Help with floor jack "adapter"

[NC_Oak]

it has already been commented that 2 x 4s are soft / pine. However, just go buy some oak. It will last forever, won't split as easily, and is a safer piece for cribbing. Pine will get it done in a pinch of course. I have absolutely had pine split on me when working on the silverado.

Sponsored

 

[CalvinT]

I wonder what kind of wood they use for these cribbing blocks.

 

[swooshdave]

I wonder what kind of wood they use for these cribbing blocks.

Grok says:

Common woods used include both softwoods and hardwoods, selected for strength, availability, and failure characteristics:Softwoods (e.g., Douglas Fir, Pine, Spruce, Fir, Hemlock, Larch): Preferred in many applications, especially rescue and general stabilization, because they compress gradually, creak, and crack audibly before catastrophic failure, providing warning signs. Douglas Fir is frequently cited for its balance of strength, affordability, and availability; it compresses under load without sudden breakage. These are common in U.S. regions west of the Mississippi and for dunnage in shipping.

Hardwoods (e.g., Oak, Maple, Ekki): Used for higher load-bearing capacity in heavy-duty marine and offshore applications, such as supporting oil platforms or large ships during transport. Oak (white or red) is dense and durable, often cut into larger blocks (e.g., 6x6 or 8x8). However, hardwoods can fail more suddenly without warning due to their stiffness, making them less ideal where audible cues are prioritized.

 

[CalvinT]

I read somewhere that old growth wood, while more attractive as furniture tends to be more brittle than new growth.

 

[the poacher]

I read somewhere that old growth wood, while more attractive as furniture tends to be more brittle than new growth.

That would definitely depend on the species of tree.

 

[Roger123]

Be wary of 2x4's, I've had them split before which can make things interesting.

Sponsored