The Short Version: Before buying a set of jack stands, a person needs to consider load ratings, lift heights, and more. This guide goes through everything a person needs to know before purchasing jack stands.
When repairs are necessary underneath a vehicle, it’s vital to have the space to move around easily and reach whatever part of the car needs work. Even simple tasks like changing wheels require lifting a vehicle off the ground. This guide examines the safety and convenience benefits of jack stands and discusses some options.
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Jack Stand Load Ratings
When shopping for jack stands, their weight rating is the most important factor to consider. The load range for them varies from two tons to over 20 tons. Stands generally come in pairs, and the rating is what they can support together. For example, a set of 2-ton stands can each hold 1 ton individually.
Before using jack stands, it’s essential to know a vehicle’s curb weight to ensure the model isn’t overloading the supported weight. This info is in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. However, models don’t carry their weight evenly from front to back. In some cases, 60% or more of the weight can be over the nose. With this factor in mind, it’s wise to round up when selecting a weight rating for a pair of jack stands.
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Can You Use DIY Jack Stands Instead?
Some home mechanics swear by making their own jack stands out of readily available materials. However, this can be extremely dangerous. For example, some folks use cinderblocks to support a vehicle, but significant weight or sudden shocks can cause them to crumble. Their design is for handling a distributed weight over multiple blocks. If the cinder block fails, the vehicle’s weight falls on a person, potentially causing injuries or even death.
Using milk crates as jack stands is also a terrible idea. As of the 2021 model year, the average vehicle weighs 4,289 pounds, according to an Environmental Protection Agency report. This amount of weight can easily crush a plastic milk crate.
As a rule, make absolutely certain there’s a safe working environment before beginning to work on a vehicle. Also, purchase the best jack stands possible and use them correctly, and don’t work on a car supported by floor jacks, bottle jacks, or anything less secure than a pair of jack stands.
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Factors to Consider When Purchasing Jack Stands
Design
Most sets of jack stands are either steel or aluminum. They often operate using a ratcheting mechanism or a manually movable bar with a pin holding it in place. Steel units are generally less expensive but weigh more. Aluminum ones are lighter at around five or six pounds each while still supporting three tons or more. CARiD offers a variety of jack stands, ranging in price from around $50 to hundreds of dollars for units that can hold 20 tons.
In terms of design, jack stands commonly come in two layouts. Some have four legs to support them, and there are also products with a single flat base. The latter units are better for use outside on warm pavement because they spread the load evenly on the ground, preventing the jack from sinking into soft asphalt.
Lift Height
The maximum height a set of jack stands can extend is extremely important when considering which to purchase. Many of them adjust between 10 inches and 17 inches, which might not create enough clearance for working on higher-riding vehicles like pickups and SUVs.
There are jack stands for taller vehicles. For example, the Hein-Werner 10-Ton High-Reach Jack Stand set adjusts between 30 and 52 inches. This span should provide enough space and a high enough weight rating to hold up even lifted, off-road vehicles.
Before Using Jack Stands
A person must lift a vehicle before placing the jack stands to support it. CARiD sells a variety of hydraulic jacks and other lifting equipment with ratings from 2 to 50 tons for getting a car or truck in the air. Each product listing features the maximum weight rating and a description of how the item functions.
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Finding Jack Stands on CARiD
As mentioned, CARiD has a whole section dedicated to vehicle lifts and jack stands. Once the vehicle is up in the air, CARiD also has the Shop By Service Type feature.
This tool allows users can enter their vehicle’s make, model, and year. The site then lists a variety of maintenance and repair tasks. Selecting one shows the specific parts necessary for the job. CARiD also has specialists standing by 24/7 via online chat who are happy to help pick the right jack stands for your car, truck, or SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a jack stand?
Jack stands support an elevated vehicle so that a person can do jobs that require accessing underbody components or removing the wheels. They have a wide range of use cases. Some folks use them twice a year to swap between summer and winter wheels. Other people consistently use these supports to hold a project vehicle that needs lots of work. Individuals need to look at their own use case to decide which jack stands are right for them.
What are jack stands used for?
Unless a person has the space and budget to install a lift in the garage, jack stands are the safest way to secure an elevated vehicle while performing maintenance or repairs.
How many jack stands does a person need?
It’s best to use jack stands in pairs. Two would be necessary to support the front of a vehicle, and two more would be required to hold up the rear.
Can a vehicle stay on jack stands overnight?
As long as the jack stands are on secure, firm ground, a vehicle can safely remain on them overnight or even much longer. The key is putting the vehicle in a place where nothing can jostle the stands.
How do you store jack stands?
Storing jack stands is easy: just put them in the corner of the garage or some other out-of-the-way place. Then, grab them when they are needed.
How much are car jack stands?
A set of jack stands can cost less than $20 for the lightest weight units to over $560 for stands rated for 12 tons. Keep in mind that a person needing to support a complete vehicle should buy two pairs or four single stands.
