"Bob Mannix" wrote in message
...




Pardon me for butting in on a private argument )

1. Businesses use hoists because they are more cost effective, even though
they might be more expensive, not because they are less "dangerous". They
are adjustable for height so different sized mechanics can work
comfortably.
The ambient light levels are naturally higher under a hoist. They are
always
going to get tools etc and (as has been said) getting in and out is a
PITA.
You can move right out to the edge of the car and beyond with a hoist,
which
you can't with a pit. Pits are a bugger with a three wheeler (sorry,
couldn't resist that one). Modern business premises are built on concrete
rafts with no basement - pits would add enormously to the expense. Pits
are
difficult to keep clean compared with a flat floor. Gas welding in a pit
is
a little inadvisable, if only because ou have inadequate access to the gas
cylinders.

2. Domestic garages are not (in the main) suitable for hoists (as in whole
car lifts, not things for lifting engines). Axle stands are fine - if used
properly the car will not "rock off them". A pit would be more convenient
(sometimes) if you do a lot of work under a car, given that you can't have
a
hoist but, given the expense of installation, the cost and effort of
providing a secure cover, it must be arguable whether it would be worth
putting one in. I would use one if I had one but I wouldn't put one in
specially.

Can't see there's much to argue about!

No, it's chalk and cheese. But it's fun and what usenet's about, innit?

So saying, yours is the best post so far.

How DO you deal with three wheelers?

Just remembered that a professional repairer I knew specialised in Morris
Minors and turned them on their sides to work underneath them ... with the
aid of a chain block and several mattresses.

That too was in the past ... sigh

Mary


--
Bob Mannix
(anti-spam is as easy as 1-2-3 - not)