Bottle jacks are simple, effective, powerful tools, which, despite their small size, can perform Herculean tasks. Many people know that hydraulic bottle jacks are often used to lift vehicles of various sizes and weights, but they are also used to lift houses and other structures. Bottle jacks normally require relatively little maintenance or care, but occasionally may need to be refilled with hydraulic fluid.
Set the jack upright on a sturdy, level surface and lower the saddle so that the pump piston of the jack is fully depressed.
Inspect your bottle jack and locate the filler: nearly all bottle jacks made in the last 50 years have a little screw or rubber plug located approximately two-thirds of the way up the cylinder. Refer to your owner's manual if necessary. Do not open or loosen any of the other screws on the jack.
Remove the filler plug using a screwdriver.
Insert a small funnel into the filler hole and add hydraulic fluid until the fluid level is within 1/8 inch of the hole.
Insert the screw or rubber plug back into the jack and fasten it securely to finish the job.
