What we all need lots of...

Sure wish they had the kind where you put pins through the base to retain the saddles, though.

This type can be scary--as Gint will testify. Be very careful if you buy them. A pin is the key to safety with stands along with making sure they are flat on the floor.

Dave

Be sure they're locked in place and them bungie the handle to the base, and keep a floor jack snug under the long. Havne't seen any with pins outside of the high priced tool shops.

Gint...is this what happened to you..was it under buttercup? All OK now?

It had nothing to do with buttercup. 3 years ago this April Fool's. What a coincidence...

Yeah, I have plenty of those jackstands. They get used to hold up axle assemblies and such, but I'll never get under anything they're holding up. Only pinned jackstands for me.

I'm still using mine, but I place spare wheels (w/mounted tires) on their sides under the car, in the event that one of these jackstands should fail.

Why are these style stands even made anymore? Back in the day I had a set of pinned jackstands, but now I have these. Wouldn't pinned be simpler/cheaper to make anyway?

It does appear the entire jack stand universe has been overrun with ratchet-style jack stands having no lock mechanism. If I understand correctly, it's not that the various elements are weak. It's that the ratchet mechanism can be disengaged if something bumps the handle. Is that right?

Here are a couple from a Google images search for "jack stands":

http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/Merchant2/...01/otc-1582.gif
http://www.asedeals.com/JackStands2Jpg.jpg
http://www.dmstools.com/tn/TN-OME-32225.jpg

This one looks to be the best of both worlds:

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product...s/144853_lg.jpg

though it doesn't seem that the pin goes through the post. It looks like it's a lock mechanism for the ratchet.

S

Also - came across this patent: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4856747.pdf

Last edit, I promise... Google for "pin style jack stands". It would appear they are only available nowadays for heavy duty applications (10-ton or greater).

I have these ones from AC Hydraulic. They are fantastic and I would never risk my life or my car to anything of inferior design or construction. Pelican Parts used to carry them but not sure anymore.



http://www.ac-hydraulic.com/Default.asp?mo...st&catid=51

I just can't trust any jackstand by itself - who knows what excellent quality control measures went into its manufacturing....in China.

Like I said. bungie the handle down and put a jack or wheels under the pan for a backup. These are heavy duty and I've shaken the car to test them and they hold, but I still dont' get under the car without backup. I don't think they will slip down but the handle is the place to accidentally kick or drop something against, and then WAM!

See that void under the racheted extender? A piece of 2x4 fits neatly through there and prevents any accidental release - guaranteed.

Tom

I stack the wheels under the car. I didn't worry about it until I read about Gint. Now I play it safe!

I'm sure folks here are all aware of the hazards. I worry more about the thousands of unsuspecting folks who are unaware of the danger. I'd guess they are about as dangerous as Toyotas...

S