Every automotive garage needs a pair of jack stands; if you have ever performed any maintenance work on your car that needs lifting it off the ground, by now, you know that you need to have the best jack stands. It would be best not to rely solely on your scissor jack or floor jack to keep your vehicle safely lifted. Furthermore, there is no reason to forgo having a set of jack stands in your garage, given their affordability.
The best pair of jack stands are designed to keep your vehicle safely lifted off the floor, so you don't have to depend on the floor jack. Once your vehicle is lifted to your preferred height, you place your jack stands beneath and slowly lower the floor jacks onto the jack stands. Then you can confirm that the tools are secure and won't slide down while you wrench on your vehicle.
The numerous jack stands on the market to choose from makes choosing the right set confusing since they play a crucial part in your safety. However, when shopping, one of the key things to keep in mind is checking the weight of your car. This way, you will be aware of the capacity you need from the jack stand. This article will help you make more valid decisions. Keep reading!
1. Omega Black 22-Ton Heavy Duty Jack Stand (32225B)
Omega 32225B Black Heavy Duty Jack Stand - 22 Ton Capacity
- Heavy duty holding pins for adjustable heights
- Large saddle securely supports load
- Sturdy welded steel construction
- Heavy gauge steel frame helps prevent twisting
- Height range of 13-1/3 inches to 19-2/3 inches
If you are looking for the best jack stands you can count on heavy duties, we recommend the Omega Black Heavy Duty Jack Stand model 32225B. This jack stand can handle a 22-ton weight capacity. The pair can securely support maximum and minimum heights of 19 2/3 inches and 13 1/3 inches, respectively. Besides, they have spacious saddles that are perfect for bigger cars.
For extra stability, these jack stands come with a thick locking pin, and the saddle is welded together, having a unibody construction that is made to handle the additional weight. This 22-ton capacity jack stand is a perfect option for working on heavier cars and needs weight capacity.
Some users complain about the awkwardness of the V-shaped saddle when compared to a more flat design. Besides, the Omega Black Heavy Duty Jack Stand is pricey, but when you are working under a multi-ton car, they are worth it from a personal protection standpoint.
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2. Pro-LifT Double Pin Jack Stand (T-6906D)- 6 Ton
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Pro-Lift T-6906D Double Pin Jack Stand - 6 Ton, 18x12 Inch (Pack of 1)
- Sturdy stamped Steel Construction with 6 ton capacity
- High quality cast ductile iron ratchet bar. Lifting range from 16...
- Double locks mechanism with both handle locks and mobility pin
- Height adjustment mechanism allows smooth upward movement while...
- Meets or exceeds ANSI/PALD standards. Ideal for home, Auto, truck...
If you are looking for the best jack stands that can lift your midsized SUVs or sedans, you found one, the Pro-Lift T-6906D Double Pin Jack Stands. This jack stands can handle a weight capacity of 12,000 lbs (6 tons). They are constructed from heavy-duty, durable stamped steel and use a pin-lock system and a ratchet bar for increased weight support. Besides, the ratchet bar is constructed from high-quality cast iron; therefore, adjusting the bar can be done easily, smoothly, and confidently.
These double pin jack stands have a release handle that locks into position when you have them securely placed underneath your car. The attached pin lock offers extra support, locking the ratchet in position. Furthermore, the minimum and maximum lift heights for these jack stands are 11 inches and 16.5 inches, respectively.
The Pro-Lift T-6906D is designed to be used in pairs. They have counter-weighted pawls to counteract disengagement. Furthermore, the manufacturer claims that this jack stand meets and surpasses ANSI/PALD standards, making them fit for a shop, home, or farm use.
However, although these jack stands are effective, we can't forget to mention that some users complain that the welds around the base of these jack stands are inconsistent. Others complained of the paint chipping off easily, which means corrosion can be an issue in the long run.
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3. BIG RED Torin Steel Jack Stands: Double Locking (T43002A), 3 Ton
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BIG RED T43002A Torin Steel Jack Stands: Double Locking, 3 Ton (6,000 lb) Capacity, Red, 1 Pair
- Double locking jack stands help support vehicles after lifting...
- Features a lifting range of 11-1/4" to 16-3/4" with a 3 ton...
- Constructed with heavy-duty steel and is industrial welded for...
- Wide pyramid style foot base provides added strength; Large foot...
The Big Red T43002A Torin Steel Jack Stands come with double locking jack stands, which provide more peace of mind than a regular pair of jack stands. If you have visited a mechanic shop lately, there is a good chance you have seen this red jack stands on the floor. The jack stands can handle three-ton ( 6,000lb), which should be sufficient for most vehicle owners; however, if you own something heavier, ensure to opt for the six-ton potion.
The Torin Steel jack stands have a lifting range of 11.25 inches to 16.75 inches and come with a large surface area on the saddle for best contact with your car. They are constructed from heavy-duty steel materials and industrial welded for durability. They feature a removable locking support pin, which increases safety, although it does come at a price.
The forged multi-position iron ratchet has a sawtooth design, so you can adjust the height quickly and easily before locking its place. Furthermore, the Torin Steel jack stands to meet ASME safety measurements and comes with a one-year limited manufacturer warranty.
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4. Performance Tool 6-Ton Heavy-Duty Jack Stand (W41023)
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Performance Tool W41023 Ratchet Style Jack Stand Set for Lifting Vehicles During Maintenance,...
- JACK LIFTING: Ratchet style for easy adjustments
- TOUGH MATERIALS: Tough enamel finish
- CAPACITY: 6-ton maximum capacity per pair (6000 lb. capacity per...
- LIFT RANGE: 15-1/2 to 23-1/2 inches
- INCLUDED: Set of two jack stands that are ideal for working on...
Your safety when underneath your car at the garage should be your number one priority, which is why it is crucial to buy the right jack stands. Performance Tool W41023 will not let you down when it comes to this. When choosing the jack stand from this manufacturer or any other, choose accordingly to your car's weight and pay attention t the lifting range. The options from the manufacturer are two-ton jack stands which come with a range of 10-3/8 inches to 16-3/8 inches, three-ton jack stands with a range of 11.25 inches to 16.75 inches. For this model (six-ton), the lifting range from 15.5 inches to 23.5 inches.
Irrespective of the model you choose, you will get a pair of jack stands made with a steel frame for durability and a wide base for stability. Besides, these jack stands come with a simple lifting mechanism that you can easily lock in place once you achieve the desired height.
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5. BIG RED Torin Aluminum Jack Stands with Locking Support Pins (T43004)
BIG RED T43004 Torin Aluminum Jack Stands with Locking Support Pins: 3 Ton (6,000 lb) Capacity,...
- Lightweight jack stands for supporting vehicles after lifting...
- Constructed of high-grade aluminum; Removable locking support...
- Adjustable height ranges from 10-3/4" to 15-5/8" with a 3 ton...
- Wide foot base provides additional steadiness; Base is removable,...
This T43004 Torin Aluminum Jack Stands from Big Red is similar to the previous model we mentioned above. They feature aluminum construction durability and additional strength. They can handle a 3-ton weight capacity, suitable for various applications like lifting vehicles, small SUVs, or light pickup trucks.
Furthermore, it comes with a hexagonal base saddle made from thick aluminum, offering a strong foundation. You can even detach the base saddle when not used for easy storage and carrying and tipping the scales at 4.5 pounds each; it is also portable.
This 3-ton Jack stand uses a pin-type mechanism just like the previous model ensuring optimum safety. It features six different locking positions ranging from 10.75 inches to 15.63 inches. Though the pin mechanism offers fewer holding points compared to the ratchet-type jack stands, it makes up by being considerably safer.
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Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Jack Stands
1. The Locking mechanism
This mechanism is how you secure the jack stands into position so they can hold a reliable height. The pin locking system is the most secure because there is minimal risk of the pin breaking or coming out. The screw locking is the next most secure mechanism because it would have to spin to alter the height; it can't do that while a car rests on it. Furthermore, the ratchet is secure, however, the least secure of the three.
2. Lifting height
Different sets of jack stands will take of different cars in terms of lighting height. The tool you select should keep your vehicle at the height that lets you get work done underneath. Most jack stands will operate fine for a small car or sedan because they don't require to be raised as high as a truck or a midsize SUV. Buying one to handle a larger car can be trickier; however, it is just a matter of checking the specifications of your jack stand and ensuring it can adjust to the height you desire.
3. Weight Capacity
Jack stands come in weight capacities ranging from 1 to 10 tons; however, some will be designed to handle even more. Pointless to say, using this set of tools for a car it wasn't designed to support and hold is dangerous, so if you have a truck or large SUV, you will need to be very sure the stand you pick can withstand the weight. Furthermore, pay attention to the listed weight of the jack stands signifies the total weight they can hold when working together; thus, if the pair of the jack stands are rated for 2 tons, it means they can support and hold 1 ton each.
4. Saddle construction
When shopping for these tools, look for the one with a wide saddle for your car's frame to securely sit on. Other models have a contouring design to support the frame rather than having a flat surface that it could easily slip off of. Furthermore, some higher-quality jack stands have a non-slip surface on the support for a more secure setup.
5. Base size
The base is the foot part of the jack stand that relaxes on the ground. A jack stand with a larger diameter base tends to be more stable. Some of them even have additional welding to create larger feet on the base surface. Besides, the higher the jack stand can lift, the wider the base should be for the essential support and stability.
6. Construction quality & material
When it comes to building quality, not all jack stands are the same. Some of the best models are made from sturdier materials and are corrosion resistant. Those jack made from steel are stronger and sturdier than aluminum, but they are vulnerable to corrosion. Besides, aluminum models are much lighter compared to steel, allowing for a lightweight jack stand.
It is important to pick stands with a great and quality build. Although they will be more expensive, be sure their increased reliability and durability will give you peace of mind in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Jack Stands
1. Do I need jack stands?
Yes, especially if you do a lot of repairs underneath your vehicle. Always use a pair of them for your safety while wrenching.
2. How do I store jack stands when not in use?
Store them indoors and in a dry place, preferably. Like other steel products, metal fatigue resulting from weather conditions can also affect these steel or aluminum-made stands. Please put them in a place away from corrosion. Nonetheless, these tools don't consume a lot of space, so keep them in a corner.
3. Can you recommend using jack stands to replace a flat tire?
If you want to hit on the road and put on your spare wheel in a hurry, you can use the jack stands. Nonetheless, the more support your car has, the better. If you are doing any prolonged work underneath your car or need it lifted enough time to change a tire, we recommend you invest in sets of these tools.