new jack stands

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 27 Mar 2019, 16:19

I want to replace my 30-year-old, 2-ton, flat-square-base, pin-style jack stands with a similar type (but without the rust) - no ratchet-support unless it also has a pin, no multiple asphalt-gouging feet. The only options I've found are 3-ton-rated aluminum (Torin Big Red) and 22-ton-rated steel and/or cast iron (OTC 1780, Omega 32225B). Can someone recommend something in between? Not crazy about aluminum (I know it should be fine but I'm irrational about life-and-death), 22-ton is fine and the money doesn't matter in this case (I'm irrational), but it seems there must be something in between. If not then call me when you need to slide under your 40,000 lb motor home. Or maybe your house.

Or maybe there's a different alternative to ratchet support and damaged asphalt???

Thanks.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 27 Mar 2019, 16:28

You are not being clear on why you want to replace the 30 year old.

They don't make things like they use to. If the 30-year-old still works good. I would clean it up, paint it and replace the seals.

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 27 Mar 2019, 16:37

Yeah, I kind of feel the same way (I keep way too much stuff) but metal can fatigue over time and after 30 years I'm willing to retire them to a secondary role. They still work - so far. If they didn't I wouldn't be writing this.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 27 Mar 2019, 16:43

enotslim wrote: ↑27 Mar 2019, 16:37 Yeah, I kind of feel the same way (I keep way too much stuff) but metal can fatigue over time and after 30 years

Are you familiar with Crack Detection Spray?

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 27 Mar 2019, 17:13

I didn't know about that or about magnetic particle testing for defects - thanks. And there's also the empirical testing I do every time I use these jack stands (and live to tell about it).

Post by **j-dawg** » 27 Mar 2019, 17:38

I'm very happy with my single ESCO jack stand. I'd have a full set if they weren't so pricey, but it sounds like that doesn't trouble you much. Big steel pin securing the post, nice wide platform so you don't ding up your floor pans, very stable tripod base with thick, flat steel feet.

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 27 Mar 2019, 18:05

ESCO looks interesting. Thanks. Price does matter (a lot) in most things, just not in basic survival gear.

Post by **amblerman** » 28 Mar 2019, 10:08

I too have been happy with my pair of ESCO jack stands.
However, they make a few models and the ones I have are the ESCO 10499 .

That model is considered "low profile" because the minimum height is just 11 inches. Their other models have a minimum height of 13+ inches.

I have found the lower minimum height to be a big plus as I rarely use them anywhere close to their max height.

The ESCO are a lot heavier than my generic cheap jack stands. They seem more stable, have a nice wide top pad and seem well made.

Post by **j-dawg** » 28 Mar 2019, 23:04

Definitely get the shorty. I accidentally bought the regular size one and it's too tall.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 29 Mar 2019, 08:10

I use the 3ton steel jack stands from Harbor Freight. Never had a problem with feet digging in to cement. If you worried about the feet digging in, cut some squares of pine plywood to put under the stands, driveway protected.