The Best Jack Stands
If you need to lift your vehicle and do work underneath it, it's important to properly place jack stands and let them carry the weight of your car. But if you rely solely on your jack to handle the load, you don't only risk hydraulic failure, but you also create a potentially unbalanced load by only jacking up one point on the vehicle. Even when replacing a blown-out wheel on the side of the road, the best practice is to place a jack stand under the frame and remove the car jack before repair. It's equally important, though, to have the right jack stand under your vehicle That's why we researched a variety of jack stands to find the ones that meet our high standards. We made sure to pick options with extreme strength, easy operation, and fair prices. Our favorite came from Pro-Lift. Their T-6906D sports a jaw-dropping 6-ton weight capacity and the price is a bargain. But for those with smaller vehicles that don't require quite as much strength, you can save a trunk space with the 3-ton pair from OTC. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.
Security is always the first feature you’re looking for in a jack stand, and Pro-Lift doubles up on it. These stands feature a high-quality cast-iron ratchet bar and a sturdy, stamped-steel base to provide durability and longevity, making them ideal for home or professional use. Counter-weighted pawls serve as a secure locking device to prevent the load from accidentally slipping, while an attached pin lock creates a secondary support point by locking the ratchet bar in place. The ratchet bar is a single piece of steel, which provides strength and durability that meets or exceeds ANSI and PALD standards.
Pros:
- The six-ton capacity means this pair can support the weight of the vast majority of private vehicles, so there’s a good chance yours will be a fit.
- The tripod legs add that extra degree of stability and security that we love to have when sliding under lifted vehicles.
- The maximum lift height of nearly 23 inches offers plenty of elbow room to work underneath a vehicle.
Cons:
- Each jack on its own only supports three tons, so the six-ton capacity describes the power of both stands when used together.
OTC 3-Ton Jack Stands
Ready for the trunk and garage
With a combined 3-ton capacity, OTC’s jack stands are the perfect size for holding full-size sedans, utility vans, most SUVs, full-size pickups, and other personal passenger vehicles. Constructed with a formed and welded steel base, these jack stands will provide years of safe, lifted storage. The self-locking ratchet handle cannot be released under pressure and features a wide range of locking heights and adjusting positions up to almost 18 inches in height. The form-fit saddle design and wide, four-legged base ensure stability, while the baked enamel finish resists corrosion.
Pros:
- We appreciated the welded foot pads since their footprint is wide enough to resist sinking into soft ground and asphalt.
- OTC is a reputable brand, and their stands support that. The precise engineering of the crank ensures you can smoothly jack up the stand without significant resistance.
Cons:
- These have deep-V saddles, so not all vehicle frames will be compatible (though most will).
Esco 10498 Jack Stand
Flat tops make safe shops
Most jack stands are designed to be placed underneath the axle, the differential, or other areas where a curved or V-shaped saddle creates a more secure hold between the car and the stand. Esco’s design was created for users who prefer a flat saddle with a lot of surface area. It features a removable, flat-top rubber saddle that protects the car frame better than traditional curved saddles. A fast-action pin allows you to quickly and safely lock the stand into your preferred position. Circular base pads create maximum stability and safety, while the powder-coated finish prevents rusting.
Pros:
- These have an impressive degree of stability. Thanks to the wide tripod design, these stands can maintain balance on bumpy or slightly uneven surfaces.
- FOr those with European cars that don’t fit V-shaped saddles, these stands are ideal.
- The 21-inch maximum height offers plenty of room to work underneath a vehicle.
Cons:
- You have to be careful to not chip the finish since this can invite rust formation
K Tool International 22-Ton Jack Stands
Monster trucks need lifting, too
Need to put your semi-truck on jacks? Have you stopped trusting the two-ton jack stands you bought back in the ’90s? K Tool International has the means to handle the challenge with their heavy-duty jack stands. Not only can the thick steel holding pin withstand pressure up to 22 tons, but the 10-inch-square base also provides top-notch stability, even at the stand’s maximum height. Best of all, unlike other jack stands, each of these is individually rated for 22 tons, rather than as a pair.
Pros:
- For those that work in agriculture, industrial environments, and construction, these powerful jack stands will fit right in with your hefty vehicles.
- These are so hardy, they can be left hanging around in shops without any extra attention. They also resist rust well.
Cons:
- The lifting range is only 6 inches, so these are usually used in conjunction with other mechanical tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to place a jack stand on the axle?
If you’re not working on your axles, you can place the jack stands there. This placement can actually hold your car up higher than placing them under the frame. Otherwise, the frame is typically better suited for the top of your jack stand and is universally regarded as a safe area to place your stands.
Is there a different position for jack stands on a four-wheel-drive vehicle?
Yes, there is. On four-wheel-drive trucks, place one jack under the front differential. Place the front jack stands directly under the frame, regardless of whether it’s a four-wheel-drive vehicle or standard truck. Support the rear of the truck with one jack stand under each axle.
What’s the “shake test”?
Most experts agree that once your car is up on jacks, a slight “shake test” is a good way to make sure the vehicle is fully secure. Just as it sounds, once you have the jack stands in place, and you’ve lowered and removed the car jack, shake your car slightly to make sure it doesn’t fall off the jacks. Another way to think about it: bump into your car, the way someone might do accidentally, to make sure it doesn’t fall off the stands.
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