by Chris Lewis.
A jack stand is a very important accessory to properly access a vehicle from underneath. There are many reasons you might want to work on your vehicle yourself rather than paying a professional to do it for you. Odds are the work needs to be done under the vehicle.
With a truck, you don't necessarily need a jack stand to carry out minor fixes such as changing the oil filter for instance. However, you do need a jack stand to change the wheels, fix the brakes, or any other related fixes on any type of vehicle. This is why any garage you enter would have a bunch of jack stands lying around since they are needed to support a vehicle.
The design of Jack stands has evolved over the years to make them more effective and reliable. Now, most jack stands are made from thick welded metal compared to the old thin stamped metal design.
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As is expected with tools/gadgets that offer a lot of value/usability, there is always an abundance of brands trying to market themselves as the best. This can make it confusing, to say the least when buying a jack stand for personal use.
In this guide, we have prepared a list of some of the best Jack stands on the market right now. We will also discuss some important features you need to look for when buying one.
With a carrying weight capacity of 4000-lb, the BIG RED T42002A Torin Steel Jack Stand gets the job done. The pair features a double locking mechanism which makes supporting vehicles safer especially after lifting with a jack. The 2-ton capacity of the pair means it will easily handle small cars, ATVs, keeps, etc. without any hassle.
The lifting range of the pair is great at about 16-9/16 inches. It comes with a large surface area which ensures proper contact with the load it is supporting.
Made from heavy-duty steel, this pair of stands are industrially welded for durability as well as long-term reliability. It features a removable locking pin that greatly increases the safety of using this stand.
Designed in a pyramid-style shape with a wide base, you can expect enhanced stability and strength from the stand.
Pros
Cons
The Omega Lift Heavy Duty Jack Stand pair is capable of lifting 6-ton of weight. It is perfect for use in auto-repair shops as well as personal garages.
Constructed using sturdy stamped steel that features a welded frame design, the omega lift heavy duty jack stands pair is made for durability and long-term reliability. It can lift vehicles through a height range of about 16 to 23-1/2 inches. This implies that it has a wide range of applications since it can handle cars, SUVs, and even certain trucks.
NOTE: It is a 6-ton jack stands pair, each stand on its own can support 3 tons. The manufacturers do not properly clarify this in the product description.
It features a wide pyramid base for added stability and strength. The ratchet bar on the stands is built using high-quality cast iron with high ductility. The zigzag design on the bar ensures you can easily adjust the height of the stand and keep it locked in place for extended periods. This also allows for smooth movement of the bar while locking or releasing the mobility pin.
For extra safety, it comes with double locking pins mechanism as well as a large surface area for the vehicle to make contact with.
Pros
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This pair of BIG RED T46202 Torin Steel Jack stands pair has a weight capacity of 6-ton (12 pounds). They are only available in bright red colors and although they are sturdy, they are pretty lightweight. They feature adjustable height which you can customize through the range of 15 3/8 inches to 23 13/16 inches.
For enhanced strength and stability, these Torin steel jack stands have a wide pyramid base and are constructed from high-quality forged steel. They also feature welded frames as well as a wide saddle that allows for great versatility while using the jack stands.
Pros
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Constructed from stamped steel for sturdiness and long-term reliability, the Pro-Lift T-6903D Double Pin Jack stand pair has a 3-ton weight capacity. It features a ratchet bar for easy height adjustment as well as a double lock mechanism for better safety.
It meets ANSI/PALD standards and is suitable for use at home garages and in auto-repair shops.
NOTE: it does not feature sliding tubular shafts in its double locking mechanism. Instead, the stands come equipped with a saw-toothed design which a pin easily fits without slipping. This reduces the risk of the pin not entering the shafts that are usually associated with tubular shafts.
Pros
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Truth be told, you can't ever go wrong with a TORIN jack stand. The brand has been in the automotive equipment industry since 1993 and has consistently delivered products with a high-quality level and design.
Not surprisingly, the BIG RED T43202 Torin Steel Jack Stands pair checks all the requirements needed to pass the ASME standards test.
The pair are lightweight which does not in any way reduce the stability and support it provides. The jack stands feature a wide pyramid foot base and are suitable for use on cars, SUVs, and some trucks. The weight capacity of this jack stand is only 3-ton.
It features an adjustable ratchet bar with a height range of 11 ¼ inches to 16 ¾ inches. The saddle of the jack stand features a large surface area which allows for better contact with the vehicle.
Pros
Cons
The Alltrade 640912 is a 3-ton jack stand and comes in a unique design unlike any of the other jack stands reviewed in this guide.
The patented design combines the 3-ton jack stand with a bottle jack for more efficient use. It is designed for use on trucks and off-road vehicles. Despite the unusual design, it is quite portable so you can move it around. It is highly durable and features a wide steel base for better safety while carrying the load. The height is adjustable through a range of 11 to 21 inches. It features a safety bar that keeps the bar in place when you have reached the required height.
Pros
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The Camco 44561 Olympian Aluminum Stack Jacks are available in packs of 2 and 4. It does not have any complicated design and is pretty easy to use.
It is constructed from cast aluminum, hence its silvery appearance. You can adjust the rod supporting the vehicle through a height range of 11 to 17 inches. It features a simple pin lock to keep the road in place. Each jack stand is capable of supporting about 6000 lbs. It has a pyramid-shaped body and a square base which ensures stability provided you use it on a flat surface.
NOTE: Designed for use on an RV and small cars.
Pros
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Jack Stands offer several benefits:
In summary, they make carrying out maintenance in your garage easy and fast. Which in turn saves you time and money that you would otherwise spend by taking your car or truck to a service shop.
Due to how important jack stands are, it is crucial that you select the best fit for your vehicle. There are only a few things to consider when buying a jack stand. We will discuss them in this section.
The first thing to consider when buying a jack stand is the type or form it is in. There are different types of jack stands and each comes with unique applications.
This is the most common and it is typically in the shape of a pyramid. The pyramid design features a bunch of holes (arranged in rows). The holes house a pin that is used to keep the height of the jack stand's support bar in place.
For safety, the pin is made from hardened steel so it can support the weight of most vehicles you try it on.
It is not very fast to work with compared to other types of jack stands but it is one of the most durable on the market.
A ratchet lock jack stands as the name implies, it works using a ratchet system. This system automatically locks the support bar into place at the required height. It is incredibly easy to use and allows for more flexibility since you can use it nearly anywhere underneath your vehicle.
It is not the most durable because there is a small tendency for the jack stand to fail due to the design.
NOTE: When getting one, it is recommended to ensure it can support the weight of your car/truck.
Screw Locks are the least common type of jack stands. The design is overall regarded as being stronger than that of a ratchet lock jack stand. That said, they are not as strong as a pin-lock jack stands.
The screw lock stand implies that it takes relatively longer to use them compared to other types of jack stands. This is because there is a column you can fit under your vehicle. To raise or lower the vehicle, you have to screw or unscrew the jack stand.
The biggest advantage of a Screw lock stand is that it allows you to raise your vehicle at custom heights that you would otherwise not achieve with other stands.
There are only three price categories to consider when buying a jack stand.
- Jack stands for small and medium-sized vehicles are usually in the price range of under $30.
Carrying capacity is usually about 3-ton.
- Jack stands specially built for heavy-duty material have a price range between$30 to $50. They have support capacity typically between 3 to 6 tons.
- Some jack stands come in pairs with one of the pair sometimes being a hydraulic jack. They have greater functionality in terms of strength and quality. They also fall in the most expensive price range.
Next, you need to consider the lifting height of the jack stand. This is because each jack stand has a specific maximum height they can reach. It is important, of course, to select a jack stand that is not only compatible with the vehicle you want to work underneath but one that also meets the height requirement you want.
Getting a stand for small and medium-sized vehicles is not too complicated. However, it gets a lot trickier to accommodate larger vehicles they typically already have decent height underneath them to work with.
Essentially, you need to consider the build quality of the jack stand because they are not all the same. Most are made from sturdy materials that have enhanced resistance to corrosion and rust. So it is recommended to save enough money to buy a jack stand with enough quality for durability and long-term reliability.
The build quality also influences the weight capacity of a jack stand. Stands usually have a carrying capacity of 1 to 10 tons. However, some other custom jack stands can support weight capacity.
The locking mechanism indicates how a jack stand can keep a vehicle at a consistent height for an extended period.
The most common type is the pin lock since there is a smaller chance of the pin slipping or breaking. Jack stands with screw lock style come closest to pin lock stands in terms of stability and security.
NOTE: You can't go wrong with any of these two locking mechanisms although a rachet lock jack stand would also work.
The base size of a jack stand is the part of the stand that touches the ground directly. Ideally, you want to get a jack stand with a large diameter so that it is as stable as possible. Some jack stands come with extra welding to make the base wider.
Typically, the higher the jack stand can Lift a vehicle, the wider its base should be for better support and stability.
Not entirely. While hydraulic jack would hold up a car or truck, they cannot consistently do it for extended periods. As a result, it is generally safer to use a jack stand while working underneath a car or truck.
NOTE: You have to ensure you do not overload the jack and that it is used correctly. For instance, you should always ensure you use your jack stand on a level, preferably concrete, surface. Using a jack stand on an asphalt surface for instance can sometimes cause it to sink into the ground due to the sun's hot rays and the weight of the vehicle.
Ramps are often also used to get safe access so you can work under your vehicle.
Since 2015, jack stands manufactured were examined and evaluated using a unique pair rating system. So for instance, a pair of three-ton jack stands will support 6,000-lbs of weight.
The rating standard and certification are set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) alongside the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AMSE).
Testing of jack stands is done by making the stand carry a load that is 200% of its rated weight capacity for 10 minutes. Provided the stand does not suffer any permanent height reduction, it is certified.
NOTE: Manufacturers do not actually test every single jack stand they sell.
Yes, although there are some important safety precautions to keep in mind. The most important precaution to keep in mind is to ensure you place a block or brick in front of each of the wheels to prevent the vehicle from simply rolling off while the car is on a jack.
BIG RED T43004 Torin Aluminum Jack Stands with Locking Support Pins: 3 Ton (6,000 lb) - Walmart Link
ESCO 10498 Jack Stand, 3 Ton Capacity, Silver - Walmart Link
Hein-Werner HW93503 Blue/Yellow Jack Stand - 3 Ton Capacity - Walmart Link
BIG RED T43002A Torin Steel Jack Stands: Double Locking, 3 Ton (6,000 lb) Capacity, Red, - Walmart Link
Sunex 1410 10-Ton, High Height, Pin Type, Jack Stands, Pair - Walmart Link
Omega 32066 Magic Lift Black Jack Stand - 6 Ton Capacity - Walmart Link
BIG RED T43006 Torin Steel Jack Stands (Fits: SUVs and Extended Height Trucks): 3 Ton - Walmart Link
Sunex 1310 10-Ton Medium Height Pin Type Jack Stands, Pair - Walmart Link
Sunex 1210 10-Ton Low Height Pin Type Jack Stands, Pair - Walmart Link
Rennstand by Safe Jack - Walmart Link
BIG RED T43004 Torin Aluminum Jack Stands with Locking Support Pins: 3 Ton (6,000 lb) - eBay Link
ESCO 10498 Jack Stand, 3 Ton Capacity, Silver - eBay Link
Hein-Werner HW93503 Blue/Yellow Jack Stand - 3 Ton Capacity - eBay Link
BIG RED T43002A Torin Steel Jack Stands: Double Locking, 3 Ton (6,000 lb) Capacity, Red, - eBay Link
Sunex 1410 10-Ton, High Height, Pin Type, Jack Stands, Pair - eBay Link
Omega 32066 Magic Lift Black Jack Stand - 6 Ton Capacity - eBay Link
BIG RED T43006 Torin Steel Jack Stands (Fits: SUVs and Extended Height Trucks): 3 Ton - eBay Link
Sunex 1310 10-Ton Medium Height Pin Type Jack Stands, Pair - eBay Link
Sunex 1210 10-Ton Low Height Pin Type Jack Stands, Pair - eBay Link
Rennstand by Safe Jack - eBay Link
Jack stands are very important vehicle accessories to have. With them, you can lift a vehicle without any risks and work underneath the vehicle for as long as you want. They come in various designs and have different specifications which can make choosing the right one for one's vehicle a bit of a hassle.
With this guide, you should now be able to identify what type of jack stand works for your vehicle and what doesn't. We also included a review list of some of the best jack stands on the market right now that offer great value for money.
About Chris Lewis.
Chris Lewis is a passionate individual with a deep affinity for the world of automobiles. From a tender age, his fascination with cars was nurtured by his father, a seasoned mechanic based in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Growing up under the watchful guidance of his skilled father, Chris developed an early aptitude for all things automotive.
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