Auto Lift - Revision history

AlexN: /* Auto Lift Safety Guide */ took out old note about notifying manager about the key, reformatted some of the policy list and changed some verbage.

2026-03-18T18:09:58Z

Auto Lift Safety Guide: took out old note about notifying manager about the key, reformatted some of the policy list and changed some verbage.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:09, 18 March 2026
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	# '''Pack in, pack out.''' All shops have a pack-in pack-out policy, which means you need to make the space available for others to use when you are done for the day. This means vehicles must leave with you.		# '''Pack in, pack out.''' All shops have a pack-in pack-out policy, which means you need to make the space available for others to use when you are done for the day. This means vehicles must leave with you.
	#'''Reserve Time:''' Use the website to reserve time on the Auto Lift every time you use it. If your time runs over, make a new reservation. This is important so other members know whether the lift is occupied or available.		#'''Reserve Time:''' Use the website to reserve time on the Auto Lift every time you use it. If your time runs over, make a new reservation. This is important so other members know whether the lift is occupied or available.
	# '''If you get stuck:''' Sometimes a part breaks and you can’t get the vehicle home until the next day. If that happens, ~~first~~ send a message to the Manager ~~informing him of the situation~~ and how long it will be there.		# '''If you get stuck:''' Sometimes a part breaks and you can’t get the vehicle home until the next day.
			## If that happens, send a message to the General Manager explaining what happened and how long it will be there.
	## Try to get the vehicle off the lift and outside so the lift is available for other members.		## Try to get the vehicle off the lift and outside so the lift is available for other members.
	## If you can’t take it off the lift, stick a note on the dashboard with your name and when it will be removed.		## If you can’t take it off the lift, stick a note on the dashboard with your name and when it will be removed.
	# '''Project Parking''': For longer-term projects, you can rent a spot for $10/day for up to 2 weeks. Must be paid up front and planned ahead. Only one space available at a time.		# '''Project Parking''': For longer-term projects, you can rent a spot for $10/day for up to 2 weeks. Must be paid up front and planned ahead. Only one space available at a time.
	# '''Trash:''' Recycling bins in the Classroom and out by the fence. Metal scrap barrel outside the garage bays. Oily rags can for fire safety. If it doesn’t belong in any of those receptacles, take it with you and dispose of it yourself.		# '''Trash:'''
			## Recycling bins in the Classroom and out by the fence.
			## Metal scrap barrel outside the garage bays.
			## Oily rags go in the red metal can for fire safety.
			## If it doesn’t belong in any of those receptacles, take it with you and dispose of it yourself. Most towns host a Hazardous Waste Day annually to take odd chemicals that can't safely be disposed of otherwise.
	# '''Waste oil and fluids:''' Take your oil and other fluids with you.		# '''Waste oil and fluids:''' Take your oil and other fluids with you.
	## Oil can be taken back to the store you bought it from, Precision Auto around the corner, garages, etc		## Oil can be taken back to the store you bought it from, Precision Auto around the corner, garages, etc
	## Do not leave “extra” fluids as a courtesy to other members - they will likely not get used before they expire, turning into hazardous waste that the Makerspace then has to dispose of.		## Do not leave “extra” fluids as a courtesy to other members - they will likely not get used before they expire, turning into hazardous waste that the Makerspace then has to dispose of.
	# '''Leave the shop cleaner than you found it.''' ~~Sweep up any debris when you’re done, throw trash away, clean off tools that got greasy, clean~~ up oil spills with oil absorber.		# '''Leave the shop cleaner than you found it!'''
	# ~~'''Notify~~ the ~~manager~~ if ~~the lift key has been left in the panel or if the lift has been left on~~.~~''' It~~ is ~~a huge liability if the lift is not shut off~~ and ~~locked out~~.		## Clean up oil spills with oil absorber.
			## Clean off all tools and work surfaces.
			## Sweep the floor, mop if it's gross.
			## Throw out trash and recycling. If trash can is full, please replace with new bag and put full bag in trash bin outside.



	==Parts of the Lift==		==Parts of the Lift==

AlexN: adjusted the picture formatting. made the ones showing lift points thumbnail-sized instead of full-size, and centered them. Changed alignment for the photos of the parts of the lift to "none" which puts it on the left and within its section instead of on the right.

2026-03-18T18:04:11Z

adjusted the picture formatting. made the ones showing lift points thumbnail-sized instead of full-size, and centered them. Changed alignment for the photos of the parts of the lift to "none" which puts it on the left and within its section instead of on the right.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 18 March 2026
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	==Parts of the Lift==		==Parts of the Lift==
	[[File:Autolift-swingarms.jpg\|200px\|thumb]]		[[File:Autolift-swingarms.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|none\|The swing arm assembly]]
	[[File:Autolift-pads.jpg\|200px\|thumb]]		[[File:Autolift-pads.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|none\|The lifting pads on the swing arms]]
	[[File:Autolift-risers.jpg\|200px\|thumb]]		[[File:Autolift-risers.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|none\|Risers for the arms]]
	[[File:Autolift-locks.jpg\|200px\|thumb]]		[[File:Autolift-locks.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|none\|Lock mechanism on the swing arm assembly]]
	[[File:Autolift-motorandcontrols.jpg\|200px\|thumb]]		[[File:Autolift-motorandcontrols.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|none\|Motor and controls]]
	* The posts		* The posts
	* The hydraulic pistons		* The hydraulic pistons
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	* Adjust until properly centered.		* Adjust until properly centered.
	* '''Never''' lift an off-center vehicle! Take the time to do it right.		* '''Never''' lift an off-center vehicle! Take the time to do it right.
	[[File:Lift-align-left-right.jpg\|~~frame~~\|center\|A vehicle properly centered between the posts. Note the equal distance between each side of the vehicle and the yellow centering line. ]]		[[File:Lift-align-left-right.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|center\|A vehicle properly centered between the posts. Note the equal distance between each side of the vehicle and the yellow centering line. ]]

	=== Powering On The Lift ===		=== Powering On The Lift ===
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	=== Finding Lift Points ===		=== Finding Lift Points ===
	Most vehicles are '''unibody'''. These are lifted from "pinch welds" located behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. Most large trucks and SUVs are '''body on frame'''. These are lifted from the frame itself - see the reference image below. The black boxes indicate where the lift arms should be positioned on your vehicle. If you have trouble locating these points, look up the lift points for your specific year/make/model.		Most vehicles are '''unibody'''. These are lifted from "pinch welds" located behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. Most large trucks and SUVs are '''body on frame'''. These are lifted from the frame itself - see the reference image below. The black boxes indicate where the lift arms should be positioned on your vehicle. If you have trouble locating these points, look up the lift points for your specific year/make/model.
	[[File:Lift points.png\|~~frame~~\|center]]		[[File:Lift points.png\|200px\|thumb\|center]]
	[[File:Lift-point-front.jpg\|~~frame~~\|center\|This is what most lift points look like on unibody vehicles. Note how the lift pad is properly centered along the pinch weld and is not in contact with other, non-load-bearing bodywork.]]		[[File:Lift-point-front.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|center\|This is what most lift points look like on unibody vehicles. Note how the lift pad is properly centered along the pinch weld and is not in contact with other, non-load-bearing bodywork.]]

	=== Preparing The Vehicle ===		=== Preparing The Vehicle ===

Lam: /* Lifting The Vehicle */

2026-02-16T23:10:48Z

Lifting The Vehicle

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 16 February 2026
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	# Say "Lifting!"		# Say "Lifting!"
	~~# Raise the vehicle to one set of "clicks" above your desired height.~~		# Listen for the “clicks” as you raise - you should hear them in pairs, one from each post as the vehicle rises.
	# Listen for the “clicks” as you raise - you should hear one from each post~~, for a total~~ of ~~two~~.		# Raise the vehicle to one pair of "clicks" above your desired height.
	# Ensure you hear '''both ~~clicks~~''' before stopping. If unsure, lower it down a bit and try again.		# Ensure you hear '''both posts click''' before stopping. If unsure, lower it down a bit and try again.
	# Pull the "lower" lever to drop the vehicle onto the post locks. Hold it until the vehicle stops moving.		# Pull the "lower" lever to drop the vehicle onto the post locks. Hold it until the vehicle stops moving.

Lam: /* Steps for Raising the Car */

2026-02-16T23:01:39Z

Steps for Raising the Car

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 16 February 2026
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	==~~Steps for Raising the Car~~ ==		== Lift Operation Guide ==

	=== Centering the Vehicle ===		=== Centering the Vehicle ===

Lam: /* Additional Notes for Working on the Lift */

2026-02-16T23:00:33Z

Additional Notes for Working on the Lift

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:00, 16 February 2026
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	==Additional Notes for Working on the Lift==		==Additional Notes for Working on the Lift==
	* '''If the locks are not even:''' to equalize the lift, run it with nothing on it. All the way up, all the way down. Repeat until the locks are engaging at the same level.
	* Avoid removing things that may '''shift the center of mass''' and cause the car to tip.		* Avoid removing things that may '''shift the center of mass''' and cause the car to tip.
	* '''Avoid hitting the lift arms''' or using force that could shift the car off of the lift arms.		* '''Avoid hitting the lift arms''' or using force that could shift the car off of the lift arms.
	* Plan ahead! Research the repair you are doing, ensure you have all the parts, or have a plan to get parts.		* Plan ahead! Research the repair you are doing, ensure you have all the parts, or have a plan to get parts.
	* Plan for 2-5 times the amount of time you’ll think you need.		* Plan for 2-5 times the amount of time you’ll think you need.
	* If you have rusty parts you know need to come off, spray them with PB ~~Blast~~ at least a day in advance to help it come loose easier.		* If you have rusty parts you know need to come off, spray them with PB Blaster at least a day in advance to help it come loose easier.



	==NEVER Do These==		==NEVER Do These==

Lam: /* Steps for Raising the Car */

2026-02-16T22:59:25Z

Steps for Raising the Car

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 16 February 2026
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	==Steps for Raising the Car ==		==Steps for Raising the Car ==
	~~# Clear surrounding area of any debris, equipment, etc.~~
	~~# Drive the car into the bay centered between the posts so lift points are accessible by both arms.~~
	~~# Position the lifting pads under lift points on car. Use risers if appropriate. Check that lifting pads are the only part in contact, arms of the lift should not be touching your car.~~
	~~# Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.~~
	~~# Swipe your RFID Badge on the reader to enable the lift for 5 minutes at a time.~~
	~~# Shout “Lifting!” to warn others before moving the lift.~~
	~~# Raise the car slowly by pushing the button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.~~
	~~# Test stability by shaking car to ensure it is firmly on the lift. Test all four corners, shake up and down, left to right, and front to back.~~
	~~# Raise car to desired height. Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.~~
	~~# Use the lever to slowly lower car until the safety locks on each side engage. Pay attention and ensure they engage at same height. Once the locks are engaged you can commence your work.~~

			=== Centering the Vehicle ===
			* Use the yellow centering line when driving in to align left-right.
			* Front-rear alignment varies depending on vehicle length and wheelbase.
			* Adjust until properly centered.
			* '''Never''' lift an off-center vehicle! Take the time to do it right.
			[[File:Lift-align-left-right.jpg\|frame\|center\|A vehicle properly centered between the posts. Note the equal distance between each side of the vehicle and the yellow centering line. ]]

			=== Powering On The Lift ===
			* The Auto Lift is RFID-locked. You must get a safety checkout before using it. Once you do, you can swipe your badge on the reader to turn the lift on. The light pole above the box should illuminate green for 10 minutes. Afterwards, the lift will shut off. If you need to use the lift again to reposition the vehicle, simply swipe your badge again.

			=== Finding Lift Points ===
			Most vehicles are '''unibody'''. These are lifted from "pinch welds" located behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. Most large trucks and SUVs are '''body on frame'''. These are lifted from the frame itself - see the reference image below. The black boxes indicate where the lift arms should be positioned on your vehicle. If you have trouble locating these points, look up the lift points for your specific year/make/model.
			[[File:Lift points.png\|frame\|center]]
			[[File:Lift-point-front.jpg\|frame\|center\|This is what most lift points look like on unibody vehicles. Note how the lift pad is properly centered along the pinch weld and is not in contact with other, non-load-bearing bodywork.]]

			=== Preparing The Vehicle ===
			# Choose the correct set of pads and/or risers for your vehicle. '''Do not mix and match risers''' - only use the same height at all four corners.
			# Raise lift slowly until the pads are close to the vehicle's frame, but not quite touching.
			# Stop and check all four lift points again, adjusting if necessary.
			# Before lifting fully, make sure the area around the vehicle is clear of all equipment and debris.
			# Announce "Lifting!" to the room, so others are aware. Say it even if you think the room is empty - someone may be out of sight.
			# Press and hold the "raise" button until the vehicle is about 1ft off the ground, then stop.

			=== Check Vehicle Stability ===
			# Go to each corner of the vehicle and shove it gently.
			# If the vehicle feels stable, shove it harder. Check all four corners.
			# If the vehicle becomes unstable, '''stop immediately''' and lower it to the ground. Check your lift points and try again.
			# If the vehicle remains stable, you may proceed.

			=== Lifting The Vehicle ===
			As you lift the vehicle, take note of the "clicks" you hear. Each pair of clicks occurs when the lift arms move past a post lock.

			# Say "Lifting!"
			# Raise the vehicle to one set of "clicks" above your desired height.
			# Listen for the “clicks” as you raise - you should hear one from each post, for a total of two.
			# Ensure you hear '''both clicks''' before stopping. If unsure, lower it down a bit and try again.
			# Pull the "lower" lever to drop the vehicle onto the post locks. Hold it until the vehicle stops moving.

			You are now ready to work!

			=== Adjusting Height ===
			# Say "Lifting!"
			# Hold the raise button until both arms rise off the post locks.
			# Pull both lock releases - there is one per post, a total of two.
			# Hold lever to lower vehicle until it is slightly below desired height.
			# Raise vehicle until you hear both locks click.
			# Lower vehicle again to settle onto locks.

			When you want to lower the vehicle to the ground, follow the first three steps, then bring the vehicle all the way down.

			=== Height Limit Sensor ===
			The Auto Lift has a height limit sensor which cuts power to the "raise" button if the vehicle rises above a certain height. This prevents you from crashing into the garage door or ceiling lights. '''Do not tamper with the height sensor.''' If you believe it is malfunctioning, contact the shop manager or general manager.

			If you trip the height limit switch and lower the vehicle onto the post locks, you may not be able to raise the vehicle again to release the locks. If this occurs, there is a black "override" button located on the bottom of the RFID box. To raise the vehicle, swipe your badge and hold BOTH the "override" and "raise" buttons at the same time. '''Watch the vehicle closely''' and only raise it enough to release the post locks and lower the vehicle. '''Never use the override button unless your vehicle is stuck at the top.'''

			=== Re-Aligning The Posts ===
			Sometimes, the lift posts get slightly out of sync with each other and one side will raise before the other. A difference of a couple inches is not an issue. However, if you notice a long delay then you should re-align the posts before raising a vehicle. To do this, make sure the lift area is completely clear of vehicles, tools, and debris. Then simply raise the arms all the way to the top of the posts, and lower them back down to the ground.

	==Steps for Lowering the Car==		==Steps for Lowering the Car==

AlexN at 03:51, 14 August 2025

2025-08-14T03:51:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:51, 13 August 2025
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	[[Category: Auto Shop]]		[[Category: Auto Shop]]
	[[Category: Safety Checkout]]		[[Category: Safety Checkout]]
	[[~~Projects~~:_RFID_Tool_Access]]		[[Category:_RFID_Tool_Access]]

AlexN: updating instructions on unlocking the auto lift to describe new RFID lockout

2025-08-14T03:49:47Z

updating instructions on unlocking the auto lift to describe new RFID lockout

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:49, 13 August 2025
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	# Position the lifting pads under lift points on car. Use risers if appropriate. Check that lifting pads are the only part in contact, arms of the lift should not be touching your car.		# Position the lifting pads under lift points on car. Use risers if appropriate. Check that lifting pads are the only part in contact, arms of the lift should not be touching your car.
	# Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.		# Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.
	# ~~Get~~ the ~~key~~ to the ~~circuit breaker. Open circuit box and switch~~ lift ~~circuit on~~.		# Swipe your RFID Badge on the reader to enable the lift for 5 minutes at a time.
	# Shout “Lifting!” to warn others before moving the lift.		# Shout “Lifting!” to warn others before moving the lift.
	# Raise the car slowly by pushing the button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.		# Raise the car slowly by pushing the button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.
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	# Lower the car slowly.		# Lower the car slowly.
	# Pull back the lift arms. Replace the risers in the rack on the posts if they have been used.		# Pull back the lift arms. Replace the risers in the rack on the posts if they have been used.
	~~# '''Switch off the circuit breaker.'''~~
	~~# '''Lock the panel''' and '''return the key.'''~~
	# Drive vehicle out of the bay.		# Drive vehicle out of the bay.
	# Do a final sweep of the area, clean up any spills, throw away any trash.		# Do a final sweep of the area, clean up any spills, throw away any trash.
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	[[Category: Auto Shop]]		[[Category: Auto Shop]]
	[[Category: Safety Checkout]]		[[Category: Safety Checkout]]
			[[Projects:_RFID_Tool_Access]]

AlexN at 00:34, 10 October 2024

2024-10-10T00:34:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 9 October 2024
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	# Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.		# Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.
	# Get the key to the circuit breaker. Open circuit box and switch lift circuit on.		# Get the key to the circuit breaker. Open circuit box and switch lift circuit on.
			# Shout “Lifting!” to warn others before moving the lift.
	# Raise the car slowly by pushing the button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.		# Raise the car slowly by pushing the button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.
	~~# Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.~~
	# Test stability by shaking car to ensure it is firmly on the lift. Test all four corners, shake up and down, left to right, and front to back.		# Test stability by shaking car to ensure it is firmly on the lift. Test all four corners, shake up and down, left to right, and front to back.
	# Raise car to desired height. Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.		# Raise car to desired height. Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.

AlexN: added rule about reserving time and not climbing on the lift

2022-08-05T01:07:36Z

added rule about reserving time and not climbing on the lift

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:07, 4 August 2022
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	==Policy==		==Policy==
	# '''Pack in, pack out.''' All shops have a pack-in pack-out policy, which means you need to make the space available for others to use when you are done for the day. This means vehicles must leave with you.		# '''Pack in, pack out.''' All shops have a pack-in pack-out policy, which means you need to make the space available for others to use when you are done for the day. This means vehicles must leave with you.
			#'''Reserve Time:''' Use the website to reserve time on the Auto Lift every time you use it. If your time runs over, make a new reservation. This is important so other members know whether the lift is occupied or available.
	# '''If you get stuck:''' Sometimes a part breaks and you can’t get the vehicle home until the next day. If that happens, first send a message to the Manager informing him of the situation and how long it will be there.		# '''If you get stuck:''' Sometimes a part breaks and you can’t get the vehicle home until the next day. If that happens, first send a message to the Manager informing him of the situation and how long it will be there.
	## Try to get the vehicle off the lift and outside so the lift is available for other members.		## Try to get the vehicle off the lift and outside so the lift is available for other members.
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	* NEVER try to lift a car with rusty rotted lift points or rocker panels.		* NEVER try to lift a car with rusty rotted lift points or rocker panels.
	* NEVER lift a car with someone in it.		* NEVER lift a car with someone in it.
			* NEVER climb on the lift or go inside your car while it is raised. Lower the vehicle so the tires are touching the ground if you need to access the inside.
	* Do not hit or drive over the lift arms.		* Do not hit or drive over the lift arms.
	* Do not intentionally lower a car onto something.		* Do not intentionally lower a car onto something.
	* Do not lift something other than a car.		* Do not lift something other than a car.
	* '''Do not use wooden blocks, bricks''', or anything else between the lifting pads and the lift points.		* '''Do not use wooden blocks, bricks''', or anything else between the lifting pads and the lift points.


	=Other Safety Information=		=Other Safety Information=