Much to our dismay Rescue 42 has discontinued the production of the JackMate. If you are lucky you might be able to find one on the used market.

If you have a Hi-Lift jack, you need a JackMate. Designed by Tim O’Connell, a veteran firefighter, the JackMate allows the Hi-Lift jack to be used as a “Jaws of Life” type tool as well as an 8000 lb clamp, to attach a chain or Shackle to the jack for pulling, to straighten items like lower links, and as a none slip base.

The JackMate has been unavailable for some time as Rescue 42 Inc. redesigned it. The previous JackMate was manufactured in China from two cast parts that were then welded together. The new JackMate is made from three parts that are laser cut and then welded together. For those that want to buy American, the JackMate is now fully manufactured in the U.S. at Rescue 42, Inc.

The JackMate still has all the features of previous versions, as well as adding a wire fence pulling slot (can also be used as a bottle opener).  The new JackMate’s clamp surface is made of ¼” diamond plate steel and does not have the ridges of the previous version which will make it harder to get a good purchase on a round surface. Rather than a galvanized finish the JackMate is now powder coated and available in “Black Silver Vein” or “Fire Engine Red”.  This current finish will be more prone to chipping and rust, however if you are concerned about the rust it can be quickly fixed with a rattle can.

Using the JackMate

The JackMate slides on either end of the Hi-Lift Jack and is fixed in place using a quick release pin. The Jackmate now includes a Quick Release pin to replace the cotter pin that holds the Hi-Lift base in place. When the using the JackMate on the base of the Hi-Lift the Hi-Lift base place is removed and the JackMate is slide on to base end.

When using the Hi-Lift on rock or ice the stock base tends to slip. Replace the base with the JackMate and JackMate teeth will bite in to the ice or provide better contact on rock. The teeth also provide a good purchase when using the jack for spreading

Using the JackMate to replace the Hi-Lift top clamp provides much greater clamping strength. When using the Hi-Lift for winching or pulling the JackMate provides strong attachment points for a Shackle or chain.

If you use the new JackMate in sandy environment like the Utah desert you will need to be careful with the new quick release pins. Sand will tend to muck up the quick release balls and the pins may not stay in place.

It is fantastic to see this key Hi-Lift accessory back on the market. The JackMate is available directly from Rescue 42, Inc. and a number of retailers. The retail cost is $39.95 and is money well spent.