Axle stands

[m_c]

Cost in my opinion...

This.
Ratchet are the easiest to use, and probably as cheap as to make as ones that use a basic pin.
Screws cost more money to make, and aren't quick to use.

We've got a set of pin ones with screw adjustments at work, but they hole 5 tonne, and cover from about 3-5ft height. I'd imagine they cost a couple thousand for the set of 4.

 

[MysterG]

@MysterG

I was here first

 

[MysterG]

If you had stands as @Misterg describes, it'd not be long before some Numpty placed them in completely unsuitable non-loadbearing part of the underbody of the vehicle and got themselves a mention in the Press......?

Surely that applies to any stand?

 

[Bornfree]

I made a tractor splitting trolley using the top of an acro prop it works well.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Surely that applies to any stand?

Aye, I suppose so - but might there be a temptation to regard them as jacks which could be used at any point on the underbody, as opposed to the 'recognised' points?

I'm probably overthinking this....

 

[bricol]

The original post mentioned ratchet axle stands, wasn’t there a post on here about one that the ratchet teeth failed, or have I seen it somewhere else? I think it was a Chineseum copy!

Habor Freight in the USA recalled all of one of their ranges - and then another, for a refund or replacement. One of their Chinese suppliers had been using worn out patterns for casting the risers, meaning the notches weren't deep enough for the pawl, so they had a few fail.
I have had a set of 3T Machine Marts ones for maybe 20 yrs - a roll pin sheared holding the pawl to its release lever (which didn't affect its load carrying ability) and the tab you had to bend over to retain the riser snapped one another a few year ago - I have a habit of simply picking them up by the riser and letting the body drop.
Otherwise they have been perfect, are a lot more stable than the smaller pin ones I also have.
I have a scissor lift, bought when it was on special offer 15 or more years ago - that makes lifting any sensible car a doddle - although I need a plank on the floor down each side to get the Caterham over it.

 

[Greeves246]

Daft question but how do you store your axle stands? Very rarely used these days and they take up a lot of space under a bench or on a shelf.

 

[MysterG]

@Greeves246 Mine are stacked inside my ramps in the corner of the garage.

The ramps are great for getting the cars high enough and stable, but still a faff to drive onto alone and to then get the now much lower opposite end up to the same height.
Also useless really if the car is not drivable

 

[Arc Tourist]

Daft question but how do you store your axle stands? Very rarely used these days and they take up a lot of space under a bench or on a shelf.

How about hanging them on a wall or a ceiling joist ? Just put the pins on the inside of the frame so the saddles don't fall out.

 

[My Old Landy]

How about hanging them on a wall or a ceiling joist ? Just put the pins on the inside of the frame so the saddles don't fall out.

View attachment 287358

I like that as a solution

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I like that as a solution

Going to hurt when it falls off....that's the sort of thing that will work fine until one day when I walk under it with my welding helmet up!

Maybe tie them up there to a hook?

 

[My Old Landy]

Going to hurt when it falls off....that's the sort of thing that will work fine until one day when I walk under it with my welding helmet up!

Maybe tie them up there to a hook?

I think you need to have a high ceiling. My workshop is around 9 feet internally and I am only 5' 9" so no chance of me hitting them!!

 

[CompoSimmonite]

What about making them out of Acrows as they can be found cheaply

Acrow Adjustable Floor Prop - Size 0-3

Size 0 Adjustable Floor Props - ranges from 1.071 closed to 1.829m fully extended. Size 1 Adjustable Floor Props - ranges from 1.753m closed to 3.124m fully extended.Size 2 Adjustable Floor Props - ranges from 1.98m closed to 3.35m fully extended. Size 3 Adjustable Floor Props - ranges from...

shop.psb-scaffolding.co.uk

 

[James1979]

I made a tractor splitting trolley using the top of an acro prop it works well.

They work well.