HUGE RECALL- Harbor Freight Jack Stands

[MJK]

A voluntary recall is a stand up response, but 'oops we've been using worn out tooling for 7 years' doesn't exactly give me the warm and fuzzies about how much quality maintenance testing is going on with these things.

This makes me want to stop screwing around and just buying a damn set of Esco stands...

You won't regret it.

 

[Darby9]

A voluntary recall is a stand up response, but 'oops we've been using worn out tooling for 7 years' doesn't exactly give me the warm and fuzzies about how much quality maintenance testing is going on with these things.

It's going on every day, performed by the consumer.

 

[BrandoJames]

So I had to check mine for peace of mind, all four sets and I am so lucky I don't have any on the recall.

Listen up. The Craftsman jack stand in the top left corner of your pix: throw those stands away. Craftsman jack stand 50163 (4 ton) is the subject of a wrongful death lawsuit (see first link below). I think you own little bro, the 2.5 ton version of the same jack stand. I had those stands & got rid of them. Buy a quality set of jack stands with locking pins.

The second link below is a young DIY YouTuber who had a Craftsman jack stand fail. Some people will immediately dismiss this guy due to his haircut. He has something interesting to say. I experienced the same problem that he had with his Craftsman jack and had to throw it away as well. I used to be a Craftsman guy, but Craftsman is a junk brand now.


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lawsuit-proceed-against-sears-over-062201786.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ3xG3JN3N9lNg610GxJ3k68EVla--p03_RPxH1hrw3m1To0zl4HJcb9jhe0PwzPZsbRVIDr3bLQdRRPUS9TUNnMND_EhaLzWnz7hC8xWh_o_RpUeqtOTDdZsFcTvfivMWunI3yQyWyH8Ccf29kJ1If73jWWJppUXP9mkhk8HpJY

 

[BearsFan315]

Harbor Freight recalls 454,000 jack stands over concerns they could collapse

saw this article this morning....

have to check what i have but think they are the 4 holding my car currently that i am working on

Harbor Freight Recalls Jack Stands That Could Suddenly Collapse

Harbor Freight recalls 454,000 jack stands over concerns they could collapse

 

[pascal32]

worn out tooling for that length of time is concerning, seems that should have been caught a bit quicker. Issues like this surface with all the companies at some point or another, I will say it is nice that HF is acting on it voluntarily instead of being forced to - that does say something.

 

[Rustypigeon]

worn out tooling for that length of time is concerning, seems that should have been caught a bit quicker.

I agree.

In 2016 I bought a pair of the 6 ton jack stands. When I took them out of the box, I immediately noticed how shallow the notches were on the post. They were much shallower than any other jack stands I had. I figured, rather than worry about whether they will hold, I would just return them. They didn't look safe to me.

The fact that I noticed it right away, but QC (if they even have QC in China) at the factory did not until a few years later, is concerning.

 

[7avalon7]

worn out tooling for that length of time is concerning, seems that should have been caught a bit quicker. Issues like this surface with all the companies at some point or another, I will say it is nice that HF is acting on it voluntarily instead of being forced to - that does say something.

Yeah agree, and I am not trying to defend HF by all means, but credit to them that they are acting on it.

- Has anyone take their jack stands in and get a refund and the coupons? Curious if there is a long line of this...
- What did you buy to replace your jack stands? Another HF (I am assuming they have a new version), or maybe some other brands? I am in the market for a replacement jack stands.

Thanks
Chris

 

[mrvm]

Yeah agree, and I am not trying to defend HF by all means, but credit to them that they are acting on it.

- Has anyone take their jack stands in and get a refund and the coupons? Curious if there is a long line of this...
- What did you buy to replace your jack stands? Another HF (I am assuming they have a new version), or maybe some other brands? I am in the market for a replacement jack stands

Declined replacement jack stands and took store credit. EZ to spend on other disposable tools or hardware.

 

[Rustypigeon]

- What did you buy to replace your jack stands? Another HF (I am assuming they have a new version), or maybe some other brands? I am in the market for a replacement jack stands.

When I returned mine back in 2016, I replaced them with T46002A Torin Steel Jack Stands: Double Locking, 6 Ton for about $60 on Amazon. They have an extra pin that engages the notches.

The 3 ton Torin set sells for about $35.

 

[nh_yota]

This makes me want to stop screwing around and just buying a damn set of Esco stands...

Eh they're not much better. I have a pair with the pucks on top and while the design is solid the welding is questionable.

 

[tdkkart]

I am dumbfounded! Imagine that, a HF product with a failure and safety issue,
I wonder how many of those stands are sold under other labels? My Menards Tool Shop 6 ton stands are pretty much the same as the HF.

BINGO!!!

The Chinese build EXACTLY what WE tell them to build, at EXACTLY the quality level and price WE tell them to build.

So where does the fault lie?

 

[nh_yota]

From the manufacturer's website http://www.grlift.com/Index.asp?info=Company:

Ours company always stick to the principle of ”quality first,consumers’ superior” and keep on developing and improving our-selves.Besides,We introduced two sets of full-automatic electrostatic painting,spraying powder and full-automatic washing equip-ment and scientific management.our factory’s quality system has passed the quality approval of ISO9001:2015,and meet American ANSI/ASME standard, and obtains the Germany GS TÜV and European Economic Community CE identification certificate.

 

[zendriver]

I'm skeptical of the whole thing.

Harbor Freight gains tons of free attention - negative for a possible problem , positive that they have it "handled".

Everyone is now talking about HF jack stands - likers that use them with no problems and haters who have never owned them.

Bring in the "questionable" stands to a store and get a store gift card. Wander around the store, load up your cart other stuff, sort your coupons and head for the checkout using your "gift card". Maybe get a new sets of jack stands - maybe not. You probably already have 4 other sets at home, that have never had a problem either.

Conspiracy theory of yet another unusual marketing ploy for Harbor Freight?

 

[Nineeightyone]

I've got one set affected by this, one set that's a different part number and one that's so old they're orange. I'll definitely take mine in for the refund, and maybe look at Esco -- I'm seeing them around $40 for a set of 3 ton. Who else does GJ like for jack stands though? I've only ever used the HF ones, though I generally inspect them visually before use.

 

[Nitsua98]

Ok, so what do we replace them with? I'd like to get a Quick Jack eventually but $$$$.

 

[7avalon7]

I'm skeptical of the whole thing.

Harbor Freight gains tons of free attention - negative for a possible problem , positive that they have it "handled".

Everyone is now talking about HF jack stands - likers that use them with no problems and haters who have never owned them.

Bring in the "questionable" stands to a store and get a store gift card. Wander around the store, load up your cart other stuff, sort your coupons and head for the checkout using your "gift card". Maybe get a new sets of jack stands - maybe not. You probably already have 4 other sets at home, that have never had a problem either.

Conspiracy theory of yet another unusual marketing ploy for Harbor Freight?

The gift card can be used later right? Or do I have to spend it right away when I bring mine into the store? I do not need anything right now, except another jack stands. I am looking at Torin and Chicago Pneumatic.

Well... for me, regardless if this is a crazy marketing ploy, or whatever the motive is, I still give credit for the voluntary recall. Many companies have buried much worse problems.

 

[zendriver]

The gift card can be used later right? Or do I have to spend it right away when I bring mine into the store? I do not need anything right now, except another jack stands. I am looking at Torin and Chicago Pneumatic.

Well... for me, regardless if this is a crazy marketing ploy, or whatever the motive is, I still give credit for the voluntary recall. Many companies have buried much worse problems.

My post was mainly in jest and you likely don't have to buy anything at that time, but that's hard for the typical HF shopper to do.

IMO what they are doing is fine and it does show that Harbor Freight takes more interest in their products, than simply selling whatever shows up at their dock.

I have a couple of sets that I need to check.

 

[scooterbum46]

From the manufacturer's website http://www.grlift.com/Index.asp?info=Company:

I checked the Golden Roc website out, I see they also build "Pepe Benders"... all Pepes beware....

 

[measuredtwice]

BINGO!!!

The Chinese build EXACTLY what WE tell them to build, at EXACTLY the quality level and price WE tell them to build.

So where does the fault lie?

The people that BUY them.

 

[zendriver]

I checked the Golden Roc website out, I see they also build "Pepe Benders"... all Pepes beware....

HF also get products from this company.

Laizhou Hongyuan Bench Vice Manufacture Co., Ltd.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Yeah agree, and I am not trying to defend HF by all means, but credit to them that they are acting on it.

- Has anyone take their jack stands in and get a refund and the coupons? Curious if there is a long line of this...
- What did you buy to replace your jack stands? Another HF (I am assuming they have a new version), or maybe some other brands? I am in the market for a replacement jack stands.

Thanks
Chris

I just came back from returning a set of 6 ton stands. They had no replacement stands available and none for stores in a 50 mile radius. She said they are having a hard time getting stuff right now.

The email I received concerning the recall had a 20% off coupon that the lady told me they would extend if the jack stands didn't come back in stock before it expired.

I have the gift card and left the store with it, not buying a thing. It has a $42.79 credit on it, ($39.99 + 2.80/tax) and I believe, like most gift cards, has no expiration date. I'm pretty sure I used a 20% off when I bought them and off hand, I don't know the current price of 6T stands.

My replacement set came from Meanrd's and are Masterforce brand. Unfortunately made in China as well but I need to get my open trailer back on a set of stands rather using the tongue jack (no wheels/tires) The welds on these stands look good and the engagement looks fine. They also come with a set of slide in key locks to prevent accidental lowers.

I'll give HF credit for doing the recall which is the right thing. You don't have to buy another set from them but you can purchase anything in the store with the gift card.

I wonder if owner/CEO Eric Schimdt is a smart man and paying attention to what people are saying ? To be honest, the quality of tools coming from HF has improved over the years, granted they are still made in China. Did he learn from Eddie and moving Cman production to China and not caring about the quality but the almighty dollar. Where Schimdt is going the other way, in sorts, started with **** China production and has made strides to get a better product. A product line that is quite obviously filling the void that Eddie Lampert left open with his train wreck of hedge fund operations.

just an observation. . . .

 

[7avalon7]

My post was mainly in jest and you likely don't have to buy anything at that time, but that's hard for the typical HF shopper to do.

IMO what they are doing is fine and it does show that Harbor Freight takes more interest in their products, than simply selling whatever shows up at their dock.

I have a couple of sets that I need to check.

Agree it is hard to not buy anything once I am there I already started browsing their website to see what I can buy haha

Before covid-19, the local HF was always busy, but I have not been there in the last 2-3 months. I have some health issues so just trying to be extra careful, and avoid being close to a lot of people. I may go there like early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

 

[driftpin]

NAPA online Balkamp 6-ton stands, $49.99 pr.
15-3/4" to 24" range

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7762000?partTypeName=Jack+Stand&keywordInput=jackstands

 

[dmaxfireman]

Re: Harbor Freight recalls Pittsburgh 6 Ton Jack Stands

https://images.harborfreight.com/hftweb/recalls/Jack-Stand-Recall-56371_61196_61197.pdf

 

[Soup]

Glad I only buy great American brands like Pittsburgh.

 

[lardy1]

Re: Harbor Freight recalls Pittsburgh 6 Ton Jack Stands

After reading through two separate threads about Harbor Freight jack stands, I really have to appreciate the fact that I don't have to give a rat's *** about any of it. Please be safe guys.

 

[WittHay]

I always thought Harbor Freight was the finest purveyor of Chinese tools in the land.

Jack stands that look exactly like the ones that HF sells are hard to find around here. Some have rubber sleeves on the handles and have some additional support on the legs. Havent heard of any recalls up here

Also I absolutely dont believe anything on a Chinese website or have anything to do with Ollybubba or is Alibaba. When the fist sentence you read say " Ours company makes all kings of jacks" I stop reading

Its up to companys importing to do regular quality control checks on safety equipment

 

[Bacon!]

This is unneeded redundancy and scattering info, that we have multiple topics about this same issues & recall and people keep splitting up posts to them. Same specific topic, only needs one forum thread.

People! Please search to see if your topic exists before posting a new one. Thanks.

 

[M635_Guy]

This is unneeded redundancy and scattering info, that we have multiple topics about this same issues & recall and people keep splitting up posts to them. Same specific topic, only needs one forum thread.

People! Please search to see if your topic exists before posting a new one. Thanks.

This was the first/top one I saw...

 

[driftpin]

Re: Harbor Freight recalls Pittsburgh 6 Ton Jack Stands

It has nothing to do with checking that the pawl is engaged. The teeth on the moving part of the stand, and the pawl were manufactured out of tolerance. The teeth physically do not engage enough to support the rated weight.

It's got nothing to do with "making sure they are engaged"

Here's from the NHTSA announcement:

Description of the defect
For certain units, the ratchet teeth on the jack stand lifting extension post may inconsistently engage the pawl to a sufficient depth.

Estimated percentage with defect: 5%.
Number of potentially involved: 454,000

From comparing my Pittsburgh (HFT) jackstands to others I have of a similar style, their dimensions for the teeth on the movable beam support look to-be almost identical in dimensions (eyeball-only). My non-HFT set are at another house, so I cannot make a specific comparison with a Vernier micrometer, but just from a point of information, I will make the measurement next-time I'm over-there, just to-see how they compare.

I'd rather take a refund than a store credit, but I'm sure that over-time, I'll have no-issues spending the store credit I'll get. "Just-because the refund for store-credit is offered," and because of my desire for self-preservation, I'll return these, I've decided.

 

[mike93lx]

This makes me want to stop screwing around and just buying a damn set of Esco stands...

Do it. They are very nice

 

[zendriver]

At least HF is getting attention again.

During the pandemic, other than PPE shortages and slow shipping all we could hear is crickets.

 

[mike93lx]

Ok, so what do we replace them with? I'd like to get a Quick Jack eventually but $$$$.

Esco

 

[NUTTSGT]

This is unneeded redundancy and scattering info, that we have multiple topics about this same issues & recall and people keep splitting up posts to them. Same specific topic, only needs one forum thread.

People! Please search to see if your topic exists before posting a new one. Thanks.

This was the first/top one I saw...

I'm trying to merge/delete as they appear.

 

[ZRX61]

I have some that look exactly like them, but are labeled Pro Lift & rated at 2 ton

 

[ugotd8]

About to go return my two sets of the 6ton to HF. I ordered these from somewhere else:
Pro-LifT T-6906D Double Pin Jack Stand - 6 Ton. About the same price but with a safety pin.

Wish I'd went with the Esco 3tons tho. Over $200 for a set of 4 but I should have read thru this thread first.

 

[driftpin]

I've never-seen the HFT shelves as-empty as they are here in S.E. Florida.

In-keeping with the assistance of a foundering vessel, I bought a new DieHard Gold battery for the wife's Camry today. No months-left on the warranty of the battery in-it. This battery has 36 months. I didn't bother to-see if it's pro-rated. I just chat-checked, with 'Tina.' It isn't. Thirty-six months warranty, replacement if-defective, hope they are still-around.

 

[BrandoJames]

I'm skeptical of the whole thing. Harbor Freight gains tons of free attention - negative for a possible problem , positive that they have it "handled". Conspiracy theory of yet another unusual marketing ploy for Harbor Freight?

This isn't the type of publicity that any company wants--a defective product that may kill you. At least HF is owning up to it and trying to square things with their customers. As someone else here posted, don't go cheap with jack stands--spend an extra $20-$30 and buy a quality set. Your family & friends will appreciate it.

 

[Doc995]

Does anyone here remember what the original price on these were? (3 ton) I have 3 sets I need to return....

 

[ugotd8]

Does anyone here remember what the original price on these were? (3 ton) I have 3 sets I need to return....

I don't think the original price matters. I just returned the 6ton pairs and got $39.99 each plus tax on a gift card. When I mentioned I *know* I had paid more for them a year ago, the cashier mumbled something about that's what they go for now so that's what you get. YMMV.