So what is a jack stand? Jack stands are critical instruments that assist vehicles, such as scissors or a hydraulic jacket when using a floor jack to lift a car. That is why it is important to choose the best jack stands. How about you ask: what size jack stands do I need? I will answer that in the buying guide.
Above all, you need to look at several jack stand reviews when you’re ready to start the search for vehicle stands — for instance, the weight capacity, the adjustable-height distance, the base size, the amount of space, and how the adjusting system functions are aspects that you should check.
On one hand, touching stands can be more convenient, but the technology offers you a promising security level when you pick the best jack stands — that use pin and hole.
However, be aware of the fact that a pair of stands for cars only carries a portion of the weight of the car, so almost every personal vehicle on the market needs a pair of 3 ton jack stands.
The reliability of the material and product performance are important factors to take into account. The base can be made of aluminum, however, steel jacks are variants that can be used for years without cracking or breaking off.
Below is a list of the best car jack stands picked for their overall rating and customer satisfaction, to make it easier to get the worth of your cash. Additionally, make sure they have a good board jacket that can be put underneath the stands.
Jack Stands Reviews
Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands
With all-steel construction and height change. They are often offered in 3-ton jack stands but may also come in the form of 1-ton, 2-ton, 6-ton, and 12-ton load ratings. It’s all based on your preferences. This type also comes with a restricted 1-year guarantee.
The value was so good on these Torin big red jacks that the customer should consider a 2-ton stand for a small car. But one possible concern with using this sort of jack stand is the leg edge. They’re a 90-degree angle with a flat bottom that can crack garage floor coverings and other surfaces unless you’re patient.
Most stands like this Torin, have hard legs that fall into soft surfaces and scrape finishes They often sink into asphalt or soil when under pressure, or leave permanent marks on concrete and other soft surfaces.
Commonly, it offers the same jack stands with a double locking option if you feel more comfortable with added safety. They have an extra cutout at the top of the base to place an angled pin under the support post teeth.
Pros
- Economical.
- Low-profile construction.
- Has a large base.
Cons
- Relatively small.
- You can’t raise it too high.
- Since there is a number of tonnage for this type, you may end up buying the wrong fit for your car.
Powerbuilt Black Alltrade 640912
Another choice is to go with Powerbuilt car jack and stand. This could be particularly interesting if you don’t actually have a jack, so you’d save cash for two separate products. It’s worth noting since it actually blends two devices.
The jack is a pretty heavy item — weighing in at almost 22 pounds. Without built-in tires, getting about can be a hassle. As a bottle jack, it’s larger than other vertical versions, and it can also be hard to get it under smaller cars if you have a sports car (or sports car suspension) then I suggest you look for other options.
But if you’re searching for a hydraulic-powered bottle jack for your pickup truck or standard vehicle, the Powerbuilt will be great. With a total load-lifting strength of 3-tons and at a height of 11 to 17 feet, it comes with a host of other safety systems such as large steel frame, locking mechanism, and security bar which stops retraction.
This hand jack is effective for home garage and regular car repairs, using the hydraulic system to raise the weight and remove unnecessary human effort.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Compact.
- Reliable construction type.
Cons
- The U-saddle shape makes it unstable.
- Hydraulic systems may begin to leak.
- It’s difficult to use so it might not work for beginners.
Pro-LifT T-6906D Double Pin Jack Stands
The T-6903D Double Pin Jack Stand is suitable for residential, technical, and farm use. The Pro-Lift T-6903D is among the 6 ton jack stands with double locking, guaranteeing reliability and longevity. The stand is made with a quality cast ductile iron bar and robust steel construction. It also has a height change function for quick upward travel.
It is used in pairs of counterweighted pawls, which ensure safe use with stable locking to acts to lock in place the ratchet bar serving as an extra carrying point. Ultimately, the T-6903D Double Pin Jack Stands offer a level of strength and power. It also meets ANSI / PALD requirements.
Pros
- Suits big cars like SUVs because of the high weight.
- Has a large, stable base.
- Meets most security requirements.
Cons
- A bit pricey.
- The min-height may be too high for sports cars.
- Pawl nozzle is not durable.
Torin Big Red Aluminum Jack Stands
First thing is that such aluminum stands are equipped with a pin-type modification at 3 tons. The stand supports the aluminum tubing while cast-iron supports the base. These are delivered in parts, allowing you to slip the red column into the top of the cast base and mount it to the provided screw. It’s a simple process involving a screwdriver. Shorter height fits very well for smaller cars, and the support pad is fairly flat, making it easier to use on unibody cars. Because they have a larger flat bottom support plate, they distribute the load extremely well, leaving no marks on asphalt or other surfaces.
An extra point of these metal jacks is they won’t rust when subjected to inclement weather. They’re extremely lightweight and simple to store if you don’t have much space. They’ll even suit the car’s trunk well.
Another one is that these are advertised as double locking. Presumably, the Torin uses the ball lock at the end of the pin installed through the pillar or support post as a secondary lock. I consider this deceptive. If the pin collapsed (rare), the ball lock at the end of the pin would not lower the support plate.
Pros
- Goes very low.
- A flat base makes sure it doesn’t sink when in use.
- Pinhole design increases its safety.
Cons
- Somewhat expensive.
- Limited height range.
- Absence of double locking.
Performance Tool W41023 Heavy Duty Jack Stand
If you want to help a truck that weighs a bunch, this set of 6-ton jack will do the trick. It’s one of the recommended SUV jack stands. The tool is known to lift heavy-duty goods, from floor jacks to jumper cables. Each jack stand can hold up to 3 tons (or around 6 K lbs). Combine all jack stands to weigh 12,000 K lbs. Whether you’ve got a bus, SUV, full-size car, or a large family sedan, you’re expected to get the right support from a range of these. Keep in mind that these types of stands are strong and may require a few hands to push about. This package is in the center of the price range, nearly average.
It’s a well-constructed basic stand with no bells and whistles, and no visible flaws either. It just does what it says it will and will probably continue to do it for a long time to come!
Pros
- For beginners since it’s easy to use.
- Reassuring weld quality.
Cons
- Heavy — not good for remote fixing.
- Welding is good but can also become weak points in the long run.
- Not for small cars.
Hein-Werner HW93506 Blue/Yellow Jack Stands
When browsing at other Hein-Werner goods. One thing you should know is that they’re jack stands made in USA. Hein-Werner’s blue and yellow automobile jack is available in pairs. These stands also have 3-ton strength and 19-inch lift height. That sets this jack design apart from its rivals is the saddle frame, which offers state-of-the-art ratchet height modification.
The great multi-position ratchet bar gives you strength and stability when most necessary. The large foundation, however, provides excellent strength and never falls into the asphalt when you do your job.
I like Hein-Werner’s reliability of this design jack stand, however, the quality could be better strengthened because the welded, triangle-shaped feet are not one solid piece. Due to its American-made assembly and good stability and functionality, this is a great choice for heavy-duty jack stands. For Hein-Werner HW93506, the 6 ton hammer is no different. Overall, you could put 6,000 lbs on each jack stand, bringing you a maximum of about 12,000 lbs to help.
Pros
- Strong build.
- Wide base.
- 2-year limited warranty.
Cons
- High-end.
- Lacks a double-lock.
- Jack point lacks rubber seal that prevents slipping.
TONDA Steel Jack Stands
Due to good construction and low price, the TONDA Ton Steel Jack Stand is a respected model. It’s made from two different materials – metal is used for the assembly, and cast iron is used for the bracelets. The jack’s maximum lifting capacity ranges from about 12.2-18 inches. On the other side, jack’s total capacity is about ton contributed by overweight saddles.
The jack’s saddle comes in a rust-proof fabric that provides a super-finishing high-quality design to steel frame construction. The jack can be used with fast portability operation everywhere.
It can be commonly used in small or medium cars such as SUVs, heavy trucks, and farm tractors.
There’s even a rust-resistant finish, so you don’t have to worry about this jack’s longevity. Due to this mix, the TONDA acts as a very solid drug that can endure daily abuse. It’s a valued 2 ton Jack stands which should be more than enough for most customers as it can be used on compact cars, SUVs, and trucks.
Additionally, some welds look sloppy–you shouldn’t worry about safety, they’re just not that pleasing to the eye. Still, I think this jack stand is a good addition to your garage for the cost, particularly if you’re on a budget.
Pros
- Features cast-iron arms.
- Multi-purpose handles.
- Oversized saddles.
Cons
- Some complaints about the welding.
- Not made in the USA.
- Paint chips sometimes.
Buyer’s Guide
Where to Set Jack Stands?
If you’re confused about where to place jack stands, follow these steps:
- Set the jack under your vehicle’s pinch points. The pinch points are found on the sides of your car between the front or rear tires. Slide your jack from your vehicle’s side. Line it up with the pinch point component which extends down.
- Change the jack height if needed. If you have an adjustable jack stand, raise the top of the jack until it reaches your vehicle’s pinch point. Once you’ve changed the stand height, place the safety pin attached to the stand through the base hole to secure it.
- Slide the car gradually onto the table. Flip the lever on your ground jack counterclockwise to bring the vehicle down. The jack stand covers the vehicle’s side weight so you can work safely below it. Drag the jack beneath the vehicle.
- Push the vehicle to make sure it’s stable. Give the car a nudge to see if it moves or shifts its weight. The jack sits and when you press it, the vehicle shouldn’t move. If so, avoid going underneath the vehicle and try through the jack in a new area.
- Put additional jack raises the car off the surface. Keep jacking the car on each hand and sits under the pinch points. Make sure the stands on opposite sides are straight down, and the car is stable.
How to Put a Car on 4 Jack Stands?
About 10,000 people are seriously injured every year, but by introducing jack stands to the lifting process, you will be much, much better.
However, there are several explanations for lifting the automobile from the ground. They include the guide below:
- Park on strong, safe, flat ground. A concrete driveway is fine, not much dirt. Therefore, who’s standing on gravel?
- Ensure that the parking brake is fully engaged before lifting the vehicle.
- Wheel chocks can add an extra safety element and are highly recommended. These should stop the vehicle from rolling back during any point of the raise and operating below.
- Test hydraulic jack and jack stands for any obvious defects.
- Locate the vehicle’s jacking points. Your car manual should tell you where they’re. The jack points were specifically designed to withstand the vehicle weight — just pick the car up at these points or you’ll probably put the jack saddle right through the floor of the vehicle — which is poor.
- Download the car with the hydraulic jack, leading to directions for safe operation.
- Once at the required height, place the stands underneath, attaching them to the vehicle’s designated jacking points. Make sure they’re on strong, stable ground to safely bear the vehicle’s weight.
- Remove the hydraulic jack and test it by giving the vehicle a gentle nudge.
- The vehicle should now be held aloft and ready to work.
N/B: This is how to rotate tires with two jack stands.
This at-home basically requires four wheels off the surface. You can do this by raising the rear end with a solid metal section above the differential and placing jack stands on pinch welds. Then take the floor jack and lift the front to the same height as the rear jack, so all tires are equidistant from the surface.
Characteristics of a Good Jack Stand
Depending on what you’re looking for, the features that may affect your purchasing decisions are:
Size. It’s important to ask yourself: What size jack stands do I need? The car weight should be clearly shown in the service manual or documentation and easily available online or by calling the vehicle dealer for further details. The stands are allowed to carry a capacity of 3 tons. This should help you decide the size you want. Note, if the stands come as a pair then weight ranking is divided across the package. So if a pair is valued for 3 tons of total capacity, each stand should have a minimum of 1.5 tons.
Material. Most stands are made of galvanized steel. This content is very solid yet weak. Aluminum stands can travel much lighter and easier without losing energy. Usually, they’ll be more costly.
Saddle. This is where the jacking point lies. A bigger stance allows standing solidly. However, a saddle with additional cushioning can help protect the jacking point from injury and wear and tear. So if you feel you’ll raise your car very often, having a stand with extra padding might be a good idea.
Height. The stand must both sit under the car and be high enough to keep it aloft. If you have a sports car, you’ll need a smaller set of stands, if you have jeep or pickup, you’ll need a stand with a nice long arm to hit the jacking stage.
Locking Device. Many stands use a ratcheting device or pin to lock the saddle at the correct height. Both have benefits, so it really comes down to personal choice. The ratchet model is generally capable of minor height changes and fast set-up. Pin type is easier, so it’s usually cheaper.
Feet / Base. Solid feet or wide base will help stay in use. A good base distributes the vehicle weight evenly. So if you’re concerned about the floor you’re trying to lift the car on, stands with rounded feet or a large base is less likely to leave marks or other harm.
My name is Brandon, and I’ve been interested in cars since I was a kid. I got a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology and worked in a private car workshop. I have two cars that have been completely upgraded with my own hands. So I successfully put all my knowledge into practice.
Last update on 2023-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API