Things You'll Need:
- 2x6 or 2x8 lumber for base plate
- Floor jack
- 4x4 post
- 16d nails and hammer
- Carpenter's level
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Step 1
Layer two 2x6 pieces of lumber at least 24 inches long to create a base for the floor jack. Center the base plate under the beam where adjustments are needed.
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Step 2
Center the floor jack on the base plate and nail the jack into place using 16d nails. Some floor jacks are equipped with nail holes. Other types do not have holes and will require 16d nails to be nailed into the wood next to the floor jack to hold it in place.
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Step 3
Using a saw, cut the 4x4 post so that it fits between the floor jack and the beam. For floors that need to be lowered, raise the floor jack cylinder the appropriate amount and then cut the post so that it fits between the floor jack and the beam.
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Step 4
Place the 4x4 post between the jack cylinder and the beam that needs adjusting. Adjust the floor jack so that the beam is snug between the beam and the jack. Use a level to plumb the 4x4 post before raising or lowering the beam.
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Step 5
Pump the floor jack handle to adjust the floor beam. Use an adjustable steel post with the floor jack in case of a malfunction or total failure of the jack. This adjustable steel post will be left in place once adjustments are made, to ensure that the beam stays in place.
