Recomend me some jack stands.

[gayler]

In light of the jack stand recall from harbor freight, I'm needing new stands. The heaviest thing I lift is our Expedition. I don't need extreme capacity, but need enough highth to work under it. I'm not looking for a debate on country of manufacture.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

Not sure what you like as far as "saddle type" goes but I use a couple of Esco 10498s that I really like. Flat round surface kind of like a jack and less like typical jack stands. I like the pin type jack stands like this because almost every jack stand failure that I see that creates a recall seems to be related to the ratcheting mechanism. You avoid all of those problems with a pin type.

If I were buying the more usual type I'd probably go with Sunex, Omega, Hein-Warner or something like that. US Jack stands seem really nice for US-made stuff, but as you stated you aren't concerned with country of manufacture, you likely won't feel the need to spend that much.

My last pair of jack stands were some OTC stingers years ago that... got recalled. Seems to be too darn common. I haven't heard of OTC having problems for a while now but I've still got kind of a bad taste in my mouth.

I would avoid any of the $30ish stands like Torin or whatever. I've heard people talking about bad welding quality on MANY brands at that price point. (Though I have not heard much about the $30 Pro Lift stands that somebody created another thread about.)

 

[bwringer]

I'm wondering if there are any higher-quality "ratchet" type stands.

All the high-end stands I've seen use pins. I hate pins; inconvenient and fiddly-fumbly, and you're sort of depending on the user to make sure the pin is all the way in. A GOOD ratchet stand is very quick so you can get in and get out fast, you don't need to use both hands, etc. and it's pretty binary; it's either latched or it isn't.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I'm wondering if there are any higher-quality "ratchet" type stands.

All the high-end stands I've seen use pins. I hate pins; inconvenient and fiddly-fumbly, and you're sort of depending on the user to make sure the pin is all the way in. A GOOD ratchet stand is very quick so you can get in and get out fast, you don't need to use both hands, etc. and it's pretty binary; it's either latched or it isn't.

Based on your post I think you should look into US Jack (www.usjack.com) but I personally don't own any of their products. I've heard VERY good things. They're on the pricey end, but they aren't in the extreme. 3 ton pair is $135 on their site. 6T $152.50, 10T $375. Obviously the 10T is a much lower volume item. Plus shipping, I think.

I don't find the pin types to be annoying but I can understand that some people would

 

[XJSuperman]

Most people I know have given up and built their own. I grabbed a heavy duty pair at a swapmeet a couple years back that I love, but need some tlc in appearance/hole clearance.

I have a pair of craftsman ones that I really don't care to do any research on. They work for me but Im not lifting 3/4 trucks either. 98% of the time they go under a mini cooper.

If I had to get a new set (haven't started the search but its on my to-do list)......I might look at SnapOn (yeah I know) because Dad has had a few for over 30 years without issue. Or maybe one of the ESCO offerings from NAPA. Something like HeinWarner from a local store would probably work for me.

 

[unslow1]

I'm wondering if there are any higher-quality "ratchet" type stands.

All the high-end stands I've seen use pins. I hate pins; inconvenient and fiddly-fumbly, and you're sort of depending on the user to make sure the pin is all the way in. A GOOD ratchet stand is very quick so you can get in and get out fast, you don't need to use both hands, etc. and it's pretty binary; it's either latched or it isn't.

I just gave away three of the pin style last weekend. I can't stand that style.

 

[cjmcpart]

Based on your post I think you should look into US Jack but I personally don't own any of their products. I've heard VERY good things. They're on the pricey end, but they aren't in the extreme. 3 ton pair is $135 on their site. 6T $152.50, 10T $375. Obviously the 10T is a much lower volume item. Plus shipping, I think.

I don't find the pin types to be annoying but I can understand that some people would

I purchased the 3-ton stands about 10 years ago. Each stand is rated for 3 tons instead of 3 tons split between a pair.

They've held up reasonable well. They have some light surface rust at this point, and one of them teeter-totters slightly between two of the legs. (Imagine a 4-leg table that needs a piece of cardboard stuffed under one of the legs.) It settles once there's weight on it.

I don't recall the welding being particularly attractive either, but I don't care as long as it's solid.

The double pawls and the high individual weight rating were the main reasons I got them.

 

[chappys4life]

After my 2nd set from HF i caved and bought a set of esco 10497 axle top jacks. It was 100 for the pair so not a bad price.

https://www.jbtools.com/esco-equipm...L7GtC06uPoSXI5MaNiqzoPftIWMDb7BIaAgjLEALw_wcB

 

[afm]

Something to keep in mind with ESCOs: it's possible to buy the flat tops separately and combine them with the (cheaper) axle top stands to have both options.

JB Tools sells the flat tops (10499-P), as do others.

 

[Samuel D]

Consider ramps. Less to go wrong. Storage space is the problem.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

Consider ramps. Less to go wrong. Storage space is the problem.

Ramps are pretty nice to have, but brake/wheel/suspension work is extremely common on cars and can't typically be done on ramps. They don't replace jack stands, ever. They're a good supplement though.

 

[ajchien]

Based on your post I think you should look into US Jack (www.usjack.com) but I personally don't own any of their products. I've heard VERY good things. They're on the pricey end, but they aren't in the extreme. 3 ton pair is $135 on their site. 6T $152.50, 10T $375. Obviously the 10T is a much lower volume item. Plus shipping, I think.

I don't find the pin types to be annoying but I can understand that some people would

I’ve had the 6 ton US Jack for about a decade now. No complaints. I would buy them again. I really like the extra large size to the saddle (roughly 5+ inches), which is shaped relatively flat. Makes me feel better when using it on frame rails. I like knowing there is a double pawl system holding up the ratcheting bar. The base of it is also wider than most stands. Brake fluid spilled on one of the stands caused the paint to peel off, so I just cleaned the area and sprayed some leftover spray paint over the bare metal area.

One thing I wonder about is that the 6 ton jacks used to be rated PER STAND when I bought them, and when I spoke to a US Jack representative on the phone, they assured me that each stand got tested to 200% capacity. Now, the same exact same jack stands are advertised as PER PAIR. I know they had to change things due to some regulatory laws, but I don’t know why they just didn’t label the 6 tons as 12 tons instead. I guess they thought it was easier to just under rate their stands instead.

Second mini gripe is not really a fault of the stand. But to raise my Ford Transit up to take off the wheels, requires max lift of the stands to the very last ratcheting notch. (It range is listed 16-25”) I wish they went just a little higher. So if you have some lifted trucks or vehicles, might require larger stands.

I think people are freaking out and over reacting to this recall if they are not trusting ALL ratcheting stands or ALL import stands anymore. I think what people need to do is 1) buy from a company who has a reputation of building and selling functional quality. And 2) price should not be the driving factor making a decision. You want to spend the extra to get the QC. And then use some common sense and backup systems. Look over your stands and get to know them so if there’s anything strange, you’ll notice. Use the wheel chocks. Flat ground. I bump and shake my vehicle all over after getting it up on the stands just to make sure everything is solid. I might place and extra set of stands in strategic locations as backup.

 

[nafterclifen]

Something to keep in mind with ESCOs: it's possible to buy the flat tops separately and combine them with the (cheaper) axle top stands to have both options.

JB Tools sells the flat tops (10499-P), as do others.

Do you know if 10499-P part can be used on the larger 10498 stands?

 

[OHMS LAW]

I broke down this week and bought a cornwell 3.5 ton jack that came with 6 ton stands. Seem stout

 

[unslow1]

See if your local Lowe's has these on clearance. Some places are as low as $7 a set.


Torin Black Steel Manual Jack Stand
Item #595170Model #T43002T

 

[anndel]

Hein Werner 6 Ton jack stands.

 

[Beemer]

I have jack stands with feet on the bottom of the legs so they won't dig into bituminous paving. They are non-ratcheting telescoping aluminum pipes with circular baseplates and a steel pin that goes through holes in the pipes. The only failure mode that I could see would be shearing the pins which is unlikely at the loads I use them at. If the pins gouge into the aluminum it would not be a catastrophic (immediate) failure.

 

[On-Wheel]

Pro-Lift 6 ton were $35 on sale at Amazon last year.
There’s probably eight brands made in the same factory but different colors different names.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I use my vintage jack stands made out of Model T Ford Axles another mechanic made them and I got them when he passed away. They are very durable but at the shop we have old Craftsman ones and they have held up nicely.

 

[BrandoJames]

Chicago Pneumatic jack stands--I own both a 3 Ton and 6 Ton set. Both have locking pins and plated feet. Highly recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9HNPIJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Qualitytools]

Another vote for ESCO!

 

[bob15]

US Jack. I have both their 3 and 6 ton stands. Very nice!!!

 

[HenryAZ]

The ESCO pin stands are nice. I have a pair. Though the holes in the center rod are widely spaced, there are two holes in the stand body, giving you all the in between heights.

 

[visionguru]

In light of the jack stand recall from harbor freight, I'm needing new stands. The heaviest thing I lift is our Expedition. I don't need extreme capacity, but need enough highth to work under it. I'm not looking for a debate on country of manufacture.

Jack stand failure is extremely rare. You really cannot give blind trust based on price or recommendations.

Consider redundancy and improvement in safety procedures.

I think raising the vehicle unnecessarily high increases safety risks. I have the cheap Torin 2-ton and Craftsman 3-ton jack stands. I found that in order to take the wheel off, 2-ton jacks at lowest setting (no ratcheting) is enough for cars like Honda Accord, 3-ton jacks at lowest setting is enough for a mid-sized SUV. And for common maintenance tasks, such as brakes, oil change, struts, front suspension, rear suspension, etc., you don't need to get your body underneath the vehicle, mostly reaching in.

Jacking up as low as needed, and leaving the floor jack there, placing tires under, an extra jack stand under somewhere... could greatly reduce the potential risks.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

Do you know if 10499-P part can be used on the larger 10498 stands?

10499 and 10498 are the same except height

 

[jonesg]

In light of the jack stand recall from harbor freight, I'm needing new stands. The heaviest thing I lift is our Expedition. I don't need extreme capacity, but need enough highth to work under it. I'm not looking for a debate on country of manufacture.

guys who work under tractors, catapillars, bulldozers etc don't use metal stands, they use dunnage, wooden blocks. 2 foot sections of 12x12.

 

[WittHay]

Recommend me some AA batteries, the dollar type store in the US just recalled their brand. I dont know what to do because all these batteries look the same. Dont want to hear about COO because they all come from the same factory in China anyways

There are at least a hundred brands of jack stands to choose from that are sold all over the world. Just one brand that is recalled and is named Pittsburgh and sold only in the US

Absolutely doesn't matter if you get the regular ratcheting, double safety or pin style or which brand. Probably 2000 comments on the Daytona copy jack that happens to be assembled in the same Chinese factory as the Snap-on original

Zero comments on what other brands HF jack stand suppliers manufacturer

 

[Highland]

Been using Lincoln 2 and 6 ton stands since about '87. Made in USA, if that matters.

Ordered another pair of 2, (now 3 ton) but they have been back ordered for over a month.

 

[Bogie1632]

Not cheap but Gray Manufacturing makes very good stands. They should last a couple lifetimes I a home garage/shop. Used many different types over the years, especially over seas, and our shops always seemed to go back to Gray. If I were current in the market I'd be looking at them.

V/R
Bogie

 

[gayler]

Recommend me some AA batteries, the dollar type store in the US just recalled their brand. I dont know what to do because all these batteries look the same. Dont want to hear about COO because they all come from the same factory in China anyways

There are at least a hundred brands of jack stands to choose from that are sold all over the world. Just one brand that is recalled and is named Pittsburgh and sold only in the US

Absolutely doesn't matter if you get the regular ratcheting, double safety or pin style or which brand. Probably 2000 comments on the Daytona copy jack that happens to be assembled in the same Chinese factory as the Snap-on original

Zero comments on what other brands HF jack stand suppliers manufacturer

relax. It will be alright.

 

[On-Wheel]

relax. It will be alright.

So what size did you use before that had the height you liked?
You left out your budget on the new set therefore having $25 to $250 range reply’s.

 

[gayler]

So what size did you use before that had the height you liked?
You left out your budget on the new set therefore having $25 to $250 range reply’s.

I liked the six ton’s hight. My budget is 100 per pair.

 

[jhl1963]

US Jack, give them a ring - they have a passion for it and quality control. They test every single stand before it leaves the factory


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nadogail]

I like wood blocks. I stack them in cribs.

 

[On-Wheel]

I liked the six ton’s hight. My budget is 100 per pair.

I’ve had my 8200# truck on a set of Torin and Pro-lift and truck is solid.
About $45 amazon.The both have a safety pin.

 

[Bigdogboogie]

US Jack, give them a ring - they have a passion for it and quality control. They test every single stand before it leaves the factory


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just ordered a pair of 6 ton stands from them after finding out the Hein-Werner's I've used for several years are made in China and "assembled" in the US now.

With shipping they go about 88 bucks over the Op's preferred limit though.

 

[WittHay]

relax. It will be alright.

Of course it will be alright. If somebodys first choice is Harbor Freight, any jack stand made in China and sold by anybody else will be fine.

The point being , Why did you consider or buy from Harbor Freight in the first place? Price, convenience or perceived quality.

 

[PugetDude]

The point being , Why did you consider or buy from Harbor Freight in the first place?

Because Princess Auto doesn't have any stores in the US?

 

[Firebrick43]

guys who work under tractors, catapillars, bulldozers etc don't use metal stands, they use dunnage, wooden blocks. 2 foot sections of 12x12.

It’s called cribbing. Dunnage is anything used to secure a load or item for shipping safely.

 

[WittHay]

Princess Auto has the safety pins as well as the regular ones as does the 3 Canadian Tire stores in my area. The five Lordco parts stores in my area carry at least 5 brands of jack stands. There is Napa and at least 6 other parts stores that have about the same selection of stands. Never mind Walmart, Home Depot along with real tool stores/ industrial places that carry there own brands about the same price as HF most expensive and go up from there to Gray and Canbuilt 30 ton stuff

So again exactly, Why was Harbor Freight the first choice for jack stands in the US?