I saw an interesting brace/jack plate on one of FLY8MA's videos. It was the one where he changed the flat at high sierra. He says he borrowed an aluminum block that someone had cut at an angle to create a bad a$$ jack plate. It looked like it just slid right onto the gear leg. Anyone see that? Know who might be able to make one for a 185?
Gypsy

Jackpads are available off the shelf for Cessna legs. They're just a formed tapered channel with a solid jack-point cup welded underneath.

Something like this is what you're talking about?

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/jackpointscessna.php?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1MXpBRDjARIsAHtdN-2L_ZglAM_fzqeMESj1DgYS81j9dyNNYHw3cuWJljUBzdb5NcI05kQaAu4SEALw_wcB

I made my own out of angle iron. Maybe a foot long piece is all you need. I'll try to attach a pic of it.

For the jack pads pictured and similar designs- You can source 1" wide adhesive-backed UHMW tape from McMaster Carr that will protect your paint and help them pop off after a load has been applied. Just make sure they don't pop off too easy. I use a squeeze clamp or similar for insurance against unintended release.
-DP

I've used a couple different types...V-channel into steel, and two beefy steel pieces that clamp together with bolts. Grabbing the gear leg isn't a problem...the problem is how easy it is for the contraption (and airplane) to fall off the jack, especially if there's any breeze. Between the spring in the gear legs and the moment of the wings it's really easy to rock the jack plate off the jack. The resulting damage can be significant.

Give any choice at all I lift my gear leg from above. I use a engine hoist in the hangar, or a tripod of stout poles and a mechanical advantage in the field. It's much more stable and safe.

My gear legs are currently in the garage. I bolted the wheel axles and ski axles to them last night. That ought to provide a sturdy place to jack if needed. Solves an additional consideration. I plan to use the vinyl/rubber moulding from McFarlane to secure my brake lines to the gear. The wedge type jack points are not compatible with this installation. Skis are Trickair, so no additional hydraulic lines on the gear.

I prefer the 2 pieces of metal clamped together with bolts. Fits more then one style of gear leg, doesn't hurt the brake line if its setup like Pinecones, and a stub welded on it is easily lifted with a rolling Jack. Much more stable. Harder to find a rolling jack in the field, but in the shop it sure is nice.

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