Pre-Purchase Jack Stand Opinion

[MTRD3]

Hi Fellas,

You can never take safety too seriously, so I just thought that after a bunch of researching, calculating and thinking, I would still ask for the opinions of others as food for thought before buying a new pair of jack stands.

I'm in the market for new jack stands at the moment and a low profile floor jack with a reasonably high max. jacking height so I can get stands underneath the car at at least 500mm of clearance.

I just thought I'd post a set that I'm considering and get a few opinions as I look to buy. I like this set (Grey/Silver pictured below) because it has 6T capacity per stand, a good/reasonable height adjustment (385mm-600mm) and incorporates the pin securing mechanism which seems to have yielded the most recommendations from numerous forum threads I've read (as opposed to the ratcheting mechanism). These stands seem to have both, which I imagine is a good thing or at the very least superior to stands that are just one mechanism?

Being in Europe I can't really go with any of the recommendations for products from N. America so bare with me in terms of recommendations (should you find fault in the pair I link below)

http://www.ebay.de/itm/350717555948...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1335wt_1139


As my second choice I was considering the next pair linked below (Black & Red pair) because I like the idea of the rubberized square/flat seating surface (Like the Esco ones from Pelican), but two things where making me lean towards the grey ones above instead:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/260960352571?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_535wt_1037

1. I didn't really like that 500mm was their max. height setting as this is about what I like the car at if I'm going underneath. That means these would have to be used at full extension, and I always have the impression that stands are less stable the further they're extended. I'm not by any means saying they're unstable, just more or most stable when compact. The grey ones have a max setting of 600mm meaning at 500mm I can comfortably use them without being fully extended and at about 450mm they're almost unextended because their start height is 385mm.

2. The pin locking mechanism seems to have no fastener (at least from the photo) on the other side of the pin once pinned through. I like the safety feature of the ones that have a locking feature on the end that gets pinned through the hole, just seems smart.

These do offer a lower starting height at 285mm or so, but essentially speaking, what good is that when the intended usage of stands is to hold the car up in the air... the end height seems to be what should matter, along with the weight capacity and safety features of course.


Thanks in Advance and as always, hope everyone stays safe.

 

[alan camby]

I like the three leg jack stand. Probably because we don't see stuff like that here in the US. Everybody and their brother have the ratchet gray style you have pictured.

If I were you, i would look at the line of AC hydraulics Jack stands. They seem to be of very high quality. Once again, we currently do not have a importer here in the US of AC stands. We can get the jacks and they always get a positive review on this forum.
I really think the thread adjustable stands, offered by AC, are a great setup. I know they have them in several different designs.
There is a member here with a screen name of Monte. He seems to know all the good European built products. He has posted a few other brands that look very nice and comparable to the AC units. You might try to PM him if interested in that style.

Here in the US, Alan Camby makes the best stands. They are also known as AC. Here wait....I am Alan Camby

Good luck in your hunt

 

[Monte]

like Alan i also would recommend to look at AC stands or since you like the rubber pad look at the "Rodcraft" stands:

http://rodcraft.de/lang-en/produkte...=rc_default.tpl&product_id=590&category_id=58

 

[MTRD3]

^ Hi Fellas,

Thanks for the constructive feedback. I've heard great things about AC and should look into where I can get them here in southern Germany. I'm not very partial to the Rodcraft stands simply because they have a max. height of less than 400mm, which IMO is too low for my comfort level when underneath the car. Otherwise, from a construction stand point they look great.... I've never seen that type of stand, is it just a threaded adjustment with some sort of nut locking mechanism?

Everybody and their brother have the ratchet gray style you have pictured.

Just a question Alan, did you notice that square lock safety pin in these grey stands? Just wanted to ask in case you missed it, because I too notice that the general ratcheting stand is the stand of the multitude and seems to be in every other garage, but I for one haven't often seen stands that offer both the ratcheting function for lift, with the pin locking design for securing. Being 6T capacity and offering a max. height adjustment of 600mm they fit my search criteria otherwise very well. Working under the car at 500mm means that wouldn't be near full extension which I like knowing for peace of mind.

One thing that bugged me is that they're made by a manufacturer here in Europe (or Poland I belive) that I know nothing about and couldn't find much info. about. YATO tools? Also sometimes sold under TOYA tools sub-branding, Monte do you know anything about the brand? I think I've seen a few of their hand tool kits for sale here and there in Germany.

T.I.A.

 

[alan camby]

We have the ratchet kind with a safety pin made by Torin jacks.
From what i can tell, they are Chinese.

 

[MTRD3]

Ah ok, and you're not a fan of them? I personally don't like the ones that are just the ratcheting mechanism, but seeing those grey ones with the square pin lock mechanism as well I started to think they offered a great value seeing as they have both features and the added security measure.

I've looked around a few times online today when I had a chance, can't seem to find a EU distributor for AC Hydraulics... I actually read in a forum search result that came back via google that the company no longer exists?

 

[alan camby]

Ah ok, and you're not a fan of them? I personally don't like the ones that are just the ratcheting mechanism, but seeing those grey ones with the square pin lock mechanism as well I started to think they offered a great value seeing as they have both features and the added security measure.

I've looked around a few times online today when I had a chance, can't seem to find a EU distributor for AC Hydraulics... I actually read in a forum search result that came back via google that the company no longer exists?

It is not that I dislike the style, though I like to be different, It is the fact that the majority of the ones here have a cast load bar made in China.
I don't like trusting my life to a piece of cast steel made in China. I did a lot of searching for a stand and could not find the quality that i wanted.

The Rod Craft and AC units are next to impossible to get here. I am sure if i spent enough money and waited some ridiculous time that there would be some way to get them.

I actually bought 4 of the ratcheting stands from a company that makes them entirely here in the US. When I received them, I was not happy with the quality. If you search my started threads, you will find my thread on a review of a certain manufactures stands. I returned them.

Ended up making my own and testing them to 40,000 lbs each. Hard to tell from the picture, but the top is both a flat top and a safety side design.

The AC Website is still up, did you try to Google AC Hydraulics?

 

[Monte]

One thing that bugged me is that they're made by a manufacturer here in Europe (or Poland I belive) that I know nothing about and couldn't find much info. about. YATO tools? Also sometimes sold under TOYA tools sub-branding, Monte do you know anything about the brand? I think I've seen a few of their hand tool kits for sale here and there in Germany.
T.I.A.

Yato sells imorted products under their name, afaik they don´t make anything...so you might find the same product from BGS-technic or elsewhere....

ps: here is a AC online shop where you can buy the stands:
http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Unterstell--/Abstuetzboecke.htm?websale8=se-shop&ci=140731

for the nearest AC dealer.....:
http://www.ac-hydraulic.dk/de/kontakt-uns/

 

[Gert]

Forget about the ratchet type jack stands, absolute ****. Here's my experience with RODAC jack stands (in fact rebranded Chinese ****):

I like the idea of making my own jacks like Alan did (they look very well made)...

 

[sberry]

I have some china ones, don't see a problem. I have 2 sets of 6 ton ones,,, bought them under 2 different brands, Both look ok but there must be 2 companies that make these, one was a gage heavier on the sheet metal.

 

[Monte]

i have the chinese ones too, just repainted them.....the welds are not the best, they don´t go "through" and the paint job don´t hold up...the steel begin to rust underneath the paint (no powercoating...)... one metal piece from inside the stand somewhere broke off from the one stand and the "top cap" of the other stand broke off a while ago:





like i said they do work but there is no craftsmanship and pride involved in making them...

 

[alan camby]

Forget about the ratchet type jack stands, absolute ****. Here's my experience with RODAC jack stands (in fact rebranded Chinese ****):

I like the idea of making my own jacks like Alan did (they look very well made)...

I watched the video.
I like the President of the company's signature
Feel free to call him with questions, If you can make out that signature.

The welds and castings are questionable on most Chinese stands.

This is a recent thread on a stand that failed. (Three weeks ago)
http://www.huntsvillecarscene.com/showthread.php?p=82757#axzz2MPHibfQt

 

[sberry]

Mine were near perfect. Great welding. My bud bought a HF cherry picker, it was about as flawless as it could get. Its a different class than my otc but the finish is way better.

 

[alan camby]

Mine were near perfect. Great welding. My bud bought a HF cherry picker, it was about as flawless as it could get. Its a different class than my otc but the finish is way better.

Ex-cell used to make a really nice USA made shop crane. I does have a import jack, but have not seen a crane like it for the price. I bought mine new about15 years ago for $250. The thing is twice as heavy as the newer Chinese units. I also have a Ex-cell engine stand that is nice. Wonder what happened to that company? It has safety certification stickers on the side too.

 

[sberry]

My bud has the folding one, I have a couple buds with them, real nice for what they do and great to store. Mine is a lot bigger, maybe even fixed a few things up since this pic. I should take a current one.

 

[SamirD]

This is a recent thread on a stand that failed. (Three weeks ago)
http://www.huntsvillecarscene.com/showthread.php?p=82757#axzz2MPHibfQt

That was my friend that had the stand fail on him. He's lucky he's a skinny and tiny guy or it could have been really bad for his wife and newly born daughter.

My father was a mechanical engineer for Ford and he specialized in stress testing. After showing him the pictures he told me that besides using a dye test on these stands regularly, it would be hard to figure out there's a fault like this in them without careful inspection. I really like the idea of the screw-type stand, but as you guys have mentioned quality has to be right. If those threads roll or if the bar has breaks, it can be just as bad.

But I wouldn't even look at the rachet stands after seeing what nearly happened to my friend. Those seem to concentrate all the weight to a single point--and over time I can see that can failing.

 

[kythri]

Am I correct in assuming that all ratchet-style jack stands utilize a cast dynamic piece like that?

It seems to be getting harder and harder to find the pin-style jack stands, which *****, because those don't seem to use any cast parts at all, just square tube steel and what not.

 

[MTRD3]

The Rod Craft and AC units are next to impossible to get here. I am sure if i spent enough money and waited some ridiculous time that there would be some way to get them.

Ended up making my own and testing them to 40,000 lbs each. Hard to tell from the picture, but the top is both a flat top and a safety side design.

Dear me Alan, those stands look sensational. I'm assuming they're a one off production you just made for yourself? If you happened to have produced anymore I would be very interested in buying a set (4). The screw-style idea is new to me but seems very reliable as long as the threading is correctly done and not liable to rolling. Love the finish and the top is exactly the design I would prefer... flat top with rubberized protection. What is the dual safety side feature/design? What is the range of height adjustment??

Yato sells imorted products under their name, afaik they don´t make anything...so you might find the same product from BGS-technic or elsewhere....

ps: here is a AC online shop where you can buy the stands:
http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Unterstell--/Abstuetzboecke.htm?websale8=se-shop&ci=140731

for the nearest AC dealer.....:
http://www.ac-hydraulic.dk/de/kontakt-uns/

Thanks Monte, I took a look at the AC Website (or starequipment) and narrowed it down to these three stands:

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Unterstellbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=138898&ci=140731

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Unterstellbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=138897&ci=140731

I like the silver ones, they remind me of the old AC design everyone seemed to be fond of. Between the two silver ones, I kinda like the idea of the individual legs being attached with the additional metal as seen in the second link. The black ones looks pretty good too, to be honest I can't find a huge difference between the three to make me chose one over the other (aside from the legs/posts being connected by additional metal in the first two links as opposed to the third link).

For now it's between one of those three from AC or the orig. grey ones I posted.... and hopefully Alan's custom mades ones, in which case the decision will be a done deal if Alan has any more

 

[SamirD]

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Unterstellbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=138897&ci=140731

I don't like this design one bit. Each leg is dependent on just the weld between it and the body. Tying them together like in the other silver one is going to be a much stronger design.

 

[RKA]

like Alan i also would recommend to look at AC stands or since you like the rubber pad look at the "Rodcraft" stands:

http://rodcraft.de/lang-en/produkte...=rc_default.tpl&product_id=590&category_id=58

Monte, any idea how much these sell for over there?

 

[alan camby]

MTRD3

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, i built them for myself in a 23'x23' garage. Don't have the proper equipment or space to mass produce. I would love to help out, but unfortunately have no plans of building in batch quantities. I really enjoyed building them and might make another set someday.

short stands height range is about 13" to 21" (330mm to 533mm)
tall stands are about 19" thru 31" (483mm to 787mm)

Here are some pictures.

The stand base was welded in a custom jig I built.

This was taken before I painted the tops. You can see how the sides can be used up or down.

Another picture without paint. You can see how they store. Currently I am storing them this way. Once i finish a few projects, I will be building a wall mount for them.

Thanks for looking.

If I were you, I would go with one of the AC units. I think they look very nice and should have plenty of options for heights. Like SamirD posted, I would choose a model with the legs tied together. With that said, I know the three leg model without support has been around for a long time. I just like the leg tied models for piece of mind during shock loads.

 

[Monte]

Thanks Monte, I took a look at the AC Website (or starequipment) and narrowed it down to these three stands:

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Unterstellbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=138898&ci=140731

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Unterstellbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=138897&ci=140731

if you have luck they might have the silver ones in stock, since they are discontinued...

the current product lineup:
http://www.ac-hydraulic.dk/de/produkte/abstutzbocke/

Compac offers similar stands with safety pin and also the screw type
http://compac.dk/pic/Brochure DE/D8 - CAX-CBJ.pdf
http://compac.dk/

there is also OMCN:
http://www.omcn.it/docs/News/docnew141.pdf
www.omcn.it

Weber Hydraulik:
http://www.weber.de/hydraulik/de/html/unterstellbloecke.php

German made ones:
http://www.lenztools.de/index.php/cat/c89_Unterstellbock-Unterstellbock.html
(possible the OEM for others....)

Monte, any idea how much these sell for over there?

€130.- per piece

 

[RKA]

Thanks! (ouch...and hell no!)

 

[MTRD3]

I've narrowed it down to these AC Hydaulic stands for me (assuming I can get my hands on a set of (4):

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

Although those rodcrafts were very appealing in design, the height adjustment just wasn't high enough for my liking and being triple the price of the AC's, I decided to pass on the rodcraft stuff (although I did find a hydraulic jack that they make that I really like).

In the interest of great discussion, let's keep the suggestions for both stands and perhaps pump jacks going. Many thanks to Alan Camby and Monte, among all others, for their valueable insight thus far.

 

[willhollin]

It's rare I can recommend anything British made, but check out Melco axle stands.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/as30a-axle-stands

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/as10-axle-stands

Main website is here -

http://www.thomasmeldrumltd.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx

 

[MTRD3]

I've narrowed it down to these AC Hydaulic stands for me (assuming I can get my hands on a set of (4):

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

Just when I thought I had done enough research and come to a decision I stumbled upon these (perhaps I spoke to soon )

http://www.werkzeugpalette.de/epages/62325092.sf/de_DE/?ViewObjectID=4576631

From what I read, Hazet is another creditable German manufacturer (although can't confirm where they're manufactured, based on their website it seems the complete operation is in Germany where they have 3 plants.. perhaps Monte knows more). Funny enough, I spoke to a vendor who said that the Vigor stands I also looked into (see: red and black stands from page 1 in my first post) are manufactured by Hazet.. somewhat like a cheaper price point/branding but from the same manufacturer, in this case Hazet.

The stands linked above have 6T capacity, adjustment range from 365mm-565mm, 40mm adjustment increments, 90 degree offset holes for pin insertion (whatever that means), and a rubberized seat atop the stand to protect the underbody of the vehicle. In any case, they look well made and at approx. 130 Euros per pair quite worthy of consideration.

That being said, I still think I'm leaning towards the black AC Hydraulics in my quote above lol. I feel like I'm beating this topic to, dare I say it, death. However at the same time I'm really enjoying what I'm learning and my opinion on jack stands has changed dramatically in the last month. As with all safety equipment, they're also not a decision to take lightly so I'm glad this thread has thrived.

 

[Monte]

i doubt Hazet makes them....they´re also not listed as "Made in Germany" .....

Facom seem to offer the same stands......

here are some different looking ones ? newer ? older version ?

http://www.ebay.de/itm/FACOM-DL-3-Unterstellbocke-/400404642845

 

[alan camby]

I've narrowed it down to these AC Hydaulic stands for me (assuming I can get my hands on a set of (4):

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

Although those rodcrafts were very appealing in design, the height adjustment just wasn't high enough for my liking and being triple the price of the AC's, I decided to pass on the rodcraft stuff (although I did find a hydraulic jack that they make that I really like).

In the interest of great discussion, let's keep the suggestions for both stands and perhaps pump jacks going. Many thanks to Alan Camby and Monte, among all others, for their valueable insight thus far.

I think those would be a good set. Besides the Esco's and AME (seems to be the same manufacture as Esco), we don't have many other choices for tripod stands here in the States.
So, do these online stores not have the AC units in stock?

 

[MTRD3]

i doubt Hazet makes them....they´re also not listed as "Made in Germany" .....

Facom seem to offer the same stands......

here are some different looking ones ? newer ? older version ?

http://www.ebay.de/itm/FACOM-DL-3-Unterstellbocke-/400404642845

Hi Monte, thanks for the info. So you think they're knock-offs just branded as Hazet?

How is Facom as a manufacturer? Are they German?

I think those would be a good set. Besides the Esco's and AME (seems to be the same manufacture as Esco), we don't have many other choices for tripod stands here in the States.
So, do these online stores not have the AC units in stock?

Hi Alan, nope.. so far I've had no luck with the AC units (tried one online store, and called/emailed 3 different distributors in S. Germany). Although one here in Munich had some AC stuff, they didn't have the particular model stands I want (the black ones - AB5-365, IIRC).

I think the starequipment-shop webpage Monte linked has them in stock now so I'll try them online because I still find them the best choice of the options I've considered up to this point (price considered - otherwise the Rodcraft stuff was very nice as well).

 

[MTRD3]

@ Monte (or any others that have an opinion)

Would you say that LenzTools is the same quality as AC Hydraulic or is there any variation in product quality or manufacturer rating between the two? I noticed you menitoned that LenzTools may be the OEM manuf. for the others.

I just noticed that LenzTools makes a set of stands that are very comparable to the AC stands that I planned to go with - similar height adjustment/range, and load rating - however the Weber stands are on average approx. 15 Euro per stand cheaper, so at least a 60 Euro difference on an order of (4) stands.

AC Hydraulic:

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

vs.

LenzTools (RP-HH):

http://www.lenztools.de/product_inf...ofi-5t.html/XTCsid/brrln6oebq1tds5itrug6i4bn1


T.I.A.

PS - I also received a Rodcraft catalogue with pricing in the mail this week, so I'm going to take a look into these when I get home, I think they look rather impressive as well.

http://rodcraft.de/lang-en/produkte...=rc_default.tpl&product_id=589&category_id=58

 

[kythri]

Wow, I've never seen one fail like that before.

The cast piece breaking like that? That seems to be the most common way these stands fail.

 

[kythri]

I've seen three or four separate examples (with photos), and at least a couple on this forum.

As far as similar examples, there's this one:

But, yeah, I can't find anymore right off-hand, either on the forum or via GIS.

I've also seen other failures - my search turned up a couple of examples of pawl/dog/lever assemblies breaking off the jack, causing the dynamic piece to collapse/fall to the ground inside the stand.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

MTRD3

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, i built them for myself in a 23'x23' garage. Don't have the proper equipment or space to mass produce. I would love to help out, but unfortunately have no plans of building in batch quantities. I really enjoyed building them and might make another set someday.

short stands height range is about 13" to 21" (330mm to 533mm)
tall stands are about 19" thru 31" (483mm to 787mm)

Here are some pictures.

Hey Alan,

Those are awesome. A couple of questions, if you recall:

1. What are the specs on the square tubing and acme rod?

2. Where did you get the threaded rod? I could cut that on my lathe, but cutting that much acme thread by hand would be daunting.

3. You say you tested them to 40,000 pounds. Not doubting a guy like you with mad skillZ, but curious just how you did that?

Super work, man.

Phil

 

[alan camby]

Hey Alan,

Those are awesome. A couple of questions, if you recall:

1. What are the specs on the square tubing and acme rod?

2. Where did you get the threaded rod? I could cut that on my lathe, but cutting that much acme thread by hand would be daunting.

3. You say you tested them to 40,000 pounds. Not doubting a guy like you with mad skillZ, but curious just how you did that?

Super work, man.

Phil

Thanks man

Think all of your answers can be found in my thread. The first post(in the thread) has my first version of the top of the stand. Ended up changing it later in the thread.

If you have any other questions post them there or PM me. Hate to hijack this thread any more then I already have.
Nice to see a Hoosier on here from time to time.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184890

 

[Monte]

Hi Monte, thanks for the info. So you think they're knock-offs just branded as Hazet?

How is Facom as a manufacturer? Are they German?

i only can guess, so ithink somebody in China makes them.....
A Hazet dealer and also Facom can give you the COO per request...
Facom is/was a French manufacturer of hand tools and storage but was bought by Stanley a while ago.

@ Monte (or any others that have an opinion)

Would you say that LenzTools is the same quality as AC Hydraulic or is there any variation in product quality or manufacturer rating between the two? I noticed you menitoned that LenzTools may be the OEM manuf. for the others.

I just noticed that LenzTools makes a set of stands that are very comparable to the AC stands that I planned to go with - similar height adjustment/range, and load rating - however the Weber stands are on average approx. 15 Euro per stand cheaper, so at least a 60 Euro difference on an order of (4) stands.

AC Hydraulic:

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

vs.

LenzTools (RP-HH):

http://www.lenztools.de/product_inf...ofi-5t.html/XTCsid/brrln6oebq1tds5itrug6i4bn1


T.I.A.

PS - I also received a Rodcraft catalogue with pricing in the mail this week, so I'm going to take a look into these when I get home, I think they look rather impressive as well.

http://rodcraft.de/lang-en/produkte...=rc_default.tpl&product_id=589&category_id=58

i don´t know if one is better than the other....they all (incl. the Rodcraft) look virtually the same...... if they are they same ....???.....if they are the same quality or one is better ....????.......i dunno....the german ones at least have a TÜV/GS mark but i dunno if it´s important....it might also be interesting if the AC stands are made in Denmark.... the last time i mailed them they answered that they don´t make stands...... the Rodcraft ones are german too.....

I think the OEM for many stands is Hoesl:
http://www.hoesl-hebetechnik.de/Produkte/Werkstatteinrichtungen/unterstellbock.html

http://www.hoesl-hebetechnik.de/Resources/Unterstellbocke_gesamtd.pdf

www.hoesl-hebetechnik.de

At least they make the Würth, Weber and Longus stands:
http://tuvdotcom.com/certificates/60022852?locale=de


or maybe buy direct from a manufacturer:
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/450255761/jack_stand.html?s=p

 

[MTRD3]

Hey Monte,

On a good note, I just got an email back from Starequipment-shop (Star Tools) in which they ascertained that the stands are still made (they even pointed out "as they always have been during their tenure as a distributor") directly in Denmark. So that's good to know, although likewise an interesting point of contrast to AC Hydr. informing you that they no longer manufacture stands??

Also, for anyone who may look to this thread for an update on the Rodcraft stands that I was checking the price on, they cost 71.00 Euro each through Rodcraft.

http://rodcraft.de/lang-en/produkte...=rc_default.tpl&product_id=589&category_id=58

 

[MTRD3]

Success! After exchanging a few emals with a rep. from Star Tools, I received an electronic invoice today for a set (4) of the AC Hydraulic stands I had wanted to purchase. Quality certainly costs, but hopefully this will be my last (or at least for a very very long time) jack stand purchase.

http://www.starequipment-shop.de/Abstuetzbock.htm?websale8=se-shop&pi=302152&ci=140731

 

[SamirD]

Sweet! Glad to see you got some quality stands.

 

[MTRD3]

Hi Fellas,

Just wanted to update this thread, especially because I received some great insight from a number of members and appreciate it. I would have updated it earlier but I was traveling for a month and spent some time in Africa where I saw "mechanics" working under conditions that made me feel obsessive compulsive when I considered this thread lol (read: cars being supported by odd shaped stones or boulders just stacked atop one another until they didn't wobble with a car on top them).

So, things didn't work out with StarTools as expected. The competent employee I had dealt with didn't realized that they don't sell to the general public and can only engage in contracts with licensed companies. Long story short, they sent me my money back and I was left to think of another way to source the stands. I found a company here (StahlGruber) that could order AC Hydraulics jacks for clients so I decided to try my luck with the part no. for the stands. As luck would have it the order went through and 3 days later I finally had my stands in my hands Cost was slightly higher than the price StarTools had contracted (which most people would already find exorbitant) but this thread has already established that quality and safety were the priorities and AC Hydraulics topped the list of manufacturers that ranked among the best and had something that fit the criteria of what I was looking for.

I took some pictures for reference and to show the outcome of this thread. These things seem like they were constructed with the intention of supporting tanks insteads of vehicles. I was incredibly impressed and the peace of mind I got just from lifting them up, let alone seeing them next to other run of the mill jack stands, was worth the effort alone. I felt like my old jack stands wanted to fall over just from being in the dominating presence of the AC Hydraulic ones when placed next to one another lol. I've since used them happily 4-5 times.

On a side note, while I was emptying my wallet on tools I decided to pickup a jack that would be on par with the craftsmanship of the stands, while not absoutely breaking the bank. It was between AC Hydraulics DK13HLQ and it's competitors from Rodcraft. Because that level of jack from both manufactures costs considerably upwards of 500€ I decided to take advantage of a sale Rodcraft had on a jack that was a tier below (being Rodcraft i.e. made in Germany it is still easily the upper echelon of equipment). Pictures attached, although they don't do the tools justice lol.

Special thanks to Alan Camby and Monte for their genuine interest in the topic and helpful/insightful responses.

 

[Monte]

nice jack stands me want