Choosing The Right Type Of Jack Stand For Your Vehicle
The Type of Car
When selecting a jack stand, one of the main factors to consider is the type of car you will be working on.
The first thing to about the car is the ground clearance. How high is the base of the car from the ground? This would influence the type and height of jack you will need.
For SUV’s, you will need a tall jack stand in order to reach the car’s safe jack pointswith ease. For a low chassis vehicle like sports performance cars or custom made low-riders, you will need a shorter jack stands to fit well under the car.
The second thing to consider is the curb weight. Go through the owner’s manual to get the curb weight of the car so as to inform the jack stand’s weight load. Remember, whatever the weight of the car, it is advisable to get a jack stand with double the load capacity.
If you are looking for Camper Jacks you may need to be looking for a completely different type of Jack due to the ground clearance on Campers.
Here are some key things to consider when choosing jack stands for your car:
- Weight capacity – Make sure the jack stands are rated to support the full weight of your vehicle. Know the curb weight of your car and choose stands rated for at least that much weight or more.
- Construction – Look for jack stands made from heavy-duty steel. The welding should be solid and the base should be wide to provide stability. Avoid stands with thin legs or small bases.
- Adjustable height – Choose jack stands with screw- or pin-style adjustments that allow you to securely set the height to properly support your vehicle’s lift points. Make sure the adjustment mechanism locks securely.
- Flat load surface – The saddle or top of the jack stand should have a flat surface to evenly distribute the weight. Curved or irregular load surfaces can create pressure points and instability.
- Center of gravity – Pick jack stands with a height that allows you to lift your car so its center of gravity is roughly centered on the stands for maximum stability.
- Fail-safe features – Look for stands with secondary locking mechanisms and orientation designs that self-center the load to prevent the vehicle from slipping off.
- Brand reputation – Stick with jack stand brands known for quality manufacturing and rigorous safety testing. Avoid no-name stands with unknown origins.
Choosing The Right Jack Stands For Your Vehicle
BIG RED Torin Steel Jack Stands
When it comes to Jack Stands the name – Torin – Stands out. The company has over the years built a reputation for high-quality tools. Torin Steel Jack Stand is one of the most popular Jack Stands in the market today.
Jack Stand come in pairs, and the Torin big red can handle a load capacity of three tons, which means each stand holds 1.5 tons each.
That is enough lifting power for your car, SUV, light trucks and even a snowmobile.
The Torin Big red is made from durable forged high-grade steel. The welded frame ensures that you are safe doing repairs underneath your car. You also get a large surface area that can hold all the cars’ weight.
The ratchet bar can be adjusted to multiple positions. Torin Jack Stands come with different load capacities giving users a wide range of options.
You have the option of the T42002A, T43002, T43006 among others.
The Torin Jack Stand makes the editor’s choice due to its high load capacity while being lightweight at the same time. Its double locking mechanism means that the risk of accidents is greatly reduced. Always be careful with placement of Jack Stands.
Pros
- Lightweight and affordable
- Can be used in most vehicles
- Double locking mechanism for added safety
- Large saddle area
- Durable Steel forged frame
Cons
The only downside we found on the Torin Jack stands is that they can be limited when it comes to cars with a low chassis. This would apply to most types of sports cars that sit ow to the ground, or those that have actually been lowered for better effect.
Camco Olympian Aluminum Jack Stands
Finding something negative about this Jack was challenging. However, you will need to keep the hinges from moisture as they are subject to rust.
Camco Olympian Aluminum 4460 Jack Stand follows the Torin Jacks closely. This particular model supports up to 3 tons. What impressed me most about the Jack is its simple design. Made from cast aluminum, the Camco Olympian can raise objects to a height of between 11 and 17 inches. Do not be fooled by how lightweight the Jack Stand is (weighs 3.55 pounds).
The Camco is compact, and you can easily fold it for next usage. This is the right Jack for your RV. You can purchase them as a pair of two or four. The most significant advantage of using Jack stands is that it gives free space to explore your RV. The Jack stand can withstand a force of 6000 pounds comfortably.
The Camco design ensures that your RV is stable under repairs; the legs are interconnected and have an upright angle for greater stability. I have used some Jack Stands that tend to flex a little but not with the Camco. To get your car to the desired height, you use a movable pin. The pin is secure in your hands, and you do not need any gloves to operate it. If you are short of space, then this Jack stand is right for you.
Pros
- Lightweight at just 3.55 pounds – ideal for people with small garages
- Adjustable rotating screw
- Interconnected legs for greater stability
- Durable cast aluminum frame
- Great value for money
Cons
While the Jack is impressive in design, it falls short when it comes to safety features
Milestone Tools Powerzone 3 Ton Jack Stands
We have now gone for the set rather than the jack stands alone. The stands are not available in 2021 for obvious reasons, but the set is.
If you are not familiar with Jack stands then it is straightforward to confuse this Jack stand with the Torin above. Like the Torin, the powerzone can hold 3 tons or 6000 pounds.
A ratchet-like locking bar is used to safely secure the Jack into place; it also allows multi-position height adjustment. You can lift your car or ATV to a height of between 11 and 16.5 inches.
It is always advised to check the condition of the Jack Stands before usage. You can add rubber pads or jack stand adapters to your jack to prevent paint erosion. If you do not have prior experience with Jack Stands, then this tool makes for an excellent companion for beginners.
- 3 Ton heavy duty garage jack, 1 pair of 3 Ton heavy duty jack stands, 38 inch folding creeper, 1 pair of tire chocks
- 3 Ton (6000 pounds), lift range 5-1/4 inch to 18-3/8 inch, capacity of jack stands: 3 Ton (6000 pounds), lift range 11-3/4 inch to 17 inch
- Jack is equipped with safety valve to prevent overloading, rear wheels swivel for easy positioning, foam covered handle protects vehicle frame
- Jack stands are made of heavy duty steel frame and are equipped with convenient ratchet style locking bar for easy height adjustment
- 38 inch steel frame creeper is padded for comfort and folds for convenient storage, one pair of tire chocks prevent the tires from rolling
Pros
- Made from heavy-duty steel
- Easy to use
- Suitable for light cars
- Ratchet locking bar for added safety
- Lightweight
- Adjustable to multiple locations
Cons
Not ideal for heavier vehicles like escalades or the ford explorer
OTC 1780 Jack Stands
This jack comes as a pair and can lift up to 20 tons. Unlike a conventional tripod, jack stands this one has a flat base; great for uneven surfaces. What I liked about this Jack is how simple it is to assemble. It comes in three increments of three inches each.
A non-ratchet pin enables you to adjust the Jack into the three positions. You also get a large surface area to hold most vehicles. The OTC Jack stand has met all the US measurement requirements.
It is also made from sturdy steel. With the OTC you feel all the safer than other hatchet jacks. Of the Jack Stands, we have reviewed above the OTC can handle the most substantial weight load.
Not the cheapest Jacks you can buy, but possibly one that will last a lifetime.
Pros
- Large surface area
- Three-inch adjustment
- Flat base to prevent shrinking
Cons
Heavier than other Jack Stands
Performance Tool Jack Stands
The Jack stand comes with a broad base and can hold up to 3 tons per pair. Even under pressure performance, jack stands handle well. You also have a lift range of between 15 ½ to 23 ½ inches. This is a great Jack stand for SUV and light to medium weight trucks.
The performance W41023 also comes with a quick adjustment mechanism that is backed by a double locking pawl. The Jack Stand is affordable and lightweight at 11.95 pounds. The performance jack will last for years, made from a heavy-duty rigid steel frame.
The Jack stand comes in bright yellow – makes a good light reflector at night
Pros
- Heavy Duty Jack stands made from durable steel
- Meets ANSI standards
- Large saddle offers large contact area
- With over eight inches of ground clearance, this is the right Jack stand for Big SUVs
- Rigid frame and seamless weld that can withstand a lot of pressure
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Jack Stand
If you plan to have some of your car wheels above the ground, you should have a jack Stand for extra precaution. A Jack stand provides security from Jack failure and gives you access to more contact points.
Jacks can sometimes fail – hydraulic jacks can have fluid leakages while the scissor ones could wobble after multiple uses. To avoid your beloved car crashing, purchase a good pair of jack stands – just in case. In this section am going to highlight several factors that you need to look out for before you make that purchase.
Types of Jack Stands
Jack stands come in all shapes and sizes; each performing a specific function.
Fixed Height Jack Stands
These are “old school” type of jacks. They have no adjustable pin for height adjustment. With these, you do not have to worry about the failure of any movable parts. They are easy to operate and are reliable. The drawback is that they offer you little flexibility when it comes to height adjustment.
Adjustable Height Jack Stands
The jack stands use a tripod structure and have pins for adjusting height. This customizable feature makes them the most type of Jack stand.
Pin Through Jack Stands
This has the locking pin being located at the top of the base, or it can pass through an adjustable tube. Some modern models have it passing in both the top base and the adjustable tube.
The pin-type locking system is preferred in heavier vehicles because it is very strong. The pins-type system is very safe because it is very hard for the supporting bar to collapse and slip to the base.
You also do not have to Jack up the car more than a few millimeters before removing the pin. One drawback to the pin is that it often bends after continuous use.
However, you can solve this problem by having on standby several pins. Another problem with the Pin through system is that the increments are very far apart, making it difficult for the stands to be even on all sides.
Ratchet Mechanism Jack Stands
These systems have an adjustable handle that helps you control the Jack Stand height. Ratchet systems offer the most flexibility regarding the car’s height. You can do very small increments, and the car is even if you are using multiple Jack Stands.
You can also reposition the Jack to another side without affecting the car’s balance. We only found one drawback with the ratchet system: you have to jack up the car high enough before releasing the ratchet.
Car Height and Weight
This is the most critical factor when you are purchasing a Jack stand. Cars have varying ground clearance, and it is paramount that your Jack stand supports this. A sports car like a Lamborghini or Porsche 911 GT will have a lower ground clearance than an Escalade or Range Rover Vogue.
Every jack stand has a minimum and maximum height. You must also consider the car weight before purchasing specific Jack Stands. You can find this from the car’s manufacturers manual.
Ground Stability
This is key to ensuring that your Jack stand do not cause you any harm. If you do have one that wobbles try a little grinding. Look at the base area of the Jack Stand for maximum stability.
The larger the surface area, the better. Quality Jack stands tend to have all the welds running throughout the length of each joint. Check for any gaps or cracks; if you see any, know that the Jack stand is of poor quality.
Material Used For The Jack Stands
The stronger the materials used to build it the more stable the jack stand. Common durable materials used include cold-rolled steel or cast aluminum.
Most of the adjustment arms in ratchet jack stands are made from sturdy cast iron; this prevents them from breakage during heavy loads. Pin through Jack Stands use cold-rolled steel for the adjustment arm. Regularly check your Jack Stands for any signs of corrosion.
Jack Stand Prices
Price should be a factor when you are looking for the best jack stand. Set yourself a limit to avoid unnecessary purchases. This does also not mean that you go for the cheapest model.
Seldom you will find that quality jacks cost higher. In our Jack Stand review, we have shown you some good models that are affordable while at the same time made of high-quality materials.
Jack Stand Reviews
In the same way that you seek your friend’s opinion when making important purchases, it’s the same way with Jack stands. When you go to online forums, you will find reviews of some of the best Jack Stands in the market.
Customer reviews are a realistic way to find out any problems to be encountered by a particular jack stand. However, take the reviews with a pinch of salt – what does not work for somebody else may suit you. In doing this review, we have considered customer reactions in coming up with the best jack stands.
Your Car Specifications
Every car comes with different specs when it comes to pinch welds. Ordinary cars have pinch welds on their body where you can attach your jack stand. Trucks have specific points to attach the stands.
If you are worried about destroying your car body and ruining the paintwork, you can attach jack adapters to the car frame. Select an adapter that clear fits your jack and stands. Most of these adapters/pads are made from rubber.
Read on to discover the various top jack pads in the market. You can consult your mechanic when making this purchase.
Knowing Your Jacks
Jack Stands and Jacks are complementary products. They cannot exist without each other. You use the car jack to lift the car off the ground. Jack stands are then fitted on the lifted side. Multiple jack stands can be used to prop a car, but you need just one jack for this.
Trolley Jacks
The Jack uses hydraulics to lift the car. They also come with long handle and wheels to enable you to raise any part of the car. You will need to find the right spot to lift your car and avoid harming your car. The Jack can handle large loads, but they are bulky.
If you have a sports car like the Lamborghini, the Arcan Black Profile XLT is made for cars with low ground clearance. With a ton capacity of 2 tons it has a minimum height range of 2.75 inches. If you are looking for something heavier, you can check out the Torin Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack. This jack has 360-degree swivel casters, with a lifting range of 5.6 to 13 inches.
Scissor Jack
This is the most common type of Jack. They usually come with the car and are small enough to fit small compartments in your boot. The scissor jack is sometimes used a jackscrew.
Scissor jacks come in handy during roadside tire repairs. If you are looking for a high-quality, top-rated scissor jack, go no further than the Torin Steel Scissor Jack. The jack has a lifting weight of 1.5 tons.
Bottle Jack
it is also called the “whiskey jack” due to its shape. The bottle jack uses a hydraulic mechanism to move a single lift rod. Many people love this jack due to its ease of usage; all you do is pump the arm of the jack and you should see a rise in the piston.
Some of these jacks have a loading capacity of up to 50 tons. They are small enough for easy storage. Powerbuilt have an innovative jack that also doubles as a jack stand.
Electric Scissor Jacks
Modern innovations have led to a scissor jack that uses the car battery to operate. They often come in a case and are very easy to use. if you are opposed to manual labor or lack the time to jack up your car then go for the electric ones.
One great model that we found is the Electric Car Scissor Jacks. This jack uses 12 volts from the car battery and comes in convenient jack box. The moment the jack reaches the required height, it stops working. The jack itself is made from durable steel.
Hi-Lift Jacks
You will often find this type of jacks on most farms. This is because of the versatility of the jack; you can use it for pulling, winching, levering, and lifting. They can rise to a height of six feet and use a manual system for pumping. They also come with a ratchet mechanism for extra security.
Motorcycle Jacks
These are used for motorcycles. You can also use them for ATVs and snowmobiles. They help users to clean and repair their bikes with ease. You can check our review of some of the best motorcycle jacks in the market.
How to Accurately Place Your Jack Stands
If you plan to do any repairs underneath your car, then Jack Stands are a must. Repair could be changing flat tires or changing an oil leak. It is catastrophic to go under with just your Jack. Most Jacks after years of usage become faulty.
Hydraulic jacks fluid could leak, and this can bring over 6 tons of car weight on your body. Jack stands reduce the chances of this happening, but you have to learn how to put them in place safely.
- Position the car on a flat, solid ground – concrete is preferred. Gravel can be hard to work on while fresh ground may cave in due to weight.
- Before putting the Jack in place, ensure you have engaged the handbrake.
- Your handbrake may fail so add wheel clocks on the wheels you are not working on. These provide extra safety.
- Locate the pinch welds and put the Jack in place. You can add Jack adapter pads to prevent damage to your pinch welds.
- After you have raised the car to the desired height, place the jack stands on the cars’ designated jacking points. Once you have ensured that the vehicle is stable and does not wobble, you can then go ahead and remove the Jack.
- You can now go ahead to fix that oil leak.
Jack Stand Adapters for Pinch Weld
Most cars will come with jacking-up points that you can use with your Jack and Jack Stands. The problem is if you Jack up your car the wrong way damage will be caused by your car doors and destroy the car bodies’ alignment.
Jack adapters help prevent damage on your pinch welds. Jack adapters for pinch welds should be used with jack stands. DO NOT attempt to work under the car with the Jack alone.
It is advisable to place the adapters in your car glove compartment for easy access during emergencies. Have also multiple adapters in case you need to use a different Jack.
Shaft Style jack adapter– If you have a removable saddle, you can use this adapter to replace it when jacking up the car. The adapter is slightly smaller than the saddle but works well to prevent damage to your pinch welds.
Flat Style Jack adapter– their instances where the saddle is non-removable. You can use this if your saddle is flat rather than cupped. Flat surfaces help in weight distribution when the car weight presses the adapter.
If you are looking for a rubber adapter for your jack stands, you can check out the Pittsburgh Rubber pads. They come as a pair and are oil and slip resistant. They can be fitted on 3, and 6-ton jack stands. Try this out if you do not want to see scratches on your vehicle.
The ABN Jack pad is another great adapter pad for your hydraulic jack. It works by offering extra grip to the vehicle, preventing slipping. The pads come with a dimension of 5 ½ inches in length.
Ways to Lift up Your Car
There are several ways to lift up your car. We have discussed using jacks previously in the article. Other ways include driving on ramps and automotive lifts.
The latter is mostly found in commercial garages because they tend to be very expensive for personal use. The type of work you are doing will determine what method of jacking up.
If it’s a simple tire burst, oil change or fixing faulty brakes, you can use the ordinary Jack backed up with Jack stands or the automotive lift. Drive ramps are unsuitable for brake change because you cannot access them.
But, if you are thinking of oil change then go for it. When using ramps, ensure you align your car wheels with the ramp. Since your visibility is hindered, you can request someone to assist you through the process. Remember to engage the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling.
Different cars have different lift points. Cars have company-manufactured pinch welds while trucks have an exposed frame to lift. Do not use the car oil pan or lift where the pinch welds are rusted and bent.
Jack Stand Rated Capacity
Jack Stands often have a rating of between 2 and above 20 tons. Most of the stands are sold in pairs; some come as a pair of four. You will need to understand the weight capacity before purchasing a Jack stand.
The weight can be in tons or pounds (remember 1 ton is equivalent to 2000 pounds). You will find the car’s curb weight in the car manufacturer’s manual. This is the vehicle weight when no passengers and the fuel tank is full.
You will use this number when purchasing the best Jack Stand. Remember that the car’s weight is not evenly distributed; you can have more weight in the front than the rear and vice versa. The rule is to buy Jack stands that a few pounds higher than your car.
Safety Precautions when Using Hydraulic Jacks
Hydraulic jacks come in handy when you are doing any vehicle repairs. The jacks are very handy, but you must observe several safety precautions when using them. Below are a few tips you need to observe to ensure safety.
- Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. Goggles will prevent unwanted materials from harming your eyes while gloves give you that grip when holding various tools and protect your eyes. You can add non-skid shoes if your garage is slippery or their oil leakages.
- DO NOT wear jewelry or loose clothing when operating in the garage. They can get caught up in moving parts or get lost.
- Always use a jack that has 20 percent more weight capacity. Be aware of uneven load distribution.
- Before you start using your hydraulic jack, carefully examine each component for defects. Make sure that the hydraulic mechanism is working before jacking up your car.
- Firmly support your jack or ensure that the ground you will place it is even. Concrete grounds are recommended.
- Use the lifting points to center the load. DO not use cheater bars on the hydraulics.
- If you are using multiple rams, ensure you have evenly distributed the load. You can use blocks every time you jack up. Never use the Rams as permanent solutions but use Jack stands instead.
- Avoid placing the hydraulic jacks where there is extreme heat. Also, avoid dragging the hydraulic jacks by the hoses.
It’s crucial to understand the capabilities and limits of your jack stands in order to use them safely. Here are a few key tips:
- Check the manufacturer’s weight rating – Never exceed the maximum load capacity listed. This is the total weight the pair of stands can hold, not the per-stand limit.
- Consider dynamic vs. static capacity – The load ratings are usually for static loads when the car is not moving. The stands may not be able to handle dynamic loads with movement or impact. Reduce rated capacity by at least 20%.
- Factor in lift points – Jack stand capacity assumes the load is centered on the stand’s saddle. But if you’re lifting from one side, the load on each stand can double. Reduce rated capacity.
- Mind the height limits – Do not use jack stands above the maximum heights specified by the maker. The higher the lift, the less stable the setup.
- Inspect stands before use – Look for damage, rust, missing parts, etc. Wiggle the stand to check for loose joints or hardware.
- Use stands on level, solid ground – Make sure the surface can support the load without settling or cracking. Use blocking if needed.
- Center the load on saddles – Don’t let the load overhang the edges of the saddle’s contact area.
- Use wheel chocks – Chock tires to prevent accidental movement off the stands.
Always read the manual and know both your vehicle’s weight and the jack stands’ capacities. When in doubt, go with stands rated for higher loads or use extra stands for maximum safety.
Final Thoughts
If you plan on jacking up your car, jack stands are paramount. The competition is stiff, and selecting the best jack stand has been challenging, but we have a winner. The Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stand wins in this battle. This jack is affordable, durable and can handle any weight.
