Last Updated on July 13, 2021 by azamnie
Each garage should have a pair of jack stands. After all, you’ll need them to support your vehicle whenever something under it requires repair—which, depending on how you drive, may be very frequently. Given their price, there is just no reason to forego having jack stands in your garage. Of course, with so many products competing for your attention on the market, picking the right set might be perplexing. See our guide below for an overview of the finest options and a discussion of their qualities.
Over the course of a year, 4,822 persons were treated in emergency departments for floor jack failure. Isn’t that reason enough for every home mechanic to invest in the best cheap car jack stands possible?
The Advantages of Jack Stands
Enhanced safety. While hydraulic jacks are useful for lifting your vehicle in an emergency, they should not be used to suspend your vehicle for lengthy periods of time. You’ll need jack stands for this. They’re sturdy enough to support your vehicle and keep it off the ground while you operate beneath it.
Preservation of tyres. If you will not be driving your vehicle for an extended period of time, jack stands can assist you maintain the quality of your tyres. Vehicles that have been parked for an extended length of time place all of their weight on a tiny section of each tyre, making that section more prone to flat spots and dry rot.
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Easier to maintain. With jack stands, you can work on your vehicle without leaving the confines of your garage. This will save you both time and money by avoiding the need to take your vehicle to a service centre.
Different Types of Jack Stands
KEY-LOCK
The pin lock jack stand is the most frequent variety. Typically, this stand will have a pyramid form and a row of holes into which a pin can be inserted to secure the support bar’s height. It’s straightforward to use, and the pin is composed of hardened steel that’s robust enough to support the weight of a variety of vehicles.
After adjusting the height of the support bar to make contact with the appropriate pinch point beneath the vehicle, a pin is put through one of the holes to secure it in place. Although it is not the quickest to work with, its straightforward construction makes it one of the most durable.
LOCK WITH A RATCHET
This style of jack stand utilises a ratchet system to secure the support bar in place automatically. It’s one of the simplest designs to use, as all that’s required is for the support bar to be pulled to the desired height. In comparison to a pin-lock jack stand, the height increments on a ratchet jack stand are smaller, providing for greater versatility in terms of where the stand can be employed beneath the vehicle.
While the majority of jack stands with ratchet systems will be sturdy, it is the design with the highest risk of failure when compared to alternative locking mechanisms. If you prefer a stand with a ratchet system, choose one from a reputable brand and ensure that the tool is capable of supporting the weight of your vehicle.
STAINLESS STEEL SCREW LOCK
This is the least common sort of jack stand, and though you may expect it to be stronger than a ratchet stand, it will not be as robust as a pin-lock stand. One disadvantage of this design is that it requires more time to operate than the others. In essence, the saddle upon which your vehicle’s pinch point is supposed to rest is attached to the top of a screw-like middle column whose height may be modified by screwing or unscrewing.
HEIGHT OF LIFTING
In terms of lifting height, different jack stands will accommodate various cars. It’s critical that the equipment you use helps you to keep your automobile at a height that permits you to work underneath. The majority of jack stands will work very well for a compact vehicle or sedan, as they do not require as much height as a midsize SUV or truck. Obtaining one that will support a larger vehicle can be more challenging, but it’s simply a matter of verifying the specifications of your jack stand and ensuring that it can adjust to the desired height.
CAPACITY FOR WEIGHT
Another factor to consider when purchasing a jack stand is its load capacity. Typically, stands have a capacity of 1 to 10 tonnes, though some are intended to carry more. Needless to say, using a jack stand to support a vehicle it was not built to hold is dangerous, so if you have a huge SUV or truck, you’ll want to make extra sure the stand you purchase is capable of supporting the weight. Take note that the advertised weight of a pair of jack stands refers to the combined weight they can hold; for example, a pair rated for 2 tonnes may support 1 tonne apiece.
QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION
Not all jack stands are created equal in terms of build quality. Some are constructed of stronger materials and offer increased resistance to rust and corrosion. The greatest way to save money and frustration in the long term is to invest in high-quality stands. While they will be more expensive, their greater durability and reliability will provide you with piece of mind.
