So I have seen roadside mechanics use these before but never got a chance to see them up close, they look good, I have a gravel drive with a slight slope so common jacks and the supplied jack arent ideal for this surface.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLOWUP-BALOON-AIR-PILLOW-CAR-JACK-3-TONS-HOSE-CASE-/170749952595?pt=UK_Lifting_Moving_Equipment&hash=item27c17d8253#ht_2061wt_1396

Has anyone used them?

Are they safe? depending on where they are located im sure they would do less damage than an incorrectly placed trolly jack.

Would you trust it with your arms and legs under the car with your wheels off? I dont know I would so axle stands are till in order.

Would this have any negative effect on the exhaust system, how about cars with twin exit exhausts wont the gases just find the least restrictive exit and actually not fill the air bag?

Look good though!

Edited 17 April, 201214 yr by abarth_1200

I'd never get under a car with one of those, unless there were a set of axle stands holding it up, although that's pretty true for most jacks.

For taking a wheel off.. should be fine.

As for exhaust... erm the ones I've seen have a small 12v compressor that pumps up a bag, not some exhaust. How on earth is an exhaust going to fill it up enough to lift a car, without causing considerable back pressure, which is bad for your engine.

That's one way to test your exhaust for leaks (or create a leak).

What's wrong with using a piece of 4" X 2" about 9" long under the jack and using a chock under one wheel ?

I've always used this method for DIY wheel removal without any problems . My drive is on a slope also.

I always carry two pieces of 4" X 2" in the boot for roadside wheel changes ( Punctures) . Having two pieces of wood helps if vehicle is on muddy/soft ground.

This also reduces the height that the jack needs extending which significantly reduces the likelyhood of the jack from tilting.

These have been around since the 1930s. IIRC, the modern ones don't fill the bag with exhaust gases - the exhaust drives a pump, but they are still a great way of exposing weaknesses in the exhaust.

They are a jack and not a secure support.

They come into their own with high clearance vehicles and are much safer than a high lift jack in the hands of the inexperienced.

I've recently bought one. If you follow the link below you will see my post on another forum. Today rain stopped play and I am begining to wonder if it is tall enough when fully inflated. Air Jack produce a 4x4 version but around £400.

http://www.yetiownersclub.co.uk/forum/new-toy_topic135.html

I'm sure they work, but I wouldn't stick my head under a car on only a jack, regardless of type.

I just think it's doubly so when it comes to a bag of air.

Personally, I wouldn't crawl under the car either, but air jacks such as these are extremely powerful and are used extensively by emergency services to lift VERY heavy loads.