Table of Contents
- View The Best Jack Stands Below
- 1. Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands
- 2. Sunex Pin Type Jack Stands
- 3. Camco Olympian Stack Jacks
- 4. Pro-LifT Double Pin Jack Stands
- 5. Torin Big Red Jack Stands
- 6. CARTMAN 3 Ton Jack Stands
- 7. TONDA Jack Stands
- 8. Performance Tool jack stands
- 9. ESCO Jack Stand
- 10. Powerbuilt Black Alltrade All-in-One Bottle Jack
- Jack Stands Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of factors to look for when choosing the perfect jack stand to fit your needs. How much weight does it hold? What is the maximum lift that it provides? Do you grab one of the many aluminum jack stands or one of the available steel jack stands? And arguably the most important question, how safe and reliable is any given jack stand? The questions go on, but finding the perfect jack stand needn’t be so difficult. There are a couple of important factors to watch out for, and we’re here to help!
With so many options available for your vehicle, it can be a tough decision, but we’re here to make your choice somewhat easier with this list of our favorites, as well as a guide that’ll explain all those important factors to watch out for when picking out your jack stand. Keep reading below for both our favorite jack stands, as well as a helpful guide on choosing the perfect jack stands for your needs.
It doesn’t need to be difficult or complicated, given the simplistic function of jack stands. They’re simple products that can be broken down into some key features. Let’s dive in with our top ten most useful and feature-rich jack stands for everyday use. Make sure to check out the buyer’s guide at the end of the list to help you pick out the best jack stand for your needs!
View The Best Jack Stands Below
1. Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands
Lightweight and crafted from steel, these Torin stands are a solid choice for anyone in the market for jack stands. These handy 6 ton jack stands should satisfy almost anyone’s needs. They provide good support and an adjustable height ranging from 15-3/8″ to 23-13/16″, which gives ample room for you to work. The Torin bears a large saddle, which is the piece that comes into contact with your car. This provides a large amount of surface area in contact with your vehicle.
There’s no need to worry about your car slipping. The heavy duty sawtooth design on the ratchet bar allows you to make a height adjustment quickly and feel confident that the jack stand is locked securely in place. With the Torin line of products, quality is guaranteed. There are expert welds as well as a sturdy steel frame that you can rely on. The Torin is a perfect companion for most vehicles!
Pros:
+ A decent lift capacity with a 6 ton limit
+ Provides just under two feet of working space at its maximum height
+ Heavy duty steel construction of the frame is of sound design and very durable with a wide base
+ Sawtooth ratchet bar provides quick, easy, and reliable height adjustment
Why We Like It – Reliable and a great all-rounder, the Torin jack stands also provide great support, a nice weight limit, sound construction, and are easy to use. This is easily one of the best jack stands available for the most any car!
2. Sunex Pin Type Jack Stands
As far as extra heavy duty car jack stands go, the Sunex is hard to beat. It comes with multiple buying options for different heights and an increased weight capacity able to support a 10 ton capacity. This heavy duty jack provides many great options to suit your needs. The taller model reaches a maximum height of 46-1/2 inches, just under 4 feet! Plenty of room to work on your vehicle. It’s worth noting, however, that the stand is quite heavy, making it somewhat less portable.
The largest model weighs in at a little over 100 lbs, but it’s a necessity in any garage. The height is controlled by a steel key and a series of slots, making it very simple to adjust. The heftier weight is worth it for at-home use, and the extra height is a fantastic feature for those who need as much room as possible without purchasing an industrial lift to get their heavy vehicle off the ground. As far as options for height adjustment and maximum weight goes, this is one of the best jack stands available.
Pros:
+ An outstanding weight capacity at the 10 ton mark
+ Going with the high height purchase option provides you with almost 4′ of wiggle room
+ Multiple buying options means you can get the best size jack stand for your particular vehicle
Why We Like It – This is a top of the line product as far as car stands go, making it perfect for when you want or need some extra height or large weight capacity for your particular car or vehicle.
3. Camco Olympian Stack Jacks
This is our pick for the best value, and with good reason! You can purchase the Camco jack stands in either a two or four-pack to suit your needs. This handy little jack stand is highly portable and one of the best options if you’re looking for a solid jack stand for a sensible price. It provides 3 tons of carrying capacity per jack and a simple, easy to use screwing lift system.
Meant to stabilize more than lift, these stands are perfect for adding extra support to any vehicle while working on it, or in the case of a recreational vehicle, to stabilize it adequately while moving about the cabin. Great in a pinch and unbeatable for the value, these stack jack stands are a perfect solution to stabilizing a vehicle.
Pros:
+ A great value for what you get, given the bulk buying options
+ Provides stability for a vehicle perfect for added support and safety
+ Simple and easy to use screwing lift mechanism for a car or recreational vehicle
Why We Like It – This is a great option for adding stability when used with an RV or large truck. No more shaking of the cabin with every movement, thanks to the 3 ton limit per stand.
4. Pro-LifT Double Pin Jack Stands
As one of the best of the double locking steel jack stands, the Pro-Lift provides you with the extra security of both a handle lock as well as an iron ratchet bar to keep the stand in place. Each stand can bear a weight of up to 3 tons for a total of 6 ton jack stands between the two. The curved large saddle is the perfect shape to conform around the axle of your vehicle and support it adequately.
With a minimum height of 17.5 inches and a maximum of 23.5 inches, this pair of stamped steel jack stands give plenty of space for you to work on your car or other vehicles with ease while feeling comfortable, thanks to the extra security of the double locking mechanism.
Pros:
+ The curved saddle provides a reliable grip when used on the axle of your vehicle
+ Use of the double locking mechanism helps you feel secure while working under the weight of your vehicle
+ Each 3 ton jack stand is of quality steel construction, providing you with peace of mind while beneath your car
Why We Like It – The double locking feature is a great addition to these quality car stands, with both the handle lock, as well as an iron pin to hold the lift in place. The curved saddle is another nice addition as it fits better around the axle than similar flat or V-shaped saddles.
5. Torin Big Red Jack Stands
This is another product by Torin, but this time a highly portable model. It has 3 tons of weight between the two you get. For their size and versatility, it’s difficult to find anything better. The Torin aluminum jack stands pack quite the punch for their tiny size, while still providing an adequate lifting range from 10.7 inches to 15.6 inches, enough to get the job done in a pinch.
With a weight just a little over 10 pounds, you can’t beat the Torin line of products for the sheer convenience of these little wonders. The pin style locking mechanism provides a means to adjust the height quickly and easily. Light-weight with a lift capacity that is on par with other similar jack stands, these are perfect for bringing with you wherever you go.
Pros:
+ Small size and aluminum design makes it quite portable and perfect for bringing along on long drives or road trips
+ Despite the small size these Torin products can hold 3 tons between them, plenty for almost any car
+ Pin locking mechanism makes for quick and easy height adjustments
Why We Like It – The small size is incredibly convenient. Between this and other Torin products, you would have everything you need to keep your car lifted while at home or on the go if needed in a pinch.
6. CARTMAN 3 Ton Jack Stands
A nice alternative to Torin is the CARTMAN 3 ton jack stands. Although a bit bulkier at about 12 lbs, they are slightly more affordable and offer a similar weight capacity and a nice, curved saddle to rest on and support the axle of your car. With multiple buying options, including a 2 ton model for when you’re working with a lighter car or vehicle, as well as a 6 ton model for when the opposite is true.
It’s quite a versatile and handy option as far as car jack stands go. Crafted from steel and utilizing a ratchet bar to hold it locked into position, this jack stand is a great value for the quality you get. Reliable and offering multiple options for weight capacity, these jack stands have a lot to offer at a sensible cost. They are safe and reliable, as well.
Pros:
+ Great value if you’re looking for quality car jack stands
+ Multiple buying options to fit your specific needs including 2 ton, 3 ton, and 6 ton models
+ Versatile and portable coming in at only 12 lbs
Why We Like It – Compared to the above mentioned Torin, they have some similar features as well as a lower price point. Also, the auto-locking mechanism is quite convenient, as you never need to worry about losing a ratchet key or pin.
7. TONDA Jack Stands
If you’re in the market for lower capacity car jack stands, TONDA makes a fine product with a large base at a little over 7.5 inches squared. The steel design with a rustproof coating means these jack stands are built to last. With a maximum height of 17 inches, they provide a good amount of freedom while under your vehicle as well.
The locking mechanism is automatic as well, meaning you don’t need to use a ratchet key or pin to hold it in place. It’s machine welded for consistent quality across all units. Automatic locking means these stands are easier to use and quicker to get into place for the work you need to be done. All these features combined make it one of the best options for the support for any lighter car or another vehicle.
Pros:
+ One of the best jack stands for use with a lighter car or vehicle
+ Sturdy welds and rustproof coating mean this jack stand will last a while
+ Auto-locking mechanism removes the need for a ratchet key or pin
Why We Like It – Great support in a small package, with a large base for its height. It offers great support for any small car or vehicle with an easy to use automatic locking system to hold up the weight as needed.
8. Performance Tool jack stands
A good all-rounder, Performance Tool’s jack stands are sold in 2 ton, 3 ton, and 6 ton models and offer a solid lift range of 10-3/8″ to 16-3/8″, 11-1/4″ to 16-3/4″, and 15-1/2″ to 23-1/2″ respectively. The frame is made from heavy duty steel and offers a notch in the curved saddle to support different sizes of an axle, which is perfect when you need to work on something with a non-standard axle or an odd frame.
As they offer multiple buying options and adequate height adjustments, Performance Tool jack stands have plenty to give without sacrificing much. Not only that, but they have a protective finish to ward off rust. With so many options available for different weight support, you can’t go wrong with this particular car jack stand.
Pros:
+ The varying models provide many options for both weight capacity and height limits
+ Offers great support when compared to other car stands in the same vein
+ Good for use with any car or vehicle with a smaller non-standard axle size, thanks to the added notch in the saddle
Why We Like It – Offers good support, and with quite a few purchasing options. There will almost definitely be a model that suits both your needs and wants.
9. ESCO Jack Stand
These stands offer a unique design with a three-legged base and a rubber pad atop the saddle. This jack stand will prevent you from scuffing your vehicle and allow you to use it on any part of your car able to support the weight. With the addition of circular pads made from the same material as the base, you can be reassured that this stand will never topple. Plus, it’s much taller than many other jack stands, with a range of 13 inches to 2 feet at its maximum height. You can feel confident that this product won’t scuff your car or leave you with little wiggle room.
Pros:
+ A durable rubber pad atop the lift provides both support and protection for your car
+ An above-average lift height gives plenty of space for you to perform the needed work
+ The tripod design of this jack stand cuts out unnecessary weight from the stand
Why We Like It – This is one of the few jack stands that sports a rubber pad on top of the saddle. This is perfect for avoiding scuffs or wear and tear on the underside of your vehicle. It’s also quite tall compared to the average jack stand leaving plenty of room to maneuver while in use.
10. Powerbuilt Black Alltrade All-in-One Bottle Jack
When you need a jack stand that does a little more, turn to Powerbuilt’s all in one model. It offers a lift and a stand in one handy little package, meaning you need to carry around one less thing to accomplish the work that needs to be done. The total weight is a hair over 22 lbs, making it quite portable and perfect for keeping in your vehicle, so it’s a handy all-in-one jack stand right there whenever you might need it.
It comes with a default adjustable height between 11 and 17.25 inches that can be manually adjusted to a maximum height of 21 inches if needed. With a couple of different models available, specifically a 2 ton and a 3 ton model, you can choose one that suits your needs, and then you’re good to go.
Pros:
+ All-in-one decides provides a lifting feature plus the normal benefits of other jack stands
+ Quite portable for all it does weighing just about 22 lbs
+ Holds plenty of weight while also offering a maximum height of 21 inches
Why We Like It – Of course an all-in-one device is super convenient and great to have around. Not only that, but its weight is quite insubstantial, making it easy to carry anywhere you might need it!
Jack Stands Buyer’s Guide
Picking the perfect product from the many available jack stands can be tough, but we’re hoping that, with the following guidelines, you can pick the perfect one for your car or vehicle. Based on the weight, the height of the jack stands, and a few other important factors. It’s something to consider carefully. Picking something low quality, or one that’s not designed to hold the weight of your vehicle can have less than favorable repercussions.
In the best-case scenario, you damage your car. Make sure you do your research, especially when working with something potentially dangerous, use the following as a set of recommendations when picking out a jack stand, and always follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines when using your jack stand.
Safety First!
The most important thing when purchasing anything that bears as much weight as something, such as a jack stand, is safety! I would be remiss if I failed to mention this. Use your head and inspect your equipment thoroughly before each use for wear and tear. If something seems off with one of your jack stands, just avoid using it and purchase a replacement. Never use only a single jack stand; they are commonly sold in pairs for a reason.
At the minimum, you want two points of contact to hold up one end of your car and four to hold up the entire car. If no work needs to be done on the tires, consider using ramps instead of a pair of jack stands, as it may be easier to get the car on ramps, and for certain jobs, a ramp could be the better option.
Search for something that complies with the PASE safety standards. Most products will show in the listing if they do so. PASE is an acronym for “Safety Standard for Portable Automotive Service Equipment.” They may have forgotten some letters in the acronym, but we’ll give them a pass given that we love their goal. Safety is seriously not something to mess around with. If standard procedures are followed correctly, you have little to worry about when using jack stands. Enough words of warning though; it’s generally common sense, so I’ll reiterate, use your head!
Weight Limits on Stands
The next factor you should keep in mind when shopping around for the best jack stands to suit your needs, is the weight limit. Most common jack stands are rated for 2 tons, 3 tons, or 6 tons. You can’t use something that isn’t rated for the weight of your vehicle. It’s worth looking up the weight of your car or truck before purchasing to verify that the particular set of jack stands will satisfy your needs.
Occasionally, the weight ratings for jack stands can be a bit misleading. Most often, the rating is for the two stands combined, but it’s not unheard of for the rating to be the individual rating for each jack stand. Make sure to check if the rating is for one or both, as this could greatly influence your purchase.
Keep in mind the difference between tons and tonnes. For example, a pair of 6 tonne jack stands is equivalent to a 6.6 ton jack. Most jack stands are rated in US tons, but it’s worth double-checking to make sure it isn’t a metric ton. Weight limits are an incredibly important aspect when in search of the best jack stands to fit your needs.
Size of Stands
The size of a pair of jack stands is important as well. Depending on what you need to do, you may need a taller or shorter set of jack stands. The height of your jack stands will usually correlate to the minimum and maximum lift heights. If you need something with a greater lift height, then search for stands that are taller initially as they tend to reach a higher maximum lift height, providing you with more room to work under your vehicle.
On the other side of the spectrum, searching for a jack stand with a lower maximum lift height usually results in a stand or stands that are shorter and unable to hold a car as high. Still, usually, they weigh a fair bit less, making them far more portable. The Torin aluminum jack stands are a great example, providing reduced weight at the cost of maximum lift height.
The other aspect of the size that’s worth taking note of is the length and width of the foot of each stand. The foot of the stands provides the support and stability that’s needed to hold up the great weight of your car or vehicle. Often a wider base for the stands is superior as it provides greater support. However, a smaller base could give you more room to work if needed. Pick stands that have a base to fit your needs and wants.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism for a given stand or set of stands is something worth keeping an eye on. Some use a ratchet key, and others use a simple pin. Those are the most common methods but not the only two options available. Some stands come standard with a double locking design, which just means that there are two separate locks engaged at any time while in use.
Primarily, this means that it will have an automatic lock as well as a manual lock that you will need to engage. A double locking system is usually an advantage, but this doesn’t mean that the ratchet key and pin systems on your jack stands are any less safe.
Another note on safety, always make sure to check and double-check your locking mechanism to the best of your ability. If any of the jack stands look faulty or suspicious on or around any part of the locking mechanism, just don’t use it! Using a defective stand puts you at risk and should be avoided at all times. Do not attempt to repair the locking mechanism on your own; just get a new pair of jack stands. Putting yourself in danger isn’t worth the price of new stands.
The Saddle
Different jack stands have different types of saddles, which are the part of the jack stands that come in contact with the car. Saddles come in different shapes and sizes and they are useful for different types of vehicles based on the size for different axle diameters. Some are flat-headed or come with a rubber top, which is perfect if you need to lift from a point besides the axle.
Depending specifically on what you’re working on, you may need a different saddle. Something with a flat surface might be useful in some situations. A saddle with a rubber top can protect from potential scuffs or damage on the undercarriage of your vehicle.
The saddle may seem less significant, but using the properly shaped saddle can increase the security of the lift, and by increasing the maximum surface area that comes in contact with your vehicle, you make sure that the jack stands are as stable as possible while in use. This, combined with the foot of the jack stands, can ensure reliable and stable jack stands while in use, protecting you from potential accidents. Think about what you may need and purchase your jack stands accordingly.
Wrapping it up
Jack stands are an essential tool when working on a wide variety of vehicles and a great tool to have available when needed. Often, when it comes to jack stands for the casual car owner, it’s something you won’t think of in advance. It’s better to have it before you need it, rather than want them when you need them.
It’s better to have the right set of jack stands for your particular vehicle as well, so with luck, you have gained some insight into what you should be looking for and what to expect. Set your sights on the most reliable jack stands you can afford, do some research on the reputation of the brand and take your personal needs into account, and you’ve got very little to worry about.
Hopefully, you have everything you need going forward in your search for the best jack stands. Whether you choose from the Torin light aluminum models for portability or the extra tall Sunex or something else off this list, you can feel confident that you are making an educated and informed purchase. Keep in mind the different factors that ensure a quality product. Feel secure in your purchase and ability to select the best jack stands to suit your needs.
