Same jack stands, why different weight ratings?

[larrymoencurly]

These ACDelco jack stands are rated 2 tons/pair, while these identical looking Harbor Freight jack stands are rated 3 tons/pair. Is ACDelco just being more conservative, or is their product weaker? BTW ACDelco said they have nothing to do with jacks and jack stands but just licenses their brand name to Rite Test.

I saw very similar Sears Craftsman jack stands also rated 3 tons, and while there was a time when Sears meant better quality, those jack stands had tack welded gussets in the legs, while with the Harbor Freight ones the gussets were seam welded.

 

[firworks]

That's a load bearing sticker on the HF's.

 

[anndel]

The rating is based on numerous factors some being:

Material it's made of
Design of the overall stand
Placement of critical welds and/or bolts

I have a pair of old NAPA branded 2 tons/pair, probably made by Walker and a pair of newer Hein Werner 3 ton/pair stands. The metal is thicker on the 3T vs 2T and the bracings are different.