Jack stands are very important tools to make it safe for you if you want to go under your car to check leaks or repair something. You can also use them if you are changing wheels and you don’t want to rely on your malfunctioning floor jack.
10 Best Jack Stands for 2018
| Image | Model Name | Price | Our Rating | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Torin T43004 Aluminum Jack Stands - 3 Ton, 1 pair | $$ |  | |
 | Torin T43002A 3 Ton Double Locking Jack Stands (Sold in Pairs) | $ | | |
 | Hein-Werner HW93503 Blue/Yellow Jack Stand - 3 Ton Capacity | $$ |  | |
 | Torin T42002 2 Ton Jack Stands (Sold in Pairs) | $ | | |
 | Performance Tool W41022 3 Ton Heavy Duty Jack Stand Set | $ | | |
 | Hein-Werner HW93524A Blue Forklift Stand - 7 Ton Capacity | $$$ | | |
 | Camco 44561 Olympian Aluminum Stack Jack Stand - 2 pack | $ | | |
 | Sunex 1410 10-Ton Jack Stands | $$$ |  | |
 | Torin T41202 Jack Stands - 12 Ton, 1 pair | $$ | | |
 | Esco 3 Ton 10498 Performance Jack Stand Shorty | $$ | |
Torin T43004 Aluminum Jack Stands – 3 Ton, 1 pair
This tool is sized Extra Large and made of cast aluminum base so it is basically solid but lightweight and rust-free.
With 5-hole height adjustment, it has a lift height from 10-¾ inches to 15-5/8 inches – you can use it on any types of vehicles from the low beamed up to the large trucks and off-road vehicles which normally have high ground clearance. Sold in pairs and each stand has a 3-ton capacity.
The aluminum frame makes this jack stand lightweight, rust and corrosion free but a heavy-duty tool. It has also a pin through design which is safer than the ratchet thus eliminating the worry of slipping and the car dropping on you.
Even the top is larger than the ordinary jack stands’ top and it fits securely under the frames of large cars.
Its design resembles that of hydraulic jacks but the wide foot base makes it more solid for a more secure support.
Torin T43002A 3 Ton Double Locking Jack Stands (Sold in Pairs)
More people trust jack stands for their construction and design. This pair of jack stands is made of high-grade steel that meets standards for durability, quality, and strength.
With a patented double lock technology which is basically an additional safety pin, this will provide extra safety and security to prevent the ratchet from accidental slipping.
The ratchet bars which are made of forged iron also lock securely and can be precisely adjusted with its single self-locking mechanism. Lift range is 11-1/4 to 16-3/4 inch and each stand has a 3-ton weight capacity.
Durability, strength, and quality of materials are what makes people take this as one of the best jack stands everybody can rely on. Another thing that makes it a qualified and reliable tool is the large saddles that will ensure better contact on any car’s frame.
And with the 6 ton capacity for the pair, these can even handle your trailer’s load and of course it can also be used to any types of personal and utility vehicles.
The extra pin is also a big plus which makes every car owner feel more secure whenever they are under their cars doing their jobs. It actually meets the ASME PALD standards so this is basically safe to buy.
Hein-Werner HW93503 Blue/Yellow Jack Stand – 3 Ton Capacity
This product is accordingly made in the USA. It has a saddle column for better ratchet action and quick height adjustment.
It has a more solid base that is far stable than other brands which prevent possible bending during use. With a 3-ton lift weight capacity for each jack as it comes in a pair, it is designed to support medium sized- cars to light trucks.
The top center of the ratchet which is about 4.5 inches wide is curved for more gripping power on the frame of the car and prevents slipping. With feet that are solidly made, these won’t damage your pavement.
It has an attractive bright color thus making it easy for you to see it even it’s under your car. It has a clearance height of 12 inches to a maximum of 19 inches so this is perfect for light to medium size cars.
Not all of its parts are made in the USA.
Torin T42002 2 Ton Jack Stands (Sold in Pairs)
For tougher support, this Torin product is manufactured using high-grade steel so it meets quality standards and passes durability tests.
Sold in pairs, each stand has a maximum carrying capacity of 2 tons. The large saddle surface is a big plus as it provides better grip with no potential of slipping.
Each piece also has a self-locking mechanism so this doubles the protection against accidental release of the ratchet. The ratchet is made of forged iron that won’t bend.
This product is perfect for light cars. The additional locking system will make users feel more secure once working under their cars. With heavy duty parts including a frame that is solidly welded for extra durability, this will last years in your possession.
Heights lift ranges from 11 inches to 16-1/2 inch. Each jack stand meets the ASME PALD standards so this could be one of the best jack stands for light to intermediate weight cars.
Performance Tool W41022 3 Ton Heavy Duty Jack Stand Set
You want more for the heavy duty pair of jack stands that have a lift range of 12 inches to 17-1/4 inch, well this Performance Tool is your matched tool.
Each stand has a 3-ton capacity which is equivalent to 6000 pounds. With heavy duty construction specifically the steel frame that is absolutely sturdy and durable, the wide base also provides stability and strength to support heavy loads.
This pair is just the right choice for your heavy weight vehicles or light duty trucks. With just two pieces of metals supporting the weight of your vehicle, it must only be the tough and reliable jack stands that you should trust.
The metals are of a smooth finish, solidly made and stands are also attached by wide metal construction steel. The top grip supports have deeper groves and are wide enough to hold on to any steel part of your car with no possibility of slips. Easy to use even for new car owners, these can last very long even with constant use.
Hein-Werner HW93524A Blue Forklift Stand – 7 Ton Capacity
Definitely the heavy-duty type. Label says Made in the USA. Saddles are large and very wide for more secure load support. It has a height range of 9-1/4 inch to 15-3/4 inches so it’s best for light trucks to heavy trucks.
Frame and body are more solid with wide metal construction for durability and strength. With 7-ton capacity weight support load, you sure are safe and feel comfortable with this pair whenever you are under your vehicle.
This is not a ratchet-type of jack stands but it uses pin style for height adjustment so you have to manually adjust the height of the post and insert the pin into the hole to hold the post firmly.
Very meticulous but this method offers more solid support than ratchets. The overall construction of this pair is absolutely solid and the color (yellow) paint makes it easy for you to guide the support where they are needed. Perfect for heavy cars weighing more than 4 to 5 tons.
Camco 44561 Olympian Aluminum Stack Jack Stand – 2 pack
This is not a jack stand if you intend to go under your vehicle but a jack stand to support your vehicle and remain there suspended. Buyers love it because it prevents the wheel of their light vehicles away from the floor.
Made of cast aluminum, it can provide solid support up to 3 tons or 6000 pounds of weight. It also offers 11 inches to 17 inches height lift range. Corrosion and rust proof, you can use this for years for many types of light vehicles, even boats, and ATVs.
These jack stands have all the features you need in securing and supporting your vehicles firmly and no danger of falling down.
With its 3-ton lift weight capacity, you can use it to support many types of light vehicles including RVs, campers, and boats and you know your vehicles stay there suspended and away from grease, oil, dirt, and insects. Easy to clean, rust free and easy to use.
Sunex 1410 10-Ton Jack Stands
Commercial grade, made of high-grade pipes for super strength and durability, and with 10-ton lift capacity for each stand, this pair is a monster in its class and one of the few best jack stands on heavy duty grade you seldom see in the market today.
The 4 leg steel base provides more stability and security and with multiple pin post adjustment, there’s no accidental slipping in this pair even with the heaviest of trucks. Lift height range from 28 inches 41 inches so it’s totally made for large vehicles.
In spite of its size and strength, these heavy-duty 10-ton jack stands are very easy to adjust. It’s just slipping and latching. The large saddles are designed with a flat top base but have double ear support so that these won’t slip once settled on your vehicle’s steel frame underneath.
This is the best jack stand to support your trucks, trailers, agricultural trucks and large off-road vehicles during repair down there. The four leg steel base will ensure that your vehicle won’t move a bit once settled on these.
The metal foot pad will also prevent embedding of the stands on concrete or even on hard soil.
Torin T41202 Jack Stands – 12 Ton, 1 pair
This is a pair of super heavy-duty ratchet type jack stand that can carry weight up to 12 tons. In spite of their size, these are very easy to use. They also meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements for safety and quality.
If you will be going down under your truck with tons and tons of weight hovering your body, you would not feel comfortable or risk your life with substandard jack stands.
But these jack stands have met the expectations of the users so far. Really the best jack stands in the super heavyweight class. Lift height ranges from 18 to 21 inches.
The heavy duty construction of this jack stand, the four-leg steel base, and large saddle are all superbly made and of the highest grade because it is intended for use on large heavy weight vehicles such as trucks, trailers, off-road vehicles, large campers, small tractors and large pick-ups.
The quick adjustment system with double security pawl makes it easy for users to move the post upward and then lock itself up once the post is released from your hold. This was tested many times thus earning the ANSI certification and therefore should be trusted for safety and reliability.
Amazon description says it has double locking pawl but one reviewer said that on actual observation, there’s no extra lock pawl. Not intended for cars because of their height.
Esco 3 Ton 10498 Performance Jack Stand Shorty
This is a lightweight 3-ton jack stand that is sold in pairs so you got 2 tools that can carry 6-tons of weight. Each piece is made of solid metal with wide support top so it absolutely won’t slide.
With a durable construction, this becomes your very strong and reliable jack stands that would be perfect for use with ordinary sized cars such as BMWs, Toyota, Honda, and Lotus. It is very stable because it uses ring lock mechanism and not ratchet mechanism to ensure no slips.
This pair has a very smooth metal finish but upon holding it, you can feel that these are tough metal ready to do their jobs. The top flat support even has removable rubber pads so the car’s metal frame you put the cradle onto will not be dented or get scratched.
Lift height range from 13 inches to 21 inches so you can use it with any medium size cars or lightweight trucks or any low profile vehicles. Even the stands which have rounded flat base contribute to the sturdiness of these tools and won’t cause any damage to your concrete floor whenever you use this pair.
What Are Jack Stands?
Jack stands are typically made of pure metal with A-shaped frame base or thick tubular body with wide flat stands. Their most important part is their adjustable ratcheting posts that lift the vehicle while you do your job under your vehicle.
If you are used to repairing vehicles especially the parts that are underneath them, you know it is not wise to just rely on floor jacks to support the vehicle’s weight alone while you are down there.
This is because floor jacks use hydraulic power (compressed air) and oil to enable its bar to move upward and lift heavy objects. But if any part of your floor jack fails, the worst case scenario can happen.
Floor jacks can lose pressure over time due to wear and tear. They may also have leaks which release pressure slowly. Accidents do happen with floor jacks alone and every year, thousands are getting hurt or killed because of carelessness.
That’s why although this article will tackle mostly on how to find the best jack stands, it is also important to note that choosing jack floors is also a significant part when choosing jack stands.
Some Safety Rules
Jack stands always come in pairs and therefore must be used in pairs. The best jack stands will always guard your safety so don’t ever go under your car without two jack stands supporting the weight of your car’s body.
Some words of advice: Before buying or using your jack stands, better check the actual weight of your vehicle. This could be printed on the side of your driver’s door near the internal latch or look for a label underneath the board panel.
But then, here are more safety rules before using your jack stands:
- Always secure heavy duty chocks on the two tires where part of the vehicle remains on the ground to stabilize the vehicle and prevents it from rolling. Even with the handbrake engaged, it is necessary that you take full precautions to prevent any movement of the vehicle while working underneath it.
- Don’t trust you floor jack alone doing the lifting when you have to go beneath your car. Use the best jack stands as solid support especially when you have to stay longer under your vehicle.
- Always check the lift weight capacity of your jack stands before using them because vehicles differ in weights in tons. Usually 2 to 3 tons lift capacity are for light to medium size cars. For light trucks, 4 tons up to 8 tons lift capacity is ideal. For large trucks, tractors and off-road vehicles which are heavier and bulkier, 10 to 12 capacity weight jack stands are perfect.
- Always use two jack stands at the same time – each supporting evenly the weight of the vehicle and their top supports must be on the proper lift point of your vehicle found underneath.
Buying Considerations
So here are the things you have consider when buying the best jack stands.
- Maximum lift height. This is important so you have to consider your cars’ ground clearance before buying. Most cars like sports cars which are relatively lightweight have low beam base and therefore low to the ground. SUVs and off-road vehicles have higher clearance. Normally, jack stands that are for cars are shorter than those for the large trucks.
- Maximum lift capacity in tons. Better go for jack stands that have higher lift capacity than your car’s total weight just to ensure there is always a safety allowance in weight capacity of your vehicle. For example, if your car weighs 1,960 pounds, a pair of 3-ton jack stands would be perfect for superb support.
- Built and quality of metals. Usually, the heavier the jack stands, the better and tougher qualities they have. However, you should examine the metals also as well as its finish. Does it have a smooth finish? Does the metal seems solid and seems to withstand your vehicle’s weight?
- The quality of the weld. The weld beads must be even and not just spot-welded. Weld is what will give the whole frame of the jack stands the solid hold. If you see that welds are not aligned, blotched, thin or seem to have a light hold on the metal, avoid this product.
- Check the foot stand. The best jack stands should have very solid feet and firm that they should stand flat on the ground without any wiggling or movement. The best stands are the four-foot stands because these provide more solid support to the jack as a whole.
- Other safety features like lock pins. These provide double security features in case the teeth on the ratchet or rod becomes weak or worn. The lock pin can provide an additional bolting feature to prevent accidental slipping of the rod.
Here we provide you a list of the best jack stands that have earned the highest rated reviews so they simply are more reliable than the rest.
Wrapping Up
Now that you have our list of the best jack stands, you can now have a better choice and know where to find them.
However, as have been said, when you purchase your own jack stands make sure it fits your cars’ clearance and weight. There are no universal jack stands you can buy these days because vehicles today vary a lot in terms of size, design, and weight.
More so, jack stands, generally are affordable tools but can be very reliable whenever you need them.
So try to keep a pair always in your trunk together with a floor jack because you never know when and where you need them especially when leaks appear under your car like brake fluids. These tools are just basic tools but they can save your life.