AES Industries33285 Hood and Trunk Lift Support Clamp with Non-Scratching Brass Core and Aluminum Body

I don't often give 5 stars. I feel if a product is doing the job it was made for, that is 4 stars. When a something I buy does the job and really make me smile, I give it 5 stars... just that simple!The hydraulic props on my canopy died years ago and have been using a pair of Visegrips all this time to lock the door in the up position. I didn't want to replace them because I can open the lid up half way and lock it there so the rain doesn't come in while open. If I replace the rods, it would open the lid up all the way, all the time and it would act as a funnel and the rain would get into my tools.I bought this simple tool with hopes that it would be better than the Visegrips as the Visegrips tend to slip off the rod at the most inopportune times and allowing the hatch to come crashing down on me! LOL This tool clamps on holds the hatch open at any angle and because of the brass/bronze tip on the screw, doesn't slip at all. You don't have to crank it down hard to do the job either! It is nicely made with out any sharp edges to "bite" you. There is a jam nut on the threads if for some reason you are using this where there is a vibration going on.If this ever gets lost, I would buy another in a heartbeat!!

This little device should be in any gearhead’s toolbox. It works so easily to support “depleted” lift cylinders! The design is quite functional, easy to place on the lift cylinder shaft, the locknut under the handle secures it well, and the brass (I think) insert in the threaded shaft keeps the cylinder shaft from being damaged. Straightforward design that works exceptionally well.

Holds strong even on completely failed hood struts

My GLI has had a bad hydraulic hood mount for years now. My mechanic back in Phoenix used one of these all the time, but of course I wanted one that matched my pride and joy Blue Lagoon GLI. It's been really nice to keep the hood open and just slap this on there. It takes seconds to tighten and works great. Certainly cheaper than replacing the hydraulic hood mount. Works for me! Alls well that ends well!

This tool is very helpful when I work on customer cars with failing hood struts. However, I used to have trashed hood struts that did not work at all. Though this tool can certainly help keep the hood up with trashed hoods struts, I would recommend additional precautions. If you do not tighten it enough on a failed hood strut, the hood may just fall on ya!

GreatValue, Great quality. These have lasted longer than any of the other ones I've been buying at stores. They're very visible so you don't forget it and close the hood. Very good quality. Holds even the heaviest of hoods. And hatch back windows. It also has a large enough mouth bite to grab on to the thickest shocks out there like the Lexus.I use this thing at least four to five times a day. We go through a lot of vehicles in our shop. I can't say enough for this. A plus. I believe in this tool so much I bought one to have at my home garage.

This was a great buy. Looked at one on the tool truck and it was $30. The quality is good, and the price is great. The screw turns easily and holds tight. The color makes it easier to see so you dont forget about it. Can't go wrong on this one.

Works decent. Not great