Opinions: Jack and Tq Wrench in a Condo

[Fobio]

I used to work on the car when I lived in a house in Markham. Not even doing oil changes, but just routine maintenance stuff, undercarriage inspection, and tire changes/rotation, etc. Now that I live in a condo, I really miss being able to do these things.

Having seen the Costco sale on the jack and seen some tq wrenches around, I'm wondering if it's worth it to get a tq wrench (~$100) and a jack (~$63) to even just change my tires myself? (Compared to $20 - 30 twice a yr to have a shop do it, with proper equipment and balancing)

Does anyone have any opinions on getting a jack and torque wrench when you live in a condo and have to work on the car in an underground garage?

[Dragazn]

My cousin lives in a condo and he changes the tires himself. I haven't been there (lived in houses all my live) but supposedly they even have warm water to wash your car during the winter time.

[bunchi]

i used to live in a condo too and the only thing I didn't like about it was the lack of storage space for all our stuff. It's convenient if you have those tools with you but then those are tools that you only use once in a while. If you have enough storage space and the tools don't get in your way when you put it away then I guess it's ok to get them... assuming you're talking about those alligator jacks with 4 wheels. Torque wrench can go anywhere.

[theurgy]

I think it's always a worthy investment for any reason. I have the Mastercraft Maximum 1/2" Torque wrench in my car all the time (in that grey case). You never know when it comes in handy (in case of a flat or a friend has a flat).
As for the jack, the 3 ton Floor jack they have at Costco is really heavy and not convenient if you want to keep it in your car. If all you're doing is changing tires then a simple compact 2 1/2 Ton jack with stands is better (make sure to get the stands).
I like this set:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444188 8723&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672442&bmUID=1208365031325&deptid=1408474396672395&ctgrid=1408474396672399&subctgrid=1408474396672442

Cheap and good for light use.


Either way, I for the slight investment it's something you'll have for life.. it's a no brainer.

[Cardinal Fang]

As a consultant in the construction industry related to condominiums I have to warn you guys about working on your car in the underground parking garages. READ YOUR CONDO DOCUMENTS (condo docs) VERY CAREFULLY. If you don't have them go to your property manager and get a copy of the rules and regulations. They are required to give you them at closing. Many condo's prohibit using your parking bay to work on your car as if it were a mechanics garage.

That being said this is what you should be aware of. These are typical clauses in most condo docs that our clients prepare. The tenant is responsible for their cars while parked in the underground garage. Leaking of oils or fluids can damage the waterproof membrane (w.p.m.) applied to the concrete slab. Condo's regularly have their garages power sprayed two times a year. When they come across oil stains in a parking bay a different process is taken to clean them. The company charges the condo board for every instance this process is used. The condo board can and many times, will charge the tenant. So please make sure you collect any and all stains if you plan on working on your car.

Jacks can also be a problem as they are known to penetrate the w.p.m. on the slab. Take extra caution to distribute the load of the jack stands on the slab by placing a thick piece of wood under the jack. Again, if you damage the w.p.m. the condo board will charge you for the repairs. Average cost for a 12" x 12" repair is approx. $900.00. This includes materials and labour. Typically all the levels of the parking garage except for the lowest level have a w.p.m. applied to the slab. The lowest level garage is simply a slab on grade.

[bunchi]

hi CF, what about just driving your car over to the open parking spaces outside the building/condo? Im sure security will just show up and tell you that you can't park there or have your car towed if you left your car there. What if you're just there for a few minutes to work on our car?

[Cardinal Fang]

That's up to your condo board and your security. I think you're referring to parking your car in the visitors parking space that usually is located at grade. Depending on the type of work you're doing to your car you may find the condo board/security would frown on it being done in front of their building. If they find you live in their building you may get a stern warning. Again, damage the asphalt in any way and you may be on the receiving end of an unwanted bill.

Again, check your condo docs. They're written by farking lawyers and are pretty thorough.

[TheProfessor]

In all of the condo's I've ever lived in (three) doing any kind of work on your car is not permitted. Having said that, I've done some minor stuff like install and subsequently uninstall car stereo's, but I wouldn't risk doing the tire changed and items like that.

I suppose it depends on how lax your building is with that kind of stuff, but I'd listen to what Fang says on this one.

[blam]

yeah, I would ask to see what is and isn't. some of your neighbours might complain if they see you working on your car.

[Fobio]

While I was in between places, I lived for a couple of months at my friend's JUST FINISHED condo in Markham and they were "DIY friendly" in that they have several spots at the bottom level with water for residents to wash their car. I suppose changing tires in that environment where you have room not to scratch other ppl's cars, then it's ok.

My building, and I haven't even asked (Thanks for the heads-up CF and others!), is A-N-A-L but it's understandable, cuz the last thing they want is some retiree breathing down their neck 24/7 (well, in between naps and judge judy...)

Funny thing is I have an old-ass MPV with US plates parked beside me leaking all sorts of fluids...the guy also smokes there (which is quite distasteful, but allowed in this day and age...go figure)...they left notes by his car, but nothing has changed...

I'm thinking about joining the condo board and petition an "added value" item to have a spot allocated for ppl to wash their car...but I dunno how far that'd go...

Any interest on a GB to rent out a TM3 garage? Like a time share? I forgot but I think I read on the CASC site that there are garages that can be rented out with tools and such...just thinking out loud...I really can't see myself doing this unless I'm tracking every other wknd or something...

[HBP]

I think it's always a worthy investment for any reason. I have the Mastercraft Maximum 1/2" Torque wrench in my car all the time (in that grey case). You never know when it comes in handy (in case of a flat or a friend has a flat).
As for the jack, the 3 ton Floor jack they have at Costco is really heavy and not convenient if you want to keep it in your car. If all you're doing is changing tires then a simple compact 2 1/2 Ton jack with stands is better (make sure to get the stands).
I like this set:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444188 8723&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672442&bmUID=1208365031325&deptid=1408474396672395&ctgrid=1408474396672399&subctgrid=1408474396672442

Cheap and good for light use.


Either way, I for the slight investment it's something you'll have for life.. it's a no brainer.

Why get the costco jack when you can get this? Better deal for non-lowered cars, yes?

[p-o-g-i]

... related to condominiums I have to warn you guys about working on your car in the underground parking garages. READ YOUR CONDO DOCUMENTS (condo docs) VERY CAREFULLY. If you don't have them go to your property manager and get a copy of the rules and regulations. They are required to give you them at closing. Many condo's prohibit using your parking bay to work on your car as if it were a mechanics garage..

This is so true....

I currently live in a condo and was livingin on one previous to this one as well. Many condos (and some appartments) do not allow you to work on your car in the parking lot. I've had to result to working on my car in the late evenings in empty industiral parking lots or parking lots of local parks. i even had to go to a local coin- op to do some paint work.

(In no way am I recommending in doing what I have stated above!!!!)

[theurgy]

Late night parking lot work is great... Used to do lots of work in behind this one build which had a nice cement slab. It was totally deserted after 8:00PM and had tons of light.
No cameras and a nice industrial garbage bin.

Was really handy... they've since demolished it and turned it into a Wal-Mart (Grrr...).

[Cardinal Fang]

While I was in between places, I lived for a couple of months at my friend's JUST FINISHED condo in Markham and they were "DIY friendly" in that they have several spots at the bottom level with water for residents to wash their car. I suppose changing tires in that environment where you have room not to scratch other ppl's cars, then it's ok.



You're referring to car wash bays which are quite common in condos. We've found that the residents love these. Especially in the winter. Be very careful changing tires in here. The bay is waterproofed to keep any moisture and water from penetrating the slab and going to the next level below. Damage the waterproofing and you're screwed. Most condos have security cameras in these areas because they are typically hidden from view.

[theurgy]

Why get the costco jack when you can get this? Better deal for non-lowered cars, yes?

It's a good question, the difference is it's got much more weight capacity (3 tons) is good for lowered cars and is a shop jack. So you end up pumping it alot less to lift your car.
For moderate use and if you own a decent garage on your own it's great.
For a small garage use and light use... the jack I linked is great.
Don't use it to jack up too much weight or risk blowing the hydraulic but for simple tire changes, it's perfect and portable.

[Swerny]

I live in a condo and I have done some minor work on my car both in my assigned parking spot and in the car wash area.

Changed wheels, done intake, intercooler, motor mount swaps, stereo work etc.

I even did a few oil changes in stealth mode with a tarp and cardboard down to avoid spillage.

My condo manual says the spots aren't to be used to work on cars, but security has seen me working and hasn't said anything.

I would think it would be up to the discretion of each building and their respective security staffs though.

That's one MAJOR thing I miss about living in a house though, I miss having a driveway.

[Swerny]

Oh, and I have a Michelin jack, jackstands and torque wrench all bought from CT.