If you are a fan of Scotty Kilmer, you already know what he recommends for cars. And I agree with that guy. Low jacks and steel jack stands are the way to go. You can buy them from pretty much anywhere.
However, when it comes to buying the best jack stands for cars, there are a couple of things that you need to consider, like the material made for construction, brand value, and extra features rubberized pads, better ratings, etc.
Also, avoid the cheaper trolly tracks. When it comes to you the safety of your car, you really don’t want to go cheap. Those 1.5 – 2 tons trolly jacks are difficult to release, have small jack points and clearance issues. In short, you will have a sketchy working experience with those jacks.
Also, don’t go for anything good enough. Whatever you get, make sure to get a car jack stand that is overrated for your job. It’s very important to keep that extra headroom. If you are going under a car, good enough won’t cut it. This is the one tool you shouldn’t settle for “good enough”.
Always get the best one for the money. These stands aren’t that expensive. With that being said, here are some of the best car jack stands that should be enough for all your lifting jobs.
Top 7 Best Jack Stands For Cars
Steel and aluminum jack stands are widely used for cars. However, don’t use anything below 3-ton. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the widely used car jack stands that are preferred for their build quality.
1. T43202 Torin Steel Jack Stands: 3 Ton
The Torin steel pair of jack stands are the go-to machines for anyone that wants to properly take care of their vehicles. This tool is lightweight but built with materials that promote durability.
These two stands are forged from high-grade steel and can support around 3 tons. To provide more durability, the frame on the tool is welded.
Even though they are made of steel, they don’t weigh more than 7 pounds each, and this makes it easier to keep it wherever you need it for your vehicle. Moreover, the height is very easy to adjust, and this is what sets the tool apart from other models.
The height ranges from 11-1/4″ to 16-3/4″. It also comes with a flexible ratchet bar that can be switched to multiple positions. As an added safety feature, the bar has a sawtooth design that ensures security while you are working underneath the vehicle.
This jack stand is ideal for vehicles such as SUVs, light pickup trucks, and small cars. It can provide the optimum functionality to all these vehicles due to its large saddle surface.
This large surface ensures proper contact with the vehicles for optimal support. You also get additional support from its wide base, which is pyramid-shaped to provide stability and strength.
Pros
- Has 3-ton capacity
- Forged with high-grade steel
- Lightweight and affordable
- Suitable for vehicles like SUVs, light pickup trucks, small cars
Cons
- Welds need to be painted regularly to avoid rust
2. Steel Jack Auto Stands, 3 Ton Capacity
This steel auto jack stand by AmazonBasics is known for its excellent performance and durability. It has a 3-ton capacity, but when used as a pair, it boasts of a total of 6000-pound capacity.
You can easily manage and stabilize your vehicle with the help of this tool. Each of the jack stands has a wide square-based design at the bottom for providing optimum strength and stability, and this makes it suitable for underbody repairs.
The jack stands are lightweight and compact, so it can be easily stored in the garage or the back of your vehicle’s trunk for easy access while you are on the road. From day to day oil changes to an emergency tire fixture, this tool will serve you without any hitch or hassle.
It has a self-lock ratchet system on both the stands, which ensures perfect height adjustment each time you click it. So, you can easily set each of the stands under the same height.
The jack stand has a strong steel frame with a rustproof coating. Also, it is designed with a large saddle surface for safe and stable contact with the vehicle. It is ideal for outdoor use and is suitable for several vehicles.
The stability and durability of this tool make it applicable to both amateurs and professionals.
Pros
- Budget-friendly and durable
- Made of solid steel frame
- Has a rustproof coating
- Perfect height adjustment
Cons
- Weak welds
3. T-6906D Double Pin Jack Stand – 6 Ton
The double pin jack stand by Pro-Lift is among the top-rated stands in the market. This is because of its unbeatable performance and versatility. It is constructed from heavy-duty solid steel, which is built to last for a long time.
Indeed, it is solidly built, and design makes it suitable for a wide range of uses such as farm, shop, truck service, auto, and home use. This tool is ideal for amateurs and professionals alike.
From a professional workshop to a day of casual lifting, this jack stand will serve you efficiently with its 6-ton lift capacity. Furthermore, the tool has a standard cast ductile iron ratchet bar.
In terms of safety, this tool will not fail you. It has an extensive double locking mechanism which consists of handle locks and a mobility pin. So, you don’t need to worry if the vehicle being dismantled while you work under it.
Moreover, it features a height adjustment device that has a smooth upward movement, and you can change it according to your vehicle needs. The jack stand is suitable for vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks due to its extended height.
In conclusion, the jack stand meets all the safety requirements making it a secure and stable tool for use.
Pros
- Forged of solid steel material
- Has 6-ton lift capacity
- Features a ratchet system for safe and easy use
- Affordable and durable
Cons
- Too tall for a low-profile vehicle
4. Alltrade 640912 3-Ton Jack Stand
The Powerbuilt Alltrade Jack Stand is an innovative piece of machinery designed to provide optimal functionality and efficiency. This portable and durable tool has a 3-ton lift capacity.
Suitable for both unibody trucks and cars, the tool has a precise lifting mechanism to prevent damage when you jack up the vehicle. With its ingenious all-in-one design, it can both safely lift and lock your vehicle as you work under it.
This jack stand features both flat and conclave lifting surfaces to assist a wide range of lift points. It is ideal for off-road vehicles and trucks, and its portable design will allow you to easily carry it with you wherever you go.
You can store it in the back of your trunk for easy access. The tool consists of a wide steel base that provides stability under a heavy load. Its height adjustment ranges from 11 to 21 inches, making it ideal for vans, SUVs, and trucks.
Furthermore, the stylish and innovative design, along with its affordable price, makes it one of the most versatile tools to have and use for your vehicle.
The wide and flat base structure of the jack stand makes it stable enough so that it doesn’t sink into a soft piece of ground. Moreover, the safety bar on the tool keeps it secure once you raise it to the maximum height.
Pros
- Made of solid steel material
- Durable and portable
- Has a wide flat base
- Features a safety bar
Cons
- Unstable saddle
5. Esco Jack Stand 10498, 3-Ton
When it comes to height range and flexibility, the Esco jack stand is the one that’s hard to beat. This is because it has several efficient features that make it one of the most versatile jack stands in the vicinity.
Its height ranges from 13 to 21 inches, which is quite excellent compared to other models. Even though this jack stand is made of high-grade aluminum instead of steel, it does not compromise any stability or durability.
The machine’s solid design and structure will last for a long time. Additionally, it can lift lighter vehicles to 3-ton capacity. Like most models, this, too, has the pin slot locking mechanism.
So, this makes the device quite easy to operate even when you are stuck in an uncomfortable position underneath the vehicle. You can easily lock the jack stand in place and work at peace.
The base has a circular design and a rubber pad located at the jack point, which promotes stability and prevents it from slipping from under the vehicle.
Moreover, it will prevent the tool from damaging the paint of the vehicle, and this makes it ideal for those who are trying out the tool for the first time. When you consider its detailed design and efficient features, the price seems quite affordable.
Pros
- Flexible and versatile height range
- Has a circular base that promotes stability
- Ideal for beginners
- Has a pin locking mechanism
Cons
- The rubber pad isn’t durable
6. Performance Tool W41022 Jack Stand
The Performance Tool Jack Stand is made of a heavy-duty steel frame that is known for its strength and durability. It has a vehicle lift capacity of 3-tons, which is around 6000 pounds.
The jack stand has a height adjustment that ranges from 11-1/4 inches to 16-3/4 inches. This modest range of height makes it suitable for vehicles such as light-duty trucks and cars.
The tool is lightweight and portable, so you can easily carry it around without straining your arms. You can also store it in the trunk of your vehicle for easy access and the case of emergencies.
It is built with a solid steel frame that is durable and prevents corrosion and rust. Moreover, it has a wide base at the bottom to provide stability and strength under heavy loads.
The jack stand is super strong, and even in the lowest height setting, you will have plenty of space to slide under the vehicle and do your job without any hassle.
It also provides the utmost safety with its strong base, which will prevent the jack stand from slipping from underneath the vehicle. The tool will be securely locked in place for as long as you need it.
Its base, too, is rust and corrosion-free. The jack stand is quite affordable and a great piece of machinery to have for your vehicle.
Pros
- Made of strong steel frame
- Has a wide base for stability
- Affordable and portable
- Versatile height adjustment
Cons
- Paint might be chipped
7. Powerbuilt Ratchet Jack Stand – 647529
The ratchet jack stand by Powerbuilt is a 4-ton capacity device which is sturdy and made of a strong steel frame. Known as the tool solution in almost all situations, the jack stand is ideal for SUVs, vans, light-duty trucks, and cars.
This tool provides the ultimate safety and stability. It is constructed with heavy-duty solid steel and is completely welded in the seams. Moreover, the jack stand comes with a ductile iron mast that has a lifting range of 13 inches to 20 inches.
It offers a total of ten different settings for you to choose from. With this feature, you can adjust the height of your car in a position that’s comfortable for you to work with.
Furthermore, the jack stand has an efficient wide-angle 4-point stance that provides extra strength and stability.
To make the height adjustment easier, the tool comes with a convenient ratchet locking mechanism, which will allow you to lock it securely in place. So, there won’t be any danger of it sliding away from the vehicle.
This stylish and versatile jack stand meets and exceeds all the safety requirements mentioned by ESME and PALD. Overall, this affordable tool will not let you down and is guaranteed to serve you for a long time.
Pros
- Includes ductile iron mast with different height settings
- Wide-angle 4-point stance provides stability
- Affordable and durable
- Strong steel frame with welded seams
Cons
- Unsuitable for beginners
Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A Car Jack Stand
If there is one thing that you don’t want to skimp on in terms of money is a jack stand for a car. There is no point in risking your life just to save a few dollars. If you own a car and you are into automotive DIY, get some good 3 ton and above jack stands.
You can find some good deals on harbor freight products. However, if you want to get something better, I will highly advise you to go through the list of products that we have selected.
On a side note, if you want extra assurance, you can always stack some wheels alongside your stands. With that being said, here are the things that you need to keep in mind when buying a jack stand for your car.
What Size Jack Stand Do You Need For Your Car?
When it comes to jack stands, bigger is always better. However, you don’t need to go overboard here. For most cars, a 3-ton jack stand will be more than enough. Also, the stand should be rated to hold more weight than your car.
That doesn’t mean that you will need a 12-ton jack stand for all vehicles. Keep in mind that as the weight capacity increases, so will the price. You don’t want to pay for redundant capacity.
For example, if you have a 1.5-ton Honda Civic, you don’t need to buy a 10-ton jack stand. A 3-ton stand should be enough for the job.
If you don’t know your vehicle weight, check the manual and paperwork that came with your car. It should be clearly displayed there. By any chance you have lost that paperwork, a quick online search will give you all the information about the weight of your vehicle.
The jack stands that are listed here are rated for 3-tons, meaning these stands can hold a maximum weight of 3-tons. Plenty for most consumer cars. These jack stands are enough to hold most normal sized road cars aloft.
With that being said, if you were looking for a jack stands for SUV, you might need to look elsewhere. A large vehicle like a Hummer or SUV will require a more powerful jack stand.
Also, if you buy a stand as a pair, there is a good probability that the weight capacity will split across the set. This means a 3-ton weight rated stand set that has two stands will have a minimum rating of 1.5-ton each.
What Makes A Good Jack Stand For Cars?
While the products mentioned here are all worth the money, there are some additional features that might impact your buying decisions. These features differ from model to model, so keep an eye out for those. Let’s start from the bottom.
1. Base/Feet
If you want the stand to remain stable while in use, a wide base or nice, solid foot is a must. The advantage of a wide base is that it will distribute the weight of your vehicle more evenly. This means you won’t have to worry about any accidental damage.
Car jack stands with rounded feet will keep the stand stable is less likely to leave any negative impressions. Even on uneven ground, you won’t have to worry about lifting your car if the stand you are using features rounded feet.
2. Locking Mechanism
The second most important key feature of any jack stands in the locking mechanism. The ratcheting mechanism is a popular type among car owners. However, there are some people that don’t fully trust this mechanism.
Instead, they will prefer pin type locking mechanism that will secure the saddle at a corresponding height. Both of these mechanisms have their advantages. The bottom line is it will come down to personal preference.
A car jack stand with a ratcheting mechanism is quick to set up and is capable of making small adjustments in height. On the other hand, a pin style stand is a lock and go type tool.
You can’t make any adjustments while the stand is in use. This also makes it a lot cheaper than the previous one. In terms of safety, both of these mechanisms are safe to use.
If you want to make small adjustments while the jack stand is in use, go with the ratchet style. If you want to save some money and don’t need to make on-the-go adjustments, go with a pin style.
3. Stand Height & Ground Clearance
The stand you choose must be able to fit under a car. This means your car should have enough clearance underneath for the jack stand. Vice versa, the stand should also be tall enough to keep the car aloft.
However, sports cars or cars with sports suspension have low ground clearance. In this instance, you will require a shorter set of jack stands. On the other hand, you will need a stand with a long arm if you own a pickup, SUV, or A Ford.
4. Material
Steel and aluminum jack stands are preferred, and you will see a lot of them in the market. Most of the widely used stands are made using galvanized steel. Steel stands are quite heavy and also very strong.
On the other hand, aluminum stands provide that same sturdiness without the weight. This makes the stands easier to move around. It also means aluminum stands are more expensive.
5. Saddle
This is the point where the stand meets the jacking point of a car. The larger the saddle is, the easier it will be to position the jack stands. Also, having a saddle with a rubber pad is a must. This will prevent wear and tear and protect the jacking points from damage.
Conclusion
In short, there are a lot of these products out there that claim to be the best jack stands for cars. No matter which one you get, don’t skimp on quality.
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