Jack Handle Extension

RZRBUG

The crank handle that came with the T@B is a little short.  You either need to get on your knees or stand on our head when you lower or raise the back stabilizers.  I understand that LG may be in the process of supplying a longer handle in the future, especially for those with the Outback.

I decided there had to be a way to extend the handle that came with my T@B, so I began looking around in the hardware store and came up with this solution.

1.  I took a hacksaw and cut the handle in two at approximately the midway point (what, me measure), then took a file and filed down the burrs from the cut.

2.  I bought a 12-inch piece of 1/4 inch metal pipe that had threads on each end.  (If you want a longer extension, you probably can find longer pipe.)  I took the hacksaw and cut the threads off, again using a file I filed down the burrs from the cut.  I don't know the original purpose of the pipe.  I suppose it is an extender of some kind.  Hey, that's what I needed for.  Just so happens that the inside diameter of this pipe and the outside diameter of the crank handle are a real snug fit, if you do a little gentle hammering on one end.

3.  I don't have the knowledge nor the materials for welding, so I put a little J-B Weld on each end and inserted them into the pipe extender about 1 1/2 to 2 inches (there's that measuring thing again).  There will be excess adhesive, so clean it off before it dries.  I ended up with about an 8-inch extension from the 12-inch pipe after cutting off the threads and the amount inserted on each end.

4.  After the J-B Weld set (I left it overnight), I took some flat black spray paint and painted everything to match.

TA-DA!!! (Or maybe that should be TAB-A!!!  Anyway, homemade extension that works great.

leenscottfl

Sweet! 

jkjenn

Brilliant and a worthwhile endeavor.

Michigan_Mike

Well done Larry and thanks for taking the time to share your conversion that will obviously help out others down the road.  

deputydog

     I'm going to give it a try RAZRBUG.  Great instructions by You. Thanks

RZRBUG

Thanks, folks.  It's amazing how many ideas I've come up with just by browsing around the hardware stores and thinking, "I wonder how I could use this on the T@B?"

One thing I should mention is that when you cut the original handle in two, you might need to file the edges of the exposed ends to make it easier to insert them into the pipe.  You definitely need to file any burrs as I said above, but a little extra around the edges will help the insertion go a little easier.

I did the same thing with the ends of the pipe.  If you notice in the photo above, the edges are filed down a little.  (Actually, I used a bench grinder, but a file will work also).  Makes it less rough to handle and also looks a little neater.  Good luck if you try it.  I'm really pleased with the results.

Nomad

Roaming around in a hardware istore s dangerous!

Verna

 I was safe from the hardware stores in Arizona because I had absolutely no more room in the truck for any more play toys 

RZRBUG

Verna, you can always rotate.  Take some things one trip, other things on the next one.  I'm already trying to figure out what I have to leave behind on the next trip.  One thing for sure, it will be impossible to haul everything I've bought since of got the T@B.  However, next time I'm in the hardware store,......

Verna

 Well, I wasn't sure how easily I could get water in Arizona while boondocking on BLM campgrounds, so I took four 4-gallon refillable jugs.  The most I really need is two of them.  I took 12 sweatshirts--the most I need is 2.  I didn't need the 2 1/2 gallon bucket because I found a collapsible 3 gallon one (takes up a lot less room). I don't need to take so many canned goods....did you know they have grocery stores in Arizona?  (Family joke....)  I will take more short sleeved t-shirts and more shorts--I can't believe I didn't take enough because I've been in shorts since early February.  Now, I just need to figure out how to fit one of my 20" DeWalt scrollsaws in the truck, plus some lumber, of course

ChanW

Verna, there's a great roof rack for the Tacoma four-door... :-)

Verna

ChanW said:

Verna, there's a great roof rack for the Tacoma four-door... :-)

But then I need to carry a 6' ladder since I'm only 5'3 1/2" tall ;-)

RZRBUG

Verna said:

 ...did you know they have grocery stores in Arizona?...

That's funny, and I totally get it because I always overpack.  Getting better at it though.