The Deadliest Jack Stands Car Owners Should Avoid

Knowing Jack About Jack Stands

In past articles I’ve mentioned once or twice that many years ago I once found myself pinned underneath a car that had crumpled a pair of newly bought jack stands from K-Mart. Worse yet, one of those jack stands punctured the gas tank necessitating a rescue by the fire department. I was lucky.

I blamed the ordeal on buying cheap jack stands. But was I right? Or did I exceed the specs and the application of the stands with a 1972 Buick LeSabre and a full tank of gas?!

This bit of reverie was prompted in an earlier article following a Project Farm YouTube channel episode that asks the question of whether cheap jack stands are safe compared to those that cost much more.

As it turns out, there is more to consider than price. When buying a pair of jack stands the smart tool shopper should be considering factors aside from its rated weight capacity and appearance. Aspects such as overall weight, weld quality, side slop and base dimensions to avoid tipping over, pin strength (or lack of), and surprisingly: that price is a poor judgement tool when shopping for the safest jack stands between brands.

Related article: Best Floor Jack Comparison Tests Reveal Which Harbor Freight Jack to Buy and Which to Probably Avoid

New Jack Stand Review

As an update focused on jack stands with an added strength test, here is a recent new jack stand review by the Project Farm YouTube channel with a focus on the deadliest jack stands car owners must avoid as well as those that come recommended.

Related article: Best Roadside Jack, Impact Wrench, and Tire Inflator Flat Tire Combo Kit Review

Follow along with the host as he provides an informative and potentially life-saving review that covers jack stands primarily “Made in China” with two “Made in America” in a brand comparison.

Best & Deadliest Jack Stands (6 Ton)? Let’s find out!

For additional related articles about tools to avoid, here are a few for your consideration:

• The Harbor Freight Tool You Can Do and Buy Better Elsewhere
• Mechanic Risks His Life with Cheap Tools to Help Harbor Freight Shoppers
• Don’t Buy This Tool Mechanic Warning

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Best Winter/Snow Tires 2023

Image source: Deposit Photos