Whats the best accessory you’ve gotten for your shop this winter?
Did you buy it direct from the manufacturer, did you buy it online?
How did you hear about it?
It’s not often I run into something that warrants a “just go get it” message for review – but there ya go – this is one. If you have a Handy Lift or a Direct Lift call JIMS now and order one of their Lift Caddy’s – just do it.
OK, with that out of the way let me tell you a little bit about why I think this bolt-on beauty is a winner. Every shop I know has at least one, if not multiple lifts. I am going to go out on a limb here and assume you know what I am describing.
Just about everyone I know owns a lift and I clearly remember the day 16yrs ago when mine was delivered FOB to my home, it was a great day and I still love my big gray tool just as much as that first day. With all that said there have always been two things that I wanted to change up on my lift: the first was finding an alternative to the “up-down” pedal and the second was finding a way to move the lift around once a bike was on it, or the table was raised.
Well in one fell swoop Chucky and I went at it and made the changes I’ve pined for and part of the mission was installing a new product from JIMS, the Lift Caddy. It took me more time to sweep up the shipping box’s spilled packing off the floor than it did to install the JIMS unit on my personal Handy lift, it is just that easy.
Once installed, with the lift raised, and a bike on it, you can push the lift around easily on a smooth concrete floor (be safe, be careful, follow instructions: insert dumb behavior disclaimer here) . It’s great to use, it’s easy to install, and you can’t help but think to yourself…I should have invented this. Daddio, my partner in crime got one of these units, he installed it on his older Handy lift and was immediately smiling ear to ear. Good job JIMS, this is one sturdy, smart, well designed unit – thanks!
So, you know by this time that I can’t leave anything alone. I have wanted to ditch the pedal on my lift after allowing it to roll over the hose once (locking the lift in mid air) due to the fact that 1) I wasn’t paying attention and 2) the pedal had slid on my floor. Chucky using his mad plumbing skills and me using my noggin came up with an alternative using plumbing nipples, some black pipe, a ball valve and a male air chuck fitting. This setup allows me to ditch my pedal and have my air connection on the lift and not the floor. Now this modification is not sanctioned by any sane manufacturer, but as an adult, it is something I take full responsibility for in my own shop.
Two upgrades to one of my best and most oft used tools, thank JIMS, thanks Chucky!
Images & Words Stephen Berner
