Do you ALWAYS use jack stands? Help settle the argument.

[Cruzan80]

I like how the OP asked about swapping tires ONLY, and half the responses are around brakes, oil, etc... We really do have a problem of answering the question we think needs answering, vs what the OP (in general) asks...

I generally don't use jack stands when swapping one tire at a time. No part of me is under the tire, and definitely not under the car itself. The new tire is right by me, so it is jack up, loosen, remove, mount, re-bolt, lower jack. Rinse, repeat, then go around and torque to spec.

For the half dozen other scenarios mentioned, I always use jack stands. Frequently the jack itself is also "lightly" in contact as a secondary (lower onto stands, pump slightly until contact).

 

[toolenthusiast]

I’m the type of guy to pre-read the workshop manual, always use a torque wrench, and even try to fit extra jack stands under the car if possible. But even I don’t worry about using a jackstand to change 1 tire. If anything, you can just slide a wheel/tire under the car next to the jack.

 

[GarageDan]

I use jack stands when I'm getting under the car, otherwise just leave it on the jack.

 

[RTM]

But even I don’t worry about using a jackstand to change 1 tire. If anything, you can just slide a wheel/tire under the car next to the jack.

This is what I do. The spare goes under the main body of the car. The one coming off goes under the extremity, the spare goes on.

Once I moved the spare donut from front to back, put the dead flat under the main body, while two scissors jacks were under the jack points. One guy on each wheel, but still had the safety of the spare. Was taught this decades ago, taught both daughters the same thing

 

[dnschmidt]

My friend worked at an independent repair shop. There was on set of jack stands. The boss insisted that the stands were not necessary. Well, the new floor jack collapsed and my friend was crushed, He never walked again.

An unfortunate story indeed but what does having an ******* for a boss have to do with getting underneath a car without a jackstand. If the car crushed him by definition he was underneath the car. Hopefully, he sued said ******* establishment for millions.

 

[Beerhippie]

For changing tires? No.

We get an OSHA inspection--actually, a consultation--once a year here at the brewery. Last time around, I asked the inspector (consultant?) where OSHA stood on this, seeing as OSHA is about as paranoid as it gets. The answer came two days later--as long as no part of the body is under the vehicle being serviced and all tires are chocked, stands are not required.

Now, how exactly do I go about chocking the tires I'm changing?

 

[Vinny]

Yes, even if I'm not getting under the car. Typically, though, if I'm doing tire or brake work it's on all four so I'll have the whole car on jack stands.
Here's my 2x4 jacks stands I've been using forever

 

[NUTTSGT]

When I rotate tires with an oil change, I put stands under the front a the floor jack under the rear differential.

If I'm getting under a vehicle, doing brakes or pretty much everything else, I use stands.

 

[Sumboodie]

We sold "Bumper Jacks" - back when cars had steel bumpers. And "Scissors Jacks" (which became OEM standard on many import vehicles in the early 1970s.
I have seen them twisted, collapsed, pancaked. "Warranty" returns on the scissors jacks were off the charts - I suppose because people were positioning them improperly under the vehicles or (as I stupidly did myself one day on a sloped gravel road) weren't using them on a flat, level, hard surface. (I ended up rolling the Opel down the hill on the flat tire until I hit a mainline and flagged down another driver who was kind enough to help me out.)
Fortunately the sales rep (Bob Lee) sold us about 20 other lines and had no issue with writing us a credit for them.

We didn't start selling the little hydraulic bottle jacks until "JET Equipment Importers" started up here in Tacoma (on Jefferson Avenue.)
We were retailing a 1-1/2 ton bottle jack for $8.88. Warranty return rate was less than 5% of net sales, so we were okay with that - we just tossed them into the trash. Told the stores to not return them to the warehouse because they got jack oil all over the delivery trucks.



My father originally started out just pumping gas and selling used cars. He later expanded the building and put in four hydraulic lifts and offered full-service repairs.
Hydraulic lifts in the 1940s and 1950s were essentially an "H" of railroad track, sitting on top of a hydraulic ram coming up out of the floor.
His lead mechanic was doing a brake job one afternoon, sitting flat on the floor with his legs under the vehicle.
The lift failed. The vehicle came down and cut off both of his legs about mid-thigh.

My father had the lifts pulled out, replaced the roll-up doors with giant windows, and swore he'd never perform auto repairs again.

We had a few of those at Sears still in the early 2000s. Pits as well, though they got filled in.

 

[four.cycle]

I like how the OP asked about swapping tires ONLY, and half the responses are around brakes, oil, etc... We really do have a problem of answering the question we think needs answering, vs what the OP (in general) asks...

Well.....
Yes, going off the rails here is more than common for some of us, but:
If you've ever had a jack collapse on you while attempting to change a flat tire - and I have - more than once - you might know that cars don't always fall straight down when the jack collapses. First time it happened to me was on the Opel: the scissors jack collapsed and the thing went a bit sideways when it fell. (I bought a little hydraulic "trolley" jack like you guys use in real shops.) Second time was on the Ranger and it scared the BeeJezus out of me when it came down. (#1000 line down between Cosmopolis and Raymond, if you know where that is.)
Sorry... maybe it's just me. I just don't trust ANY jack.

 

[HaroRider]

When I rotate tires with an oil change, I put stands under the front a the floor jack under the rear differential.

If I'm getting under a vehicle, doing brakes or pretty much everything else, I use stands.

This is what I do for tire rotations. If Im just replacing a tire I usually leave it on a jack, but it always feels uneasy. I wont be hurt, but the damage to the car will be really bad.

 

[Beerhippie]

Well.....
Yes, going off the rails here is more than common for some of us, but:
If you've ever had a jack collapse on you while attempting to change a flat tire - and I have - more than once - you might know that cars don't always fall straight down when the jack collapses. First time it happened to me was on the Opel: the scissors jack collapsed and the thing went a bit sideways when it fell. (I bought a little hydraulic "trolley" jack like you guys use in real shops.) Second time was on the Ranger and it scared the BeeJezus out of me when it came down. (#1000 line down between Cosmopolis and Raymond, if you know where that is.)
Sorry... maybe it's just me. I just don't trust ANY jack.

Really? Like a conversation about vintage tape measures turning into a discussion of hydrology and geomorphology? Never!

 

[Cruzan80]

Sorry... maybe it's just me. I just don't trust ANY jack.

Understood. But the jacks I am using at home are built far better than any scissor jack, and the car is likely to go almost straight down, when sitting on a flat driveway. I also (about once every year or two), "test" my floor jack by lifting the car until the wheel barely is off the ground, then leave it overnight. If the wheel still is off the next morning, the jack is good.

Just was pointing out the absurdity of everyone talking about oil, brakes, etc, when the OP specifically mentioned swapping summer/winter tires.

 

[mrvm]

Jack stands….not usually for simple tire swaps unless for example I’m sticking my head a bit deeper into the wheel well looking at a new or ignored leak, greasy area or brake pad inspection. I’ve even used jack stands to backup my metal ramps. Can’t be too cautious because you usually only get one chance.
After one bad QuickJack experience jack stands are always ready and available.

 

[four.cycle]

Just was pointing out the absurdity of everyone talking about oil, brakes, etc, when the OP specifically mentioned swapping summer/winter tires.

Point taken.
I think there are more than a few of us who don't want to log in tomorrow and read a post from someone's son or daughter telling us Dad got killed yesterday when the car fell on him.
Just sayin' ....

 

[scooby074]

Always? Nope. Changing winter for summer tires, for example, I usually dont use a stand. Brakes, Ill usually stick a stand under but not lower the car on it, unless a body part of mine will be under the vehicle.

If a body part is under the vehicle, I 100% will lower the car on a stand, otherwise, it depends.

 

[scooby074]

Yes, even if I'm not getting under the car. Typically, though, if I'm doing tire or brake work it's on all four so I'll have the whole car on jack stands.
Here's my 2x4 jacks stands I've been using forever

Screwed together softwood? NGL that kinda scares me if I was to use them in a spot where life safety is at risk. Im no safety sally, but there is a reason cribbing is solid hardwood, Ive see softwood, even solid 4x4 do some weird things under load.

 

[Dagny]

I too have a selection of white oak blocks I slide to a place that will protect me.

 

[bcradio]

I like how the OP asked about swapping tires ONLY, and half the responses are around brakes, oil, etc... We really do have a problem of answering the question we think needs answering, vs what the OP (in general) asks...

I generally don't use jack stands when swapping one tire at a time. No part of me is under the tire, and definitely not under the car itself. The new tire is right by me, so it is jack up, loosen, remove, mount, re-bolt, lower jack. Rinse, repeat, then go around and torque to spec.

For the half dozen other scenarios mentioned, I always use jack stands. Frequently the jack itself is also "lightly" in contact as a secondary (lower onto stands, pump slightly until contact).

This is Garage Journal what do you expect? The literacy rate here is probably only about 40% to 50% as far as literacy comprehension goes. No surprise in these responses

 

[Dagny]

Yeah I would not work under any evergreen wood.

 

[PhantomEB]

Only when I have any body parts under there and that includes anything farther than visual inspection of brake pads.

 

[Cruzan80]

Point taken.
I think there are more than a few of us who don't want to log in tomorrow and read a post from someone's son or daughter telling us Dad got killed yesterday when the car fell on him.
Just sayin' ....

Agreed. Just sometimes the sense that GJ answers what it thinks we want to know, vs what we actually ask.

The fact that I don't see a single poster (MovingAlong talking about what his grandpa used to have him do when he was a kid doesn't count in my mind, nor does isb cornbinder's friend's dead-beat boss) suggest getting any sort of your body underneath the car without jack stands is the answer, overall. NOT to the OP's question. But all of these address your point about saving someone from dying.

Several people have commented they feel safe when changing a single tire at a time, WITHOUT having any part of their body under the car. Some have said they still use a jack stand, even when changing only a tire. That is directly answering the question.

Others have answered about using jack stands for a variety of other tasks, usually involving some sort of the body being under the car. That is the example of the GJ collective answering the question they thought should have been asked. And that "over-reach" is what gets tiring to read, especially when someone seems to have asked a specific question, to get information on their specific case, vs a general one.

 

[whateg01]

... And that "over-reach" is what gets tiring to read, especially when someone seems to have asked a specific question, to get information on their specific case, vs a general one.

It's too bad you're forced to read each and every post here, huh?

 

[Cruzan80]

No, I choose to read lots of posts. Just find it tiring that people feel the need to over-share.

How did I know someone would immediately post about that portion, while ignoring the main point?

 

[4 FN 27]

One of the first “Tools” I purchased was a Floor Jack from Sears. Didn’t have enough money for Jack Stands at the same time. My ol’Man came home shortly after me buying the Jack and handed me a pair of Jack Stands.

He paid for them, unusual for him to do something like that? He told me to use them and if I didn’t he would revoke my license. That was 1980. I still have them and the Jack.

Since I put a hoist in the Shop I haven’t had the need.

Use something, anything if you are getting under the car.

 

[dchawk81]

Who here wears gloves while positioning your jack stands?

 

[Beerhippie]

Who here wears gloves while positioning your jack stands?

FACE PROTECTION!

BTW: I f you really want to test the failure point of your jack stands, yeah, just stick them where they can catch the falling vehicle....

 

[Vinny]

Screwed together softwood? NGL that kinda scares me if I was to use them in a spot where life safety is at risk. Im no safety sally, but there is a reason cribbing is solid hardwood, Ive see softwood, even solid 4x4 do some weird things under load.

I was skeptical at first, until my brother in law, a structural engineer and architecture, laid out how strong 2x4s actually are. I've used these under some big *** work trucks and they handle it well. I have swapped the the top block a few times, because it gets marred or splits.

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

They should have spring loaded jack stands that automatically extend when you jack the car up. All it would take is a spring... they should all work like that.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

Changing a tire? Nope. I might throw the one going on under the car if I’m not super level ground.
Anything else there is at least one Jack stand on the corner I’m working on, because I’m probably going to be under part of the car at some point.

 

[FigN⋅m]

They should have spring loaded jack stands that automatically extend when you jack the car up. All it would take is a spring... they should all work like that.

Powerbuilt Unijack is pretty close

 

[john.k]

I used to lift the 4 ton forklifts with an 8 ton forklift to drain the engine oil..........take a mighty high stand to fit under that

 

[john.k]

What about setting a light truck on four 50 gallon drums ? Does that count as stands.?.....If you are going to do that,fill the drums with water ,and screw the bungs in ........a lot more stable.

 

[whateg01]

Who here wears gloves while positioning your jack stands?

I wear gloves when I'm working with epoxy resin and either carbon fiber or fiberglass. I hate getting those splinters. I won't wear socks with sandals though. I would but my gf forbids it.

 

[whateg01]

They should have spring loaded jack stands that automatically extend when you jack the car up. All it would take is a spring... they should all work like that.

I've thought about something that could go on the ram of the floor Jack like they use when working under a dump bed. That way the same point that was good enough to jack from is also where the safety is.

 

[hobie18]

My new rule, actually years old, is no work under car.
If I have to, we go to my mechanic and work with car on lift.


I will resign my GJ card.

 

[jayemm]

Who here wears gloves while positioning your jack stands?

Full body armor

 

[jayemm]

I wear gloves when I'm working with epoxy resin and either carbon fiber or fiberglass. I hate getting those splinters. I won't wear socks with sandals though. I would but my gf forbids it.

But do you use gloves when placing jack stands while wearing sandals. There has to be a connection here.

 

[Lassen Forge]

The first time you have a jack either collapse on you (blown seals), come apart on you (cheapy scissors), auto-rachet themselves down (bumper / hi lift style) or just explode (**** sheet metal) you realize that putting your body at risk under or near one ain't worth it.

When you're on the side of the road putting the spare on (-*gasp*- does anyone do that any more??) and that jack comes apart when your foot is under the car, you're REALLY grateful when you remembered to put the spare or the flat under the car to catch it. The first time you forget could be your last. And be mindful when you put your legs or arm or body inder the car where what is down there - that lower A frame can ruin your day.

I used to swap in and out snow tires 2x a year - car on jackstands, tires under the sides of the car. The few times I've had to worm my foot or leg out from under a car over 50 years was well worth it.

But hey, you do you, OK?

 

[john.k]

Some cars had four jack stands built in .