<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> I knew I read a thread once where someone witnessed a jackstand failure... guess it was you Ray. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Jackstand Failure thread (04/04/03)

I've seen the latch pivot freely on the lever on the lever-locked ones. One was mine and three others at two different places that I've worked. So they can and do fail.

Does Snap-On make jackstands? Maybe I could burn my paycheck on one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Nevr personally had a lever-stand fail, but, I always put a pair of wheels underneath my project when usiing some. Mostly because, I have seen other things go wrong, like people bumping the car/truck the wrong way, or something else.. But I would do the with any jack-stand..so..

My 2 cents
Chase

If the jackstand is not set properly in the first place, then one can't really call that equipment failure. Its operator error, pure and simple. Its like hitting yourself on the thumb with a hammer. Can you say the hammer failed? If the jackstand is in proper working order, and is set properly, I can't see how it can release. I have used these, and would opine that their strength is superior to the pin type, by design. But what do I know... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

ding, ding, ding! We have a winner! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Gotta be smarter than the jackstands <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Title of thread: Opinions on safety of "lever locked" Jackstands
Reply given: Opinion on safety of "lever locked" Jackstands
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

OK, for the members that are unsure about these stands, I suggest you try a little experiment.
Using 1 "lever-locked type stand" lift the moveable section up 1 click/notch. Now, Stand on the moveable section with one foot, and while standing with your weight on the stand, use your other foot to "lift " the lever to release the stand. IF you are able to do this, your stands are junk.
Please post your results, and notify the manufacturer of the stands that you own if they fail. Possibly for a replacement.
Remember that the "cheap" stands are usually rated for 2tons, and they are designed to be used in pairs and are sold that way. That is a total load capicity of 8000 lbs.
A gen-1 Montero weighs in at 3300/SWB to 3700/LWB lbs, and that is less then 1 of the cheap stands.
Kary

I would rather have the lever style any day. I would put the strength of the lever style up against any pin style.

The last poster has a good test. Even better lift one wheel off the ground, rear wheel and then put your jack stand under it (extended a few clicks and make sure it's seated)

Now put the weight of the truck back on it. You would have to be able to lift one quater of your trucks weight to lift the handle and release the lever.

I'm sorry you just can't do that by kicking it or bumping it on accident. I have and will continue to use them without one thought. They are as safe as the user makes them. If they are seated you can't screw up.

The only way one can be accidentally hit and collapse is if it wasn't holding any weight. If it's just there for a saftey and it's not under a load, yeah you can really make one collapse in a heartbeat. But if you don't have the truck on it what good is it doing you to begin with?

I'd love to hear of a case where one failed and how it failed. Anyone personally seen one fail, or do we just hear stories? If I'm wrong I'd really like to know it.

Everyone be safe <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />, don't work under just a hydralic jack like I see morons <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> doing all the time.

I'm not saying that the jackstands I spoke of let a vehicle drop. Just saying that I've seen the lever pivot freely inside the latch, which it shouldn't... more than once.

For the record I like lever locks better and they're what I use. Just wanted to toss out a problem that I've noticed that seems a little more than random.

Excellent point, but this is actually the result of a safety design. If you look at how the handles are attached to the "lock", they only attach by a simple roll pin. So, if as stated above, the stands are set properly and the handles get hit real hard, the pin will shear from the lock, allowing the handle to move freely, while the lock stays in place. If the handles was welded to the lock there is the possibility of the lock being able to cam the load up and then releasing, droppeing the load. So, should the handles rotate freely? Yes, and no. Yes, if you have just hit it really hard and the pin has sheared, no if you decide to use them again without replacing the roll pin.