Had a jack stand collapse today.

[mwilk012]

I hate to rain on the parade, but that failed roll pin doesn’t appear to have caused the stand to collapse. Looks to me like all it does is release the lock after the weight is removed and you lift the handle. The ratchet was likely not fully engaged into a tooth.

Yea, that part failed but this is certainly not that big of a deal. I would say user error, but the OP clearly noticed the damage and nothing bad happened.

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[Vinman]

I hate to rain on the parade, but that failed roll pin doesn’t appear to have caused the stand to collapse. Looks to me like all it does is release the lock after the weight is removed and you lift the handle. The ratchet was likely not fully engaged into a tooth.

I agree.
I have a set of stands and the same thing happened to one of them about ten years ago. A simple roll pin replacement later and they have been back in service ever since.

 

[Yawnie'sPapa]

I'm so paranoid that I use stands heavier than needed and if one will do, two are put in place.

I also have a habit of counting the notches and manually making sure the pawls are engaged fully. Then I stand up and shake the vehicle - a good hard shake. If possible, I even leave a jack in place.
I have 4 NAPA 6 ton stands, 2 Montgomery Wards stands from years ago (pin in hole, no pawl) and 2 from HF I use to hold up axles and such, or stabilize my trailer while loading a car (never use those to support a vehicle themselves) and two K made of heavy steel pipe and angle iron I used to hold up the front of a big Case tractor while I extended the frame and moved the front axle forward. They'll support a big diesel tractor even if they don't look like much.

My wife cringes every time I mention jacks or stands - she told me of a friend's husband years ago and it just sticks with you.

 

[fat_head]

I hate to rain on the parade, but that failed roll pin doesn’t appear to have caused the stand to collapse. Looks to me like all it does is release the lock after the weight is removed and you lift the handle. The ratchet was likely not fully engaged into a tooth.

Because the pin is broken, theres no way to positively engage the teeth. The unlock bar is connected to the tooth that has that pin in it. I wish I knew the right words for all the parts so it makes more sense to explain.

 

[jaymz]

Because the pin is broken, theres no way to positively engage the teeth. The unlock bar is connected to the tooth that has that pin in it. I wish I knew the right words for all the parts so it makes more sense to explain.

I’m not sure the correct nomenclature either, but I’ve literally seen hundreds of those stands over my 40 year career. When they work correctly, gravity drops the pawl into a tooth on the adjustable part of the stand and holds it in position. Problem is the pawl doesn’t always set like it should for whatever reason.

I personally don’t use that type of stand because it’s hard to see if they’re actually locked in position securely. I prefer the old school pin type. You know that they’re set and secure when you put them under the vehicle.

 

[J0E]

Pro-Lift Heavy Duty 6 Ton Jack Stands Pair - Double Locking Pins aren't expensive

• Double Locking Pins Mechanism
• meet or exceed ANSI/PALD standards

 

[CarbonSteel]

I don't like the design of the "ratchet" style stands. It's difficult to see how much engagement the pawl is getting.

Look for stands that meet ASME PASE-2019 ASME PASE-2019: Portable Automotive Service Equipment - ANSI Blog

This is what I bought recently. 6 ton. They are truly heavy duty stands and the pin is about 5/8" diameter.
Floor Jacks and Equipment - Martins Industries

Martins Industries Heavy Duty Steel Lock Jack Stands (MJS-6T) (amazon.com)

I'm with you on the ratchet style and with the recalls that happened in HF and a couple of other brands (likely all the same maker) I like the ones you listed.

 

[Jerpy]

The old-style jack stands didn't have safety locks. While locks are something else to deal with, the newer stands, with the locks engaged, will not drop accidentally if the roll pin shears.

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...-duty-ratcheting-jack-stands-black-58342.html

I bought a set of jack stands a few years ago and they were recalled within 30 days of my purchase. I won't take a chance on jack stands from Harbor Freight ever again.

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

Currently I have some Big Red 2 ton jack stands but they're really inadequate. I've been eyeballing the sunex jack stands. They will be overkill at 22 ton rating, but they are not going to fail. They rely on a large pin for height adjustment and have a flat base. Used them in the trucking industry to hold up semi trucks and trailers. Very reliable and very stable jack stands.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-1522-2...19011&s=automotive&sprefix=20,aps,102&sr=1-14

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

one of the first tools I bought for my garage after I brought my JLU home was heavy duty Jack Stands.. the type that uses a holding pin... these beasts can hold up to 22 tons (11 tons per jack stand) they are not cheap.. but I feel safer with this type of Jack Stand

NOTE: these Jack Stands are HEAVY !!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GTMIQO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

Currently I have some Big Red 2 ton jack stands but they're really inadequate. I've been eyeballing the sunex jack stands. They will be overkill at 22 ton rating, but they are not going to fail. They rely on a large pin for height adjustment and have a flat base. Used them in the trucking industry to hold up semi trucks and trailers. Very reliable and very stable jack stands.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-1522-22-Ton-Jack-Stands/dp/B0093NBS9W/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?crid=1OMU8L1V9VNH&keywords=20+ton+jack+stands&qid=1676357695&refinements=p_36:1253497011&rnid=386419011&s=automotive&sprefix=20,aps,102&sr=1-14

++1

 

[roaniecowpony]

I'm with you on the ratchet style and with the recalls that happened in HF and a couple of other brands (likely all the same maker) I like the ones you listed.

I've used them a couple times with the lifted jeep on 37s and my truck as well. Very much confidence inspiring, and the height range has been perfect under the axle tubes. I haven't jacked and supported under the frame with these, so I don't know if they're tall enough for the lifted JLUR in that use.

 

[DaltonGang]

Currently I have some Big Red 2 ton jack stands but they're really inadequate. I've been eyeballing the sunex jack stands. They will be overkill at 22 ton rating, but they are not going to fail. They rely on a large pin for height adjustment and have a flat base. Used them in the trucking industry to hold up semi trucks and trailers. Very reliable and very stable jack stands.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-1522-2...19011&s=automotive&sprefix=20,aps,102&sr=1-14

Go big, or go home.

.

 

[Badweissenbier]

I always set the tire/wheel half under the body as well, jic.

 

[Industrialwrench]

I recently bought a pair of 12 tons Jack stands for doing the install on my lift. Got them at harbor freight. They have an extra safety key that gets slotted in. Kinda pricey. Kinda tall but I like them.

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