The 10 Best Jack Stands

The best jack stands help ensure your safety when working under the heaviest vehicles, so settle for nothing less for your car maintenance and repairs.

Unless you’re superman or some other ridiculously strong supernatural being, you’re not going to be able to suspend a vehicle off the ground and work on it at the same time. You are going to need a jack stand or two.

This simple, seemingly crude car maintenance and repair device is one of the safest and most important tools for working on a car.

Use this review catalog and buying guide to find the best jack stand for your garage or shop. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick rundown of our top 5 picks:

The Best Jack Stands

We divided our review catalog into two categories, one highlighting the best 3-ton jack stands and the other covering the best heavy-duty units. Do also check out these other excellent product guides when you get the chance:

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1. Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands, 3-Ton

Few things scream “JACK STAND” louder than red, solidly-built ones called ‘Big Red Steel Jack Stands’.

Torin’s 3-ton model is made from high-grade forged steel that, although heavier than other metals like aluminum, gives them a high degree of heft and durability that inspires confidence.

You will also appreciate the oversized saddle area that makes it easy to plant your car or truck’s jacking points, as well as the adjustable height that can be safely and securely locked with a double-locking system that combines ratchet and pin-locking mechanisms.

The Torin’s Big Red Steel Jack Stands come in pairs, each with a 3-ton (6,000 lb / 2,722 kg) weight capacity. They can be used on vehicles of various sizes, so long as the vehicle’s weight doesn’t exceed their weight rating.

In addition to being a high-quality product, they are inexpensive and a great value proposition.

Bottom Line

The reason why the Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands are widely considered to be the best 3-ton jack stands on the market is because they offer big boy performance for little boy money. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. Torin Big Red Aluminum Jack Stands

Yet another Torin Big Red model to make our list of best jack stands, this time the 3-Ton Aluminum Jack Stands.

These aluminum-bodied jack stands are a compelling alternative to the Big Red Steel Jack Stands. They are distinguished by their aluminum construction, a single-foot design instead of a pyramid-shaped one, and a locking system that exclusively uses a pin-lock.

A minimum and maximum lift height of 10.75 inches and 15.63 inches, respectively, makes them perfect for cars that sit low to the ground but probably not the best option for trucks or SUVs.

The saddle is big enough to support the frame of most vehicles, while the aluminum frame makes each stand rust-free and exceptionally lightweight, allowing you to move them easily in confined spaces, such as under a car.

Unlike the Big Red Steel Jack Stands, which are available in 2, 3, and 6 Ton variants, the Torin Big Red Aluminum Jack Stands only comes in a 3-ton configuration. They are also double the price of their steel counterpart.

Bottom Line

The Torin Big Red Aluminum Jack Stand is an elegant, durable, lightweight and portable, safe-to-use, and extremely effective option for those looking to upgrade from the Big Red Steel Jack Stand. CHECK LATEST PRICE

3. Hein-Werner HW93503 3-Ton Jack Stand

The Hein-Werner HW93503 is a great 3-ton jack stand that’s often found in professional settings, with its strong and sturdy design allowing it to handle most garage and home applications.

Its ratchet-style height adjuster allows you to raise the height from 12 inches (30.5 cm) up to 19 inches (48 cm), which is enough range for most vehicles on the road.

The Hein-Werner HW93503’s formed base is one of the widest for a 3-ton jack stand, a practical design feature that improves stability under load and reduces sinking into pavement. Unfortunately, a wide base can also make fitting in tight spaces a challenge. 

These jacks have a thicker and sturdier build than most competing models for added support and stability and increased longevity. While you’ll pay a little extra for this build quality, it will be money well-spent.

Bottom Line

Most users will tell you that paying a little extra for the Hein-Werner HW93503’s build quality will be money well-spent. These sturdy jack stands are built to last. CHECK LATEST PRICE

4. Powerbuilt Unijack 3-Ton Capacity

The primary purpose of jack stands is to support vehicles, not lift them. The Powerbuilt 620471 Unijack is different in that it’s one of the few models on the market that is capable of both lifting and supporting a vehicle.

This 3-ton unit has a patented design that combines a jack stand and bottle jack in one configuration, allowing you to safely lift and hold a wide variety of vehicles at heights of 11 to 21 inches (28 – 53 cm). 

The fact that it’s a hydraulic jack means little force is required to get your car off the ground, while an easy-to-use ratchet-style locking system securely locks the post at your desired height. 

The steel base is wide and flat, offering stability under load and reducing sinking on soft surfaces.

Surprisingly, the Powerbuilt Unijack is relatively inexpensive despite its sophisticated design. Some of the other jack stands on our list are more expensive even though they are only capable of supporting vehicles.

It won’t lift as high or reliably as a purpose-built floor jack, and its numerous moving parts likely make it more susceptible to defects than other jacks, but its weight specification should be sufficient for most routine car maintenance and repair applications.

Bottom Line

The Powerbuilt Unijack is a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. Even so, it’s one of the most versatile jack stands for routine car repair and maintenance. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. AmazonBasics Steel Jack Auto Stands, 3 Ton Capacity

AmazonBasics’ rapid expansion into the automotive sector has resulted in a high-quality jack stand that, despite being a private label product, meets ASME PASE-2014 Safety Standard for Portable Automotive Service Equipment. 

This jack stand can be had with either a 2-ton or 3-ton capacity per pair and has a durable steel frame with a rust-proof coating. A wide square-shaped base offers optimal stability.

You operate it by using a simple, self-locking ratchet mechanism that provides precise height adjustments and negates the need for a locking pin, though having a pin-lock design would have been the safer, more dependable option.

Their incredible value is the reason why AmazonBasics’ Steel Jack Auto Stands are among the best jack stands on the market. Simply put, they offer a solid design and build quality at a very affordable price.

Bottom Line

Despite being a private label product, this extremely affordable set of steel jack stands from AmazonBasics is strong, durable, and secure enough to support vehicles weighing 3 tons or less. CHECK LATEST PRICE

The Best Heavy-Duty Jack Stands

While a quality pair of 3-ton jack stands is all most people will ever need for their car maintenance and repair needs, some vehicles and projects require heavier duty capabilities. Keep reading for five of the best heavy-duty jack stands on the market.

1. ESCO 10498 3-Ton Jack Stand

The ESCO 10498 3-Ton Jack Stand is a professional-grade, steel-bodied jack stand with an all-steel construction and a strong focus on protecting the vehicle as it’s being worked on. Each stand is capable of supporting an impressive 3-tons (6,000 lb / 2,722 kg) of weight, with a pair holding up to 6-tons (12,000 lbs / 5,443 kg). 

A flat removable rubber saddle protects your car’s chassis paint against scratches, while powder-coated circular pads at the base provide excellent stability without digging into and damaging your floor.

With a height that can be adjusted from 13.2 inches (33.5 cm) to 21.5 inches (54.6 cm), the ESCO 10498 is fairly tall for a 3-ton jack stand. Though not the best solution for regular cars, it’s well-suited for SUVs, trucks, and other vehicles with high ground clearance.

This jack stand is sold individually and isn’t particularly cheap, but you certainly won’t feel ripped off.

Bottom Line

The ESCO 10498 3-Ton Jack Stand is easily one of the safest, most capable, and most reliable jack stands on the market. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. OTC 1780 Stinger Series Heavy-Duty 22-Ton Jack Stands, 1 Pair

The OTC 1780 is an excellent heavy-duty stand that can handle most, if not all, of your lifting needs. That’s because each stand can support a whopping 22 tons (44,000 lbs / 19,958 kg).

A heavy-duty pin-locking design and massive, 1-inch steel pin provide extreme safety and total peace of mind when working under the heaviest vehicles, while a wide, 11-inch flat base ensures stability and prevents sinking into soft surfaces. 

Sturdy strap steel handles make moving their 40-pound (18 kg) heft around the garage or shop easier than most users expect.

The height can be adjusted in 3-inch increments — from as low as 13.9 inches all the way up to almost 20 inches — allowing you to carry out a wide variety of vehicle maintenance tasks. 

The OTC 1780 Stinger Series Jack Stands are heavy and expensive, but what you get is a quality product through and through.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for long-lasting jack stands that can support both small and massive vehicles easily, reliably, and consistently, consider buying a pair of OTC 1780 Stinger Series Heavy Duty 22-Ton Jack Stands. CHECK LATEST PRICE

3. Omega 32066 Magic Lift Black Jack Stand, 6 Ton Capacity

The Omega 32066 Magic Lift is possibly the best jack stand in terms of ease-of-use. A patented, one-piece iron ratchet bar and ratchet arm design allows it to raise automatically, making it a breeze to adjust the height.

With an adjustable height that raises from 15.8 inches (40 cm) to 24.4 inches (62 cm), they work exceptionally well on taller and heavier vehicles. A counter-weighted pawl helps keep the ratchet bar locked in place, while a sturdy steel base enhances the durability of each stand.

The Omega 32066 Magic Lift Black Jack Stand is clearly a premium option, so expect to pay more for it than other 6-ton jack stands. 

Many users appreciate the automatic lifting mechanism, while others consider it a pointless gimmick. We’ll let you decide for yourself on how useful it is.

Bottom Line

The Omega 32066 Magic Lift Jack Stands is the most expensive model on our guide, but it gets the job done masterfully. Plus, how many Jack stands do you know that can raise automatically? CHECK LATEST PRICE

 4. Sunex 1410 High Height 10-Ton Jack Stands

The Sunex 1410 High Height 10-Ton Jack Stands delivers a level of performance that’s true to its name. This unit is the tallest on our list, and a pair can easily support vehicles weighing up to 10-tons (20,000 lbs / 9072 kg).

In fact, not only can it extend all the way to 46.5 inches (118 cm), but its 28.1-inch (71.4 cm) minimum height is actually taller than the maximum height of many jack stands. 

While this makes it an excellent jack stand for lifted SUVs and trucks, as well as construction and agricultural vehicles, it might be too tall for small vehicles and too heavy for some users to manage, seeing as each stand weighs approximately 56 pounds (25 kg).

The Sunex 1410 has a safe and dependable pin-lock design with many holes for more precise height adjustments. For those who have a tendency to lose things, the pin is attached to the stand so that it doesn’t get lost or misplaced easily.

Its saddle area is large and comes with locating lugs that help securely hold your vehicle, while a narrow footprint makes it space-efficient.

Bottom Line

The Sunex 1410 is the jack stand you want for working on large vehicles with high ground clearance. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. Omega 32225B Black Heavy Duty Jack Stand, 22 Ton Capacity

Like the OTC 1780 Stinger Series, the Omega 32225B Heavy Duty Jack Stands are the very definition of ‘heavy-duty’. Each stand capable of supporting vehicles as heavy as 22 tons.

The Omega 32225B features a pin lock mechanism to adjust the heights, as opposed to a less safe ratchets setup. It’s also molded from hardened steel that makes it nearly indestructible.

Surprisingly, for a jack stand with such an impressive weight capacity, its height can be adjusted to as low as 13.3 inches (33.8 cm), which is lower than the 10-ton Sunex 1410. It can be raised to a maximum of 19.7 inches (50 cm).

The Omega 32225B Heavy Duty Jack Stands are fairly expensive, but they may very well be the only jack stands you will ever need.

Bottom Line

There appears to be no vehicle the Omega 32225B can’t support. Because of its solid construction and spectacular 22-ton capacity, it may be the only pair of jack stands you will ever need. CHECK LATEST PRICE

Jack Stand Buying Guide

This compilation of well-researched facts and practical tips will help you find the best jack stands for your car repair and maintenance tasks.

What Are Jack Stands?

As Issac Newton’s third law of motion states, whatever goes up must come down. When you elevate something as big and heavy as a vehicle over the ground, you can bet it will fall back down (often with disastrous effect) if it’s not appropriately supported.

That’s where jack stands come in. Designed to be positioned under the axle or frame of a vehicle after it has been raised, these height-adjustable mechanical devices support the vehicle’s weight at a set height so that maintenance and repairs can be performed more easily and safely.

There is a common misconception that jack stands can lift vehicles. While there are a few models that have lifting capabilities as a secondary function, most don’t!

The primary purpose of all jack stands is to provide safe support for a vehicle that has already been raised, likely by a floor jack. They serve as a solid mechanical stop to prevent the vehicle from falling.

Why Do You Need Jack Stands?

Some people resort to using cinder blocks instead of jack stands when repairing their car, while others use milk crates. 

Why? Because they don’t want to spend money on something better and actually believe those objects are strong enough to hold the weight of a car.

Now, if you’ve seen martial artists break cinder blocks with their bare hands, you wouldn’t bet on them to prevent the 3-ton car you’re working on from falling on you.

Not only are all commercially-available jack stands required to meet certain minimum safety standards, but you can find some very good ones at a very low price.

Ramps are a safer, easier-to-use, and more affordable alternative to jack stands. However, they require the vehicle to be moved backward or forward to get onto the slopes, which can be problematic in tight spaces. 

Ramps, unlike jack stands, are also not suitable for intricate repair and maintenance procedures such as rotating tires and changing brake pads.

Finally, it’s not a good idea to solely use hydraulic jacks and floor jacks to support a vehicle. Although these devices can raise vehicles, they are not designed to hold them up for extended periods of time.

Hydraulic jacks and floor jacks have more potential failure points than jack stands, making them more prone to failing.

Types Of Jack Stands

There are three main types of adjustable jack stands — pin-lock, ratchet-style, and screw-style — each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Pin-Lock Jack Stands

Pin-lock jack stands have a simple design that requires the user to lift the beam to the desired height and then lock it in place by sliding a pin through a hole in the jack stand shaft. The more holes a stand has, the more adjustable it is.

Usually made out of a highly-durable iron or steel composite, the pin is strong and sturdy enough to support a wide range of vehicle sizes and weights. A built-in (attached) pin makes the stand easier to use and reduces the chances of the pin getting lost or displaced.

Despite its simple design,  the pin-lock locking system offers the utmost stability and reliability since the pin makes it nearly impossible for the supporting beam (post) to slip through the base. However, it requires more fiddling to adjust than ratchet-style jack stands.

Ratchet-Style Jack Stands

Ratchet-style jack stands offer a bit more automation than pin-lock designs, making them easier to use. To use them, you pump a lever to ratchet the beam up to your desired height, at which point it automatically locks in place. A release trigger allows you to lower the beam.

While ratchet stands are safe enough for use, their complexity and overall design make them less secure and more prone to failure. Buying from a reputable manufacturer will ensure a well-constructed and thought-out system that minimizes the risk of failure. 

In fact, a reliably-built ratchet-style jack will give you as much stability as any other type of jack stand, explaining why many of the best jack stands have a ratchet-locking setup.

Screw-Lock Jack Stands

Screw-lock jack stands are the least common style of jack stand. They offer better stability and reliability than ratchet-style stands, nearly matching pin-lock stands.

Usability can be a problem, however. That’s because this jack stand type uses a large screw situated under the support saddle to adjust the height, requiring you to screw or unscrew the bar from the base of the stand to raise or lower it.

This is tedious and time-consuming. Fortunately, the process is straightforward and you can achieve a completely custom height. 

Top Jack Stand Brands

There are many jack stand brands and manufacturers in the world, but not all of them produce world-class products. In North America, Torin Automotive Equipment, Powerbuilt, Pro-Lift Product, Hein-Werner, and ESCO are among the most reputable brands.

Torin Automotive Equipment

Torin has been in business since 1993, mostly serving the U.S. and Canadian markets with a broad range of automotive service equipment that mostly consists of jack stands and various lifting equipment. Mechanics and service technicians often rank the Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands as one of the best, if not the best, units on the market.

Powerbuilt

Founded in the 1980s, Powerbuilt is a global tool and equipment brand that has consistently provided innovative, high-quality products for automotive professionals and enthusiasts. The Powerbuilt Unijack is one of the few jack stands that can both lift and support a car.

Pro-Lift Products

Pro-Lift has been developing, manufacturing, and distributing innovative, well-built automotive equipment since its inception in 1978. Its growing range of products, including the Pro-Lift Double Pin Jack Stand, are designed to professional-grade standards.

Hein-Werner

Hein-Werner is a premium line of lifting equipment geared towards military, government, and private-sector vehicle repair and maintenance applications. Every single one of its products, including the highly-regarded Hein-Werner HW93503 3-Ton Jack Stand, is manufactured in the USA to the highest quality and performance standards and comes with a two-year warranty.

ESCO

ESCO is a world leader in high-quality service equipment for the automotive, agricultural, commercial truck, off-the-road (OTR), and mining sectors, producing everything from heavy-duty bead breakers and air hydraulic pumps to jacks stands and tire mounting tools. The ESCO 10498 3-Ton Jack Stand is a tried and tested car repair and maintenance tool.

How To Choose The Best Jack Stands

Every year in the U.S., over 10,000 people are seriously injured each year while using a car jack or similar types of hoists, largely due to the device being faulty or not well-suited for the task it was used for. Don’t be one of them.

The following criteria will help you pick high-quality jack stands that provide the necessary capabilities for your projects without putting you or your vehicle at risk of harm.

1. Weight Rating

Many stands are advertised with a combined maximum weight rating for two stands, so a 3 Ton Capacity’ weight rating means each stand supports 1.5 Tons on its own. Your stands should be able to support a good bit more weight than your car’s curb weight.

2. Material Quality

Most stands are made from galvanized steel, which although strong, is quite heavy. Aluminum jack stands are much lighter, easier to move around, rust-proof, and usually just as strong as galvanized steel. However, they are often more expensive.

3. Height

The stands must be able to fit underneath the vehicle. For instance, although a tall pair of jacks might be suitable for an SUV or pickup truck, they might be too tall to fit under a Tesla Roadster and other vehicles with a low ground clearance.

4. Locking Mechanism

Most adjustable height stands use either a pin or ratcheting mechanism to secure the saddle at set heights. The more sophisticated ratchet style is usually easier to set up and allows for more precise height adjustments, while the less adjustable pin style is generally cheaper.

While today’s ratchet-style jack stands tend to be very safe, pin-type stands are generally safer, since the locking pin makes it virtually impossible for the supporting beam or post to slip through the base.

5. Design of Feet / Base

Stands with a wide tripod base and nice solid feet generally provide more stable support than those with a single hexagonal or circular base. Also, if you don’t want to damage your floor or driveway, avoid ones with sharp or exposed feet.

How To Use A Jack Stand

Never attempt to get under a vehicle that has been jacked up unless it’s properly held up by quality, well-built jack stands or ramps. If you’re unsure about how to set them up properly, use the following steps as a general guideline.

Step 1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level, solid ground before raising it. 

Step 2. After you have securely jacked up the vehicle with a Hydraulic Jack, check the owner’s manual to see where its jacking points are located and position the jack stands underneath them.

Step 3. Make sure the jack stands are level when positioning them (all feet should be touching the ground) and that its height is not overextended.

Step 4. If there is a locking pin, use it to secure the post at your desired height.

Step 5. Remove the Hydraulic Jack, and gently nudge the vehicle to see if it’s securely held up.

Step 6. Begin work on the vehicle only when you’re certain it’s secure.

Note: Make sure the vehicle does not exceed the rated weight capacity of the jack stands, bearing in mind that some jack stand manufacturers quote the maximum weight capacity for a pair of stands, and not for each individual stand. 

Jack Stands FAQs And Answers

Want to learn more about jack stands? The answers to the following frequently asked questions provide more insight into finding and using the right ones for your automotive care needs.

What Jack Stands Should I Buy

The best jack stands have the appropriate weight and height ratings for your car; a strong and durable build that uses high-quality materials; a safe, secure, and dependable locking system; and a wide base that provides stability and doesn’t damage floors.

What Size Jack Stands Do You Need?

It is generally recommended that you buy jack stands that can support double the weight of your car. For example, if your car weighs 4,000 pounds / 1,814 kg / 2 tons, get jack stands that can support at least 8,000 pounds / 1,814 kg / 4 tons combined.

Can Jack Stands Lift  A Car?

Jack stands are not designed to lift vehicles. Although some models such as the multi-purpose Powerbuilt Unijack have a lifting mechanism, their primary purpose is to provide safe and secure support for a vehicle that has already been raised.

A quality floor jack is what you need if you want to raise your vehicle.

How High Can Jack Stands Go?

Jack stands come in a variety of different sizes and heights; however, they typically range from 13 to 25 inches (33-64 cm) in height, with some reaching as high as 6 feet (183 cm). 

Some vehicles, particularly pickup trucks and large SUVS, may require taller jack stands to accommodate their larger higher ground clearance.

Where Do I Put Jack Stands Under The Car?

Jack stands are not designed to be placed anywhere you deem fit. They should be placed under the vehicle’s jack points, which are non-slip areas underneath the cabin for jack stands and other lifting devices to allow the vehicle to be safely supported.

The exact location of the jack points varies from vehicle to vehicle, but they are usually located near the front and rear wheels. Your vehicle owner’s manual can help you locate them. 

Can I Use A Hydraulic Jack As A Jack Stand?

It is not safe to work under a vehicle that’s being supported by hydraulic jacks. That’s because hydraulic jacks are typically not designed to support a vehicle’s weight for extended periods of time. 

Jack stands and ramps are a much safer option.

Can I Lift Just one Side Of A Car With Jack Stands?

Although you can lift just one side of a vehicle with jack stands, it must be done with the utmost care. To prevent the unbalanced vehicle from rolling off the jacks, apply the parking brake, and secure the wheels with blocks or chocks.

Jack Stands vs Ramps – Which Is Safer?

Ramps are generally safer than even the best jack stands due to their wider base and larger surface area. Their rudimentary design doesn’t rely on mechanisms to elevate a vehicle (mechanisms that can fail unexpectedly), making them more foolproof and easier to use.

The main disadvantage of ramps is that they can’t be used to perform intricate maintenance procedures such as tire rotations and brake, suspension, and exhaust repairs without the use of another object to hold up the vehicle. Jack stands are better suited for such tasks.

Can Jack Stands Fail?

Yes, jack stands can indeed fail. Although these devices have very large carrying capacities for their relatively small size and are designed not to fail under loading, there have been cases of jack stands breaking, bending, or slipping, unexpectedly dropping the vehicle or equipment they were supporting.

That’s why it’s important that you use multiple stands to support your vehicle and ensure that they are properly secured.

Is it OK To Leave A Car On Jack Stands?

Many qualified mechanics leave cars on jack stands for days, weeks, and even months on end without any problems. It should be OK as long as you use a set of quality jack stands with the appropriate weight rating and have the car mounted at the proper jacking points and on level, solid ground.

What If The Jack Stands Fail While I’m Under It?

No product is 100 percent safe, so always take safety precautions whenever possible. If one of the vehicle’s wheels is removed, lay it flat in a solid section under the vehicle. That way, if the jack stand fails, the vehicle will drop on the wheel and not directly on you.

Can You Rent Jack Stands?

Yes, you can rent jack stands, and rental equipment companies such as Sunbelt Rentals and Finning allow you to do so for a reasonably low rate. Unfortunately, they don’t offer many models to choose from.

Conclusion

Jack stands are a staple of workshops and garages around the world. From replacing tires and changing motor oil to inspecting exhaust pipes and installing mufflers, they are an indispensable piece of equipment for car repairs and maintenance.

For everyday use, the Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands is our pick for the best jack stands. For heavy duty use, consider the ESCO 10498 3-Ton Jack Stand and OTC 1780 Stinger Series Heavy-Duty 22-Ton Jack Stands.