Using Jack Stands Safely

In that position you need to take all the precautions you can and using jack stands are one of the simplest but also highly effective measures you can take to keep safe.

Using jack stands safely.

Jack stands may be the most overlooked safety equipment items in a diy garage. Check that all jack stands are planted flat on the ground and that they don t move when you shake the car. Jack stands do not lift vehicles. A tilted jack stand may collapse as it is not designed to hold a load at an angle.

While ratchet type jack stands are safe enough pin type stands are almost indestructible since the locking pin makes it impossible for the supporting bar to slip through the base. Jack stand load ratings when looking for jack stands their weight rating is the most important factor to consider. Instead they provide a safe fixed support for a raised vehicle. A mercedes 190e of 1989 93 vintage is safely and securely supported with maximum stability thanks to jack stands at each corner.

Make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat concrete surface and that the conditions of the floor on which you will be using the jack stands is solid and free of debris. Slowly turn the lever on your floor jack counterclockwise to drop your vehicle back down. This will ensure that the jack stands will stay in place. Ensure the jack stands are vertical and not resting.

Lower your vehicle slowly onto the jack stand. This type of jack stand is the preferred stand for heavy vehicles because it is the strongest and most reliable stand to use in this application. Use a pair of jack stands every time you lift a vehicle and you will vastly decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim of a falling vehicle. Once the vehicle is chocked the jack is located safely and the vehicle is lifted it s time to place the jack stands at the indicated points.

Frankly you should never work beneath your car without this key piece of safety equipment. Typically you ll see jack stands rated at 3 tons up through 20 tons. Park on a solid surface. Gently shake the vehicle to confirm it is secure.

The jack stand will support the weight on the side of your vehicle so you can safely work underneath it.