Scissors type stabilizers hard to crank

[Barham56]

I have a very hard time searching for things in this forum, so I will just ask an old question I'm sure. My scissors type stabilizers are very hard to crank. I have tried lubing them without much change. I think they need a good cleaning first and then proper lubrication. I would appreciate advice on a good way to clean the screw shaft and the best way to keep them lubed.


Thanks!

[Marcm157]

I clean the screw shaft with automotive Brake Cleaner and I re lubricate with a Dry Lube spray by PB Blaster.

[SmokerBill]

I lubed the screws on my scissor jacks once and they wouldn't stay in position. Once the trailer weight was on them a couple of the jacks just spun back down on their own and loosened up. Had to throw some dust on the screws to bind them up a little.

Do your jacks look bent or twisted in any way?

To clean them, I'd just use a power washer or take it to the car wash and blast them clean.

[Jagiven]

Have you noticed any wear of the powder finish off the jack stands? Thought they might be bent.

Only thing I ever have lubed mine with is Tri-Flow, which is an expensive Teflon based dry lubricant. I would not recommend any wet lube, like a spray grease or oil. These products will collect dirt/sand and cause all kinds of issues.

Might try a spray silicon or WD40, and crank the jacks in and out as you apply the spray. While wet, it could help work out whatever might be in the threads causing the binding.

[Barham56]

Thanks! I am definitely going to go with a dry lube once I get them clean.

[Barham56]

You are correct. I meant to click on Class C, which is what I have.

[Murff]

Don't us WD40! It also attracts dirt!

Murff

[THE MEEKER]

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

I lubed the screws on my scissor jacks once and they wouldn't stay in position. Once the trailer weight was on them a couple of the jacks just spun back down on their own and loosened up. Had to throw some dust on the screws to bind them up a little.

Do your jacks look bent or twisted in any way?

To clean them, I'd just use a power washer or take it to the car wash and blast them clean.

Try these - Scissor Jack Stabilizer Lock | RV Scissor Jack Nut Lock.

https://www.amazon.com/Sizzer-Jack-L.../dp/B083C2YZNG

"Works like a charm!"

[TaftCoach]

Originally Posted by THE MEEKER

Try these - Scissor Jack Stabilizer Lock | RV Scissor Jack Nut Lock.

https://www.amazon.com/Sizzer-Jack-L.../dp/B083C2YZNG

"Works like a charm!"

Thank you. I hadn't seen those before.

[bucko]

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

...

Do your jacks look bent or twisted in any way?...

This is what I'm thinking also. I noticed when using these types of stabilizers on my Jayco featherlite 16, movement inside the camper made it sway back and forth, and I figured it was going to tweak the screw style stabilizers. However, they did crank up and down without too much effort. I always brought the Dewalt battery operated impact and socket with me to make that chore easier. I also ended up buying an additional stabilizer for the front. That helped alot to keep the swaying to a minimum.

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by bucko

This is what I'm thinking also. I noticed when using these types of stabilizers on my Jayco featherlite 16, movement inside the camper made it sway back and forth, and I figured it was going to tweak the screw style stabilizers. However, they did crank up and down without too much effort. I always brought the Dewalt battery operated impact and socket with me to make that chore easier. I also ended up buying an additional stabilizer for the front. That helped alot to keep the swaying to a minimum.

I never understood why people use an impact gun for this. An electric drill yes but why the impact?

[Grumpaw374]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

I never understood why people use an impact gun for this. An electric drill yes but why the impact?

I carry and use a Lowes Kobalt HD battery impact gun, and am very careful when using it on the jacks...
Why the impact...well it just so happens that the jack nuts, the lug nuts on my Ford pick up, and the lug nuts on the Jayco are all the same, so I'm covered if I have to change a tire...one tool fits all.

[Barham56]

Clever! If i ever get mine turning easy enough that they turn on their own, I will get those!

[bucko]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

I never understood why people use an impact gun for this. An electric drill yes but why the impact?

Because I have two of them, so one in the camper will not be missed.

[Markomyt1]

Look at where the scissors come together... They mesh together like gears.
They will not move very well if they are bent.

I use a crescent wrench to slide over the metal and gently bend into alignment.

Worth a shot!