I'm making a pair of axle stands. Long story but I need a pair for a long term project to sit on and rather than buy some Chinese rubbish, thought I would knock a pair up using odds and ends of materials to hand. Quite a satisfying process when you can find it all. They don't have to take much weight, probably 2 tons over the pair but will be 'over engineered' due to the materials available. The adjustable uprights are being made from 2" diameter pipe with wall thickness of about 5 mm. My query is what to use for the pins (conventional old style stands). I have some 3/8 and 1/2" diameter stainless steel which would be my first choice but also considered some similar 8.8 grade plated bolts. My reason for using either of these is that they will not rust (the project will sit on these outside). I know that the cheap old stands that I've had for years just use cropped off bits of mild steel bar so am definitely overthinking the solution but would appreciate any views. I will post a photo or two in a project thread when I've got everything to hand.