Ever wondered how wings might not be the only thing that makes the birds fly steadily in the air? Well technically wings are the tools that give them the push required to fly but forces are necessary to keep them suspended in the air.
When we use this analogy for cars, though floor jacks are necessary to elevate the cars but to keep them above the ground steadily, best jack stands are necessary.
Why We Use Best Jack Stands Along With Floor Jack?
Firstly, you use floor jacks to lift the vehicle, and then when it is lifted enough that a jack stand can fit between the ground and the said vehicle, you use the jack stand to keep the vehicle in an elevated position.
The floor jack can now be removed. Check whether the vehicle is balanced above ground and then begin with your work.
These are just precautionary measures to stay as safe as possible while operating your cars. And it is extremely important that both the jack stand and the floor jacks are sturdy to keep your vehicle and your body safe from any fatalities.
Here, we will enlist some of the suitable options for you that will help you pick the best jack stand for your car from the countless options available in the market.
1- Torin Big Red Steel Best Jack Stands:
Our top pick for jack stands is the Torin Big Red jack stand pair made of steel. The first quality that makes any tool customers favorite is its ability to cater to the needs of many users. Torin Big Red jack stands to provide that quality with its ability to fit a wide range of vehicles ranging from small cars to light-duty trucks. Further product details are enlisted.
Product Features:
- Lightweight
- Solid steel stands
- Suitable for a wide range of vehicles
- Large saddle surface area for better contact with the load
- Constructed of high-grade forged steel
- Durable
- Safe to use
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Torin
- Model: T43202
- Product weight: 15 pounds
- Height range: 11.22” to 16.7”
- Weight-lifting capacity: 3 tons (6000 lbs.)
- Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 8 inches
Pros
- Meets ASME safety standards
- One-year warranty
- Suitable for a wide range of vehicles
Cons
- No Major Problem Dignosed
2- Alltrade Powerbuilt 640912 Floor Jack with Stand:
Who doesn’t like the “all-in-one” stuff? I think we all do, don’t we? The tools which are multipurpose make life much easier. This Alltrade Powerbuilt jack stand is a perfect example of this. This jack stand comes with a built-in jack that raises as well as holds the car in an elevated position.
It also saves your money as you don’t have to pay for two separate tools, and it is also easy to store as it takes lesser space than two separate products. This jack is for trucks and off-road type vehicles, both regular and unibody.
Product Features:
- 2 in 1 tool
- Safety bar locks it at the desired height, which makes it extra safe
- Excellent stability
- Durable
- Easy to store
- Wide and stable base
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Powerbuilt
- Model: 640912
- Product weight: 22.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.8 x 12.2 inches
- Minimum lift height: 11”
- Maximum lift height: 17.25”, can be further elevated to 21 inches if adjusted manually
Pros
- 2 in 1
- Safety bars make it extra safe to use
- Good lift range
Cons
- Heavy; difficult to move around
- Not suitable for sports cars
3- Camco Olympian Aluminum Lift Stack Jacks:
Though it might look small, it is able to achieve big. This aluminum jack stand is very lightweight yet can lift a lot of pounds. And however small it may look; its lift range is not lesser than any other jack stand. Combine these traits with its quality of getting stored easily and you have a perfect package at your hands.
Product Features:
- Lightweight
- Small size
- Constructed of aluminum cast
- Cost effective
- Durable construct
- Secure and levelled vehicle positioning
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Camco
- Model: 44560
- Product weight: 3.55 lbs.
- Weight-lifting capacity: 6000 lbs.
- Minimum lift height: 11 inches
- Maximum lift height: 17 inches
- Dimensions: 6.1 x 6.1 x 11 inches
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reasonable price
- Durable
Cons
- No Major Problem Dignosed
4- Cartman 3-ton Jack Stands:
Quality, stability, and durability are some of the features you would expect from a brand like Cartman and this is exactly what they provide. These steel-built strong jack stands are very safe to use and can be moved around. In the price of one, you’ll get two stands. Its multi position ratchet allows you to quickly adjust the height while the vehicle is elevated and doesn’t require you to first unload the stand and then adjust the position.
Product Features:
- Pair of stands
- Steel construct
- Easy to lift
- Adjustable size due to multi position ductile ratchet bar
- Wide base
- Meets or exceed ANSI requirements
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Cartman
- Model: JA110704
- Product weight: 12lbs.
- Weight-lifting capacity: 3 tons
- Dimensions: 13 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches
- 278mm- 415mm
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Meets ANSI requirements
- Wide base
Cons
- Heavier than aluminum stands
5- Performance Tool W41022 3-Ton Heavy Duty Jack Stand:
Performance Tool W41022 has a wide base that stabilizes the vehicle while it is raised above the ground. These are two stands at the price of one and their steel construct provides the sturdiness and the durability that is required of a good jack stand. It is suitable for cars as well as light duty trucks. All in all, it fulfills its promise of serving you as best as it can.
Product Features:
- Pair of jack stand
- Heavy duty steel construct
- Provides stability to the elevated load
- Durable
- Rugged construction
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Performance Tool
- Model: W41022
- Weight: 15.9 lbs.
- Minimum lift height: 11-1/4”
- Maximum lift height: 16-3/4”
- Weight-lifting capacity: 3 tons
- Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 16 inches
Pros
- Affordable price
- Rugged construction
Cons
- Instances of defects in the shipped product
6- Torin Big Red Aluminum Jack Stands:
Unlike Torin Big Red Steel jack stands, Torin Big Red Aluminum is very lightweight due to its aluminum construction. It can lift a wide range of vehicles and its saddle has a large surface area that can support and stabilize the weight being lifted. Removable locking support pins provide extra security. Although a bit costly, yet the features it has justifies the price and make it a good value for money product.
Product Features:
- Aluminum construct
- Lightweight
- Stability
- Safe to use with locking support
- Meets ASME safety standards
- Breaks down for compact storage
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Torin
- Model: T43003
- Product weight: 10.2 lbs.
- Weight-lifting capacity: 3 tons
- Minimum lift height: 10.71 inches
- Maximum lift height: 15.63 inches
- Large foot base size of 7.48” by 6.81”
- Dimensions: 30.7 x 10.6 x 7.9 inches
Pros
- Lightweight
- Large saddle for stability
- Meets ASME safety standards and has 1-year warranty
Cons
- Quite expensive
7- Esco 10498 Jack Stand:
Finally comes our last, but certainly not the least jack stand from our list of best jack stands of 2020. Unlike other stands on the list that come in pairs, this is a single strand. It may seem a little too expensive, it’s still cheaper than Torin Big Red Aluminum jack stands. It works great for low profile vehicles.
Product Features:
- Single stand
- Removable rubber top to protect against paint scratching
- Robust construction
- Professional jack stand
- Suitable for low profile cars
- Solid base for stability
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Esco
- Model: 10498
- Product Weight: 11 pounds
- Weight-lifting capacity: 3 tons
- Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 7 inches
Pros
- Robust construction
- Suitable for professional use
- Solid base
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not very suitable for higher cars
Some FAQs About Best Jack Stands:
- Question: How to use a jack stand?
Answer: To use a jack stand properly, follow these simple steps:
- Park your vehicle on a strong and smooth ground.
- Use floor jack to lift the vehicle, start pumping it to raise the vehicle above ground level.
- Lift it up to the height according to your requirement.
- Adjust the height of jack stand and balance it underneath the vehicle.
- Adjust the height of jack stand again so that the vehicle is lowered onto the stand.
- You are all set to proceed with your maintenance purposes.
- Question: How are jack stands different from floor jacks?
Answer: Floor jacks and jack stands work in harmony. Floor jacks are used to raise the vehicle above ground level using the power of hydraulics to lift the car. When it has lifted the car to your desired level, jack stands are used to keep the car in the elevated position steadily and stably. They have a strong base to prevent the car from coming down. Basically, their function is the same i.e. to raise the car above ground level. Both complement each other’s functions for better car maintenance.
- Question: Is it necessary to use jack stands?
Answer: When you are servicing your car, often you need to go underneath to check/fix various car parts. At that time, you are lying on the ground under your vehicle and any slippage could result in the heavy vehicle coming down on you and crushing your body. This could lead to serious fatalities. Such accidents can be prevented by taking precautionary measures such as using jack stands. Since floor jacks are powered by hydraulics, there is a chance of slippage at any moment and jack stands to make sure that such mishap never happens.
- Question: What qualities should I look for in a jack stand?
Answer: The essence of a jack stand lies in how sturdy its base is. Try to look for a strong and stable base that can hold the weight of your vehicle. Also, always use stands which has a weight-lifting capacity that covers the weight of your vehicle. Never use a stand that can’t lift your car’s weight, this could be very risky.