So ratcheting jack stands have always been sketchy, but we buy them and use them because all of the other alternatives cost way more. I got bitten when a jack-stand let go and my Legacy sedan crushed my right index finger into two pieces.
I was lucky in that my doctor was able to reattach it. I was again unlucky when my EX-girlfriend sat on my healing finger causing it to heal with an unnatural bend.
Click to view attachment
I think we all agree (should agree), that a non-ratchet stand works best, but the cheapest I could find was this, for $46 each with a lift height of 17". http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usatoolwar...CFc6Eswod4tkIFw
I found these, a pair for $40. They have a lock and have a lift height of 23". When I first unboxed them, I lifted the ratchet so it wasn't engaged and slid the lock into position and I found that it wasn't going anywhere. With the ratchet and the lock engaged it is as solid as the above stands that sell for double the price. I've included a link below to where I bought them.
Click to view attachment Click to view attachment
https://www.amazon.com/Strongway-Double-Loc...king+jack+stand