The pin, however, is easy to replace if it ever bends, corrodes, or rusts, unlike the ratchet style where the entire jack stand has to be replaced if the mechanism becomes compromised. This type of mechanism doesn’t allow for adjustments as small as the ratchet style, such as to compensate for uneven flooring. The second style of jack stand uses a high tensile steel locking pin to hold the jack in place. When this happens, you will have to replace the entire stand. The only disadvantage is that, in some cases, the rolling pin and pawl (or locking mechanism) can eventually rust through. These mechanisms are simple and fast to use and allow small height adjustments to be made. Ratchet-style locking mechanisms use an angled bar to hold the stand’s height in place. There are a couple of different types of mechanisms. One of the most important features to look for is how the jack stand adjusts and locks. At the same time, if you have a tall truck or SUV and a low-ceiling garage, you may have concerns about minimum lift height. How much clearance do you need, and how much do you have room for? It’s one thing to lift up a vehicle high enough to change a tire it’s another to lift it high enough to have room to spend hours working under it. Lift heightĪnother thing you should consider is the lift height of the jack stand.
On the other hand, in a confined work area, a large base stand can get in the way.
On the one hand, you want a base area as wide as possible for the best stability. Base areaĪ jack stand’s base area is a two-edged sword. For the strongest jack stands, try to find a model with the fewest number of weld points. Weld pointsĪny time you weld two pieces of metal together, you introduce a weak point. For example, if your vehicle weighs two tons, each of your jack stands should be rated for one-and-a-half tons. Ideally, each jack stand should be rated to hold three-quarters of your vehicle’s weight on its own. While some individuals like aluminum stands for lightweight work, especially since they weigh less and don’t rust, for the heaviest-duty jobs, you should go with cast iron or steel. Most jack stands are made from steel, cast iron, or aluminum. The first thing to consider when choosing a car jack stand is the material it’s made of and how it’s constructed. When choosing a jack stand for your vehicle, you must choose one that is either tall, short enough for your car, and will be able to lift its weight effectively.Īlso, consider buying a jack stand that is ultimately cheaper in the long run, is durable, manufactured by a reliable company, and can be used multiple times.If you’re working on soft ground, heavy-duty plywood under the jack stands can help disperse the weight. The latter is also seen as the most considerable difference between them. Jack stands are available in various varieties and can be extended to different heights. Generally, car ramps are more affordable as compared to jacks/ jack stands. The last and possibly the most important consideration when choosing between a jack stand and a car ramp is your budget. In short, the best jack stand will be the one that supports the weight of your vehicle. But compared to other locking systems, this design has the most risk of failing.
But due to their simple design, metal car ramps are easier to use.Īs for most jack stands, the ones with ratchet systems are durable.
Also, for heavier vehicles, metal car ramps will be safer. Metal car ramps are more durable as compared to plastic car ramps. For instance, if you have a 4000-pound car, your jack stand should be able to support at least 8000 pounds. They can hold a maximum of 6,000 pounds.Īlso, a general rule of thumb is to buy a jack stand that can support double the weight of your vehicle. Most car ramps can support up to 1,500 pounds per ramp however, the weight capacity is mentioned on the bottom of the ramp.Īs for the most common jack stands, the classic 3-ton jack stands are the preferred choice for DIY car enthusiasts. Moreover, if a car ramp is positioned on a slippery surface, such as slick concrete or oily driveway, or even on a surface with scattered debris, there is the risk of them sliding while you drive onto them.Īlso, attempting to use the most common car ramps made using high-strength polymer on a surface with pebbles or gravel can be seriously disastrous. If ramps are used on an uneven surface, they will most probably fail. This allows the weight of your vehicle to be distributed evenly on the bottom surface of the ramp. Ramps are meant to be used on smooth and hard surfaces.
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