Using Jack Stands For Safety

If you are a car buff I am sure you know what jack stands are but if not, and you want to do a little car maintenance, you need to get a set and learn how to use them.  If you  are going to lift your car up and do any work at all underneath you want to be using jack stands so your project doesn’t come crashing down.  In particular, so the car does not fall on you which can cause severe injury and even death.

In safety investigations we hear time and again, “I was only going be under the car for a minute I so I didn’t use my jack stands.”  If you have said this to yourself then remember, it only takes a split second in order for your car to slip off the lift and maybe end your life.  Always place at least two supports under the car so even if one fails the other will hold you up.  The Available Car Guide recommends always using at least two stands instead of relying on the lift as one support.

There are basically two types of stand available.  The pin type and the ratchet style.  The pin model is quite inexpensive and can often times be had for less than $20 for a pair.  Once the car is lifted you set the height of the stand and then pin the center post.  Next, just slide the safety stand underneath and place it under a lift point.  Usually the car is then let down until it is resting on the stands.

The second type is a little easier to apply buy they are quite a bit more expensive.  These actually have a ratcheting mechanism which raises the center post.  You place the stand under the lift point and then ratchet it up until it comes in contact.  There is also an easy release when it is time to let the jack down.