak down too. It pumps great but I can't tell if it's leaking past the piston, the check valve or the release valve. Sure would be easier just to clamp it in place, but I can't seem to find anything on-line and I'm sure Alpha Aviation (that aircraft jack company) makes them in-house.

Chris

[Steve Pierce]

Irritates me that we can't rebuild these things with new o'rings and top off the fluid.

[Jim]

Hi,

Could you split a piece of plastic or... pipe and hose clamp it around the ram? Several different lengths would probably keep you happy.

[Chris Iriarte]

The price we pay for using cheap Harbor Freight stuff.

Irritates me that we can't rebuild these things with new o'rings and top off the fluid.

[Chris Iriarte]

I thought of that, but the angle between the piston shaft and the arm would always be different so I don't know how reliable that would be. Maybe worth another look.

Chris

Hi,

Could you split a piece of plastic or... pipe and hose clamp it around the ram? Several different lengths would probably keep you happy.

[Chris Iriarte]

FYI, I just got a response from Alpha Aviation (jack manufacturer). Their locking collars are 1-1/4" in diameter (I'm assuming the contact meant ID) and are $10 ea. plus shipping. Keeping my fingers crossed that the shaft on my engine hoist is the same diameter!

Chris

P.S. Just spoke with Don McDonald from Alpha Aviation ... I thought they made their own collars but he tells me they're readily available from McMaster-Carr or Grainger in various sizes. He recommends doubling up with an engine hoist due to the moment arm.

[Texascolt]

I have used a HF hoist that was modified by removing the ram entirely, and in its place was an outer and inner steel tube with holes drilled and a pin for various boom heights. The top of the lifting boom was modified with brackets and pulleys and the lifting was done with a boat trailer winch. It was a winter day welding project for his son. Worked a lot better than my unmolested HF hoist that bleeds down slowly. When mine becomes unusable I'll modify it like my buddies.

[jay heil]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Climax-1-...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds