Jack Stands

SandyC · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:08 AM

I'm getting ready to get a set of jack stands. Anything in particular to look for? Know of anyplace in the Phoenix area that has good ones for sale? Or is a jack stand just a jack stand so go down to Walmart and buy what they have.

Thanks for any info.

FUNFER2 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:32 AM

Just don't buy a cheaply made stand. I prefer the jaw type over the hole and pin. There are a lot of quality stands just about anywhere. I have two sets, one short and the other tall, depending on your needs. A 1-ton is all you need for cobras. Either buy the rubber covers for the tops, rags or some other soft product to protect your surface.

If you're interested in a 2-post, two arm car lift that will work great for a home owners garage, let me know. It's portable so it can be stored away if not needed. I love mine. No need for jack stands or constantly on my back.

$1,950 + free shipping.

Snakebit · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:47 AM

I prefer the pin type to the jaw type. I've seen some pictures of the jaw type where the teeth busted off and the stand failed. There was a post on the Porsche site where the guy had a stand fail while he was working under his car and had a lot of facial damage. Don't go cheap on jack stands! Floor jack fail too. I don't crawl under a car unless the jack stands are in place and I even leave the floor jack under the frame.

FUNFER2 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:53 AM

I'm surprised, I've never heard or seen the jaw/lever type break ?

mikiec · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 12:49 PM

My only comment is this....

Buy big, heavy. I've done the cheap and the medium. I borrowed a set from Jeff Classic when doing an R&R on my tranny. These were outstanding. Strong, sturdy. I believe they were rated 3000 lbs each. Check with Jeff to see where he got them.

Mike

Garage10 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:09 PM

funfer2
How does that lift work ? why doesn't it fall over ?
Thanks
Brent

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #7 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 12:15 AM

This is the set I use at home: http://tinyurl.com/qkv2e7
And here is the Jack: http://tinyurl.com/49d4gb
I have a lesser weight set for the rear if needed from Checker.

On the road I carry a set of Harbor Freight Aluminum 1 and 1/2 ton jack stands. Or I just stay near Sandy C.

AZ Bob

FUNFER2 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 07:08 AM

Garage10- There are five anchors and bolts in each post. Very strong. It's just like a industrial lift that mechanics use only shorter in height to accommodate home owners 8' + ceiling heights.

You'll see below that you can take out the anchor bolts and store the unit in a corner or elsewhere. I just leave mine up. It's fantastic.

vettestr · #9 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 08:11 AM

Sandy,
Check out Harbor Freight's 3 ton jack stands here http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38846 they are max. of 17 " tall. Cut strips of old carpet and use safety wire to attach carpet to surface to stop any scratches. The age old problem is getting a jack under the car and use ramps to solve that problem. I bought some plastic ramps that are about 15" tall that work great for home use.

PS...... Don AKA "stud finder" a 2x6 is not a ramp !!!! although for you it can double as a catapult.