I was going thru HD tool section and found this. I could have used this thing many times when I was young. All you do is put it where you need it and pump it up with a common hand operated squeeze bulb.  $16 on Amazon. I think you would  use shims to achieve the distance you want. I don't know the total distance it moves, but with shims and blocks, I think it would be great

Edited December 5, 20178 yr by Ron Dudelston
tags added

Man, that definitely beats trying to holding it level/plumb and driving a nail at the same time!!

I think Fire Dept uses these for rescue but I thought they would be expensive

32 minutes ago, lew said:

Man, that definitely beats trying to holding it level/plumb and driving a nail at the same time!!

 

most definitely...

can we put up our porta-powers now???

34 minutes ago, lew said:

Man, that definitely beats trying to holding it level/plumb and driving a nail at the same time!!

 

or adjusting levelers...

I use an air jack I built to raise and lower the dust bin on my Dust collector. I use a HF  wheel barrow tube for the air jack. But this one looks great for holding the pressure. I have blown out several tubes over the years by putting too much pressure on them. This one says 300lb pressure and I know my air compressor can't reach that. Here are some pictures of the set up.

Herb

Ingenious, Herb. 

Your problem solving & creativity never ceases to amaze me Herb. Neat idea.

you be a thinker...

That is just so cool Herb.  L like it!

Thanks guys, but I can't take credit for the design, my cousin Paul who was an engineer designed and I built it. When I get it up tight to the plywood top on the Dust collector, i slide some wedges under it to hold it because the air pressure bleeds off over time. But this new air bag thingy should be an improvement, thanks to Ron for posting that, i didn't know it existed.

Herb

Just ordered 1 regular size and 1 large. Don't have to use the compressor, just the hand bulb.

Herb

21 hours ago, Gerald said:

I think Fire Dept uses these for rescue but I thought they would be expensive

When I locked myself out of the truck, the tow company used one of these to jimmy open the door far enough to unlock it.

24 minutes ago, kmealy said:

When I locked myself out of the truck, the tow company used one of these to jimmy open the door far enough to unlock it.

When I first read your post, I thought it might be wise to carry one in the car...then, I re-thought that.

I note that there are several versions of this available, all with the same descriptions, dimensions, loads.  Amazon sells one for $9 or two for $14.  HD was about $14 for one; Lowes much higher.  Couldn't resist.  Help me help me hel...

13 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

When I first read your post, I thought it might be wise to carry one in the car...then, I re-thought that.

No need -- I carry an extra key in the glove box. 

If I leave my key in the car, the doors will not lock.

53 minutes ago, Smallpatch said:

If I leave my key in the car, the doors will not lock.

If mine are in the ignition they will not lock, but will if laying on the floor seat etc. Always thought Ford/Lincoln's  idea for a keypad was stupid until I got one...Turns out it's just for stupid people...works great as long as you remember your "Secret Code." I keep that written down on a piece of paper in the console

I keep a spare key to my pickup in a magnetic lock box under the lip of the bed in a hard to reach place. So far have not had to reach it.

I just leave the keys in the ignition...