To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Jack stands - ok to use after a roll off?

pendragon1998

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2012
Messages
3,733
Location
NE Georgia
I was replacing a starter today and it about wore me out, with temps near 90, two broken bolts, one broken drill bit, and a very hard to access bolt. When I got done, I buttoned it all up and hopped in to test start it. Then, like an idiot, I backed it up, completely forgetting I was on jackstands. Well, I rolled off the stands, there was a loud clattering to remind me, and the stands look fine, except for a little scuffing on the feet. No cracks that I can see. Is there any reason to lose trust in these stands in the future (i.e., could rolling off of them make them more prone to fail next time they are used)? I am already not crazy about them, but they have always worked for me (made in china craftsman high lift 3 ton SUV jack stands).
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Davefr

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 7, 2010
Messages
11,848
Location
OR
That's a tough call.

If they're the modern heavy duty style and look perfect then I'd probably keep them. But that's only if you're following safe working procedures like ensuring redundant support. (ie never a single point of failure!!)

If they're the old style then it's probably best to upgrade.
 
Last edited:

Empty Pockets

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 21, 2015
Messages
4,942
Location
Rural New York
If you rolled off of them, regardless of how they look, I'd replace them. A couple of jack stands are always cheaper than a hospital bill (and safer too)
 

PureLeaf

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 25, 2014
Messages
1,417
I can't offer any advice as to whether they're now considered dangerous or not. But if you decide to buy some new ones, and want to go the cheap route. Craftsman is having a sale on these craftsman professional 4 ton set for 22.99.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...D=1225267&AID=11042411&sid=IAx20050830x000545


Another alternative: I just bought some US Jack ones and posted photos of them in the new tool arrivals. 150 bucks for 6 ton per stand rated jacks.

full
 
Last edited:

CutterFarms

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2011
Messages
576
Location
Kentucky
When the ground gave way under my truck it slightly warped a set of my stands and I replaced them before going back under it. I would never risk it as cheap as stands are. Imo
 

royesses

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2009
Messages
789
Save them for light duty stuff like keeping a transmission up while changing its mount. Get new good ones. I'd not trust them again. Just my opinion. A life is worth more than anything in the world.
 

DMAR

Well-known member
Joined
May 12, 2012
Messages
266
I can't offer any advice as to whether they're now considered dangerous or not. But if you decide to buy some new ones, and want to go the cheap route. Craftsman is having a sale on these craftsman professional 4 ton set for 22.99.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...D=1225267&AID=11042411&sid=IAx20050830x000545


Another alternative: I just bought some US Jack ones and posted photos of them in the new tool arrivals. 150 bucks for 6 ton per stand rated jacks.

full

Those US Jack stands are real nice. That's also a good deal on the Craftsman....

Although I think you're probably fine with the stands that got knocked over (if they check out OK) for that price, I'd buy these Craftsman stands and have some piece of mind. Or, spend the dough, and get a nice set... I have a couple of sets of Hein Warner, no complaints..
 
Last edited:

mrvm

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 12, 2014
Messages
3,853
Location
PA
If you decide to repurpose them for light-duty use rattle can them an specific color to remind you what they have been repurposed for.
 

blackwire

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2014
Messages
335
Save them for light duty stuff like keeping a transmission up while changing its mount. Get new good ones. I'd not trust them again. Just my opinion. A life is worth more than anything in the world.

Also good for supporting an extension while working on a tight fastener. Like crankshaft bolts, lug nuts etc.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

AmishFury

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2015
Messages
872
I can't offer any advice as to whether they're now considered dangerous or not. But if you decide to buy some new ones, and want to go the cheap route. Craftsman is having a sale on these craftsman professional 4 ton set for 22.99.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...D=1225267&AID=11042411&sid=IAx20050830x000545


Another alternative: I just bought some US Jack ones and posted photos of them in the new tool arrivals. 150 bucks for 6 ton per stand rated jacks.

full

you say per stand but the sheet in your photo clearly states per pair
 

PureLeaf

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 25, 2014
Messages
1,417
Last edited:

MikeF2316

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2012
Messages
9,605
Location
Thornhill, ON
Test them. If you use 2 stands to hold up one end of your vehicle, jack it up and put just 1 in the center. If it handles that, you're good to go.

If it doesn't, then it will be in a condition to remind you not to use it again. :lol_hitti
 

Warrenator

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2008
Messages
781
Location
Newberg, OR
Inspect them. Metal isn't magic, it is a strong yet malleable material. It is has been damaged there will be signs such as bending, cracking, broken welds. Grab the various parts and see if you can twist them. Look at the paint to see where any impacts were. Use a magnifying glass to look at the welds and stressed areas.

I bet they are fine.
 

Jacobson

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 11, 2014
Messages
1,482
It's going to be in the back of your mind as you use them the next time.
 

pescados666

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2014
Messages
142
Location
South Houston, Texas

928'er

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2012
Messages
756
Location
Wine Country, CA
As they say, "buy a cheap helmet if you have a cheap head."
Your jack stands are past their "sell by date." Recycle them.
 

2oolhound

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
5,918
Location
BC Canada
You could always jack up a really big truck, bus etc. and see if they support that ok. Then you'd feel safer about using them on a smaller vehicle.
 

nikerret

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2015
Messages
757
Location
Kansas
I wouldn't have considered not using them, if they appeared okay. Perhaps, I should... After reading the replies, including the most cogent point: cheap to replace, I would get new and use the rolloff one for under the rear of the trailer, when I load the tractor.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom