How To Use Car Axle Stands
One of the most important tools you can have in your garage, whether it is a personal workspace or a professional shop, is a set of axle stands. If you are going to do any type of maintenance or repair on the underside of your car these are absolutely essential. You never know when a jack will give out and send the car crashing down trapping you underneath. Even a relatively small car can crush your chest and kill you within a few minutes.
Even if you are not completely under, like if you are doing a brake job or tire change, the jack can slip, or if it is hydraulic lose a seal, and come down on your foot or leg. Once you are trapped it could take a long time for someone to hear you yelling for help.
There are two standard types of car axle stands to choose from: ratchet type and pin type.
The ratchet type actually works with a lever that ratchets the stand post up under the axle so when you let the jack off the car does not have to go down very far. These are very easy to adjust because you just have to move the lever up and down to raise the post or release the catch to lower it.
The second type is usually cheaper but it is a little harder to adjust. With the pin stand you slide the post to the position you want and then insert a pin through the post and the stand body. A set of these can usually be had for thirty or forty dollars and they usually work great for the do-it-yourselfer. There is a weight limit though so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Remember to always set the load down on the jack stands before working. Some people will jack the car up and then just set the stands underneath. If the car does settle or shift it can easily miss the stand post and land on you.
Category: Ramps And Lifts
