Looking for low-cost, high quality jack stands

paul34 · 08-28-07, 08:20

Many months ago I tried to go the Wal-Mart route with their jacks and jackstands. Ugh. Never again... I learned my lesson. I don't know how people get away with producing such low quality and useless jacks. Anyway...

I think I've found some ok jacks (Norco?) that are in the $170-$180 range. I may even get a dual-piston model, but it's not a big deal. I just need some decent lift. Despite the fact I drive a regular car (scion tC), the 12" you get with the cheap jacks (they don't even lift to that height) just doesn't cut it. The Norco jacks all lift at least 20", and I'm sure that they actually reach that height.

I also assume they lift and lower properly... the Wal-Mart jacks... well, let's just say that when you hit that release screw, no matter how hard you try, it basically releases the pressure all at once and your car nearly slams onto the ground

So now that leaves me with where to pick up some good jack stands. The Wal-Mart ones were ok, I guess, but I'd rather have something with deeper grooves for the pawl-type mechanism. This is something that is keeping 2900 lbs from crashing down on me, after all.

Any recommendations?

Setec Astronomy · 08-28-07, 08:30

Here's some that you can get from MSC: MSC Item Detail

If you have a way to buy through Grainger, you can look at these: Grainger Industrial Supply

EDIT: MSC will sell to individuals, Grainger only sells to businesses.

simracer · 08-28-07, 08:52

Northern Tool had some jack stands. I picked up the Torin 3 ton double lock. They're the pawl type, but they have the separate bar on a chain that goes in to prevent the pawls from slipping.

They've got a pretty good selection and the prices aren't bad.

paul34 · 08-28-07, 08:57

Thanks guys.

I just found something... what do you think of Torin?

Torin 3-Ton Low Profile Service Jack w/ 3-Ton Stands, Model# T83318 | Floor Jacks | Northern Tool + Equipment

$80 for a jack AND two jack stands. I know some people don't trust this style of jack stand, however... should I? The reviews seem ok for the jack, plus its low-profile and 3-ton capacity. Although I only plan to lower a little over an inch, the low-profile should make lifting and lowering a bit easier anyway (although I'm sure a regular jack would probably just barely make it under there)

paul34 · 08-28-07, 09:07

Hmm, actually, nevermind on that... looks like I'll end up paying 50-70 just for shipping on those items from Northern Tool. I might still be able to get the jack stands, but with such prices for shipping, I don't think it'd be worth buying a jack from there at all.

Supposedly here:

AutomotiveTools.Com - The most comprehensive source for Automotive Tools & Equipment

Freight is included in the price. I'm not sure what jacks are good, though? I think that it might be better to try to get something a bit cheaper than the Norco.

edit: No, apparently not. Oh dear... shipping charges...

Setec Astronomy · 08-28-07, 09:10

Shipping on that heavy stuff is likely to be a killer (like when buying gallons of detailing products). Have you checked Sears? Even if they don't have any in the store, you can buy online and pickup at the store and pay no shipping (downside is you have to pay tax if that is applicable). I have to imagine the chain auto stores (AZ, Advanced, Pep Boys) must have some decent stands (and jacks) in addition to the utter crap.

Slick61 · 08-28-07, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul34

Thanks guys.

I just found something... what do you think of Torin?

Torin 3-Ton Low Profile Service Jack w/ 3-Ton Stands, Model# T83318 | Floor Jacks | Northern Tool + Equipment

$80 for a jack AND two jack stands. I know some people don't trust this style of jack stand, however... should I?

I've had the same problem as you... hard to assess floor jack quality, but really didn't want to go to the trouble of mail ordering a floor jack.

I was in Pep-Boys on Sunday... Torin seems to be their go-to brand when it comes to floor jacks. IIRC, same story at Kragen Auto Parts.

Pep-Boys had a big promotion going on... Garage-In-A-Box... a 2 ton floor jack, a pair of 2 ton jack stands, and a creeper... all on sale for $29.95... with a $10 mail-in rebate. At that price, it's worth it just for the jackstands. Now, I DO get suspicious when I see that much merchandise for that kind of price, but figured I'd give it a shot

My local Sam's Club has a 3-1/2 ton Michelin floor jack for $65, which I also intend to pick up as it seems to be better quality & has a 22" vertical lift (good for the truck)

archer39 · 08-28-07, 09:12

I got a jack and 2 jack stands from sears (craftsman) for i believe 100 dollars. The jack has plenty of height for your TC, i was able to use it on my s-10 that had 35 inch tires.

Slick61 · 08-28-07, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul34

Thanks guys.

I just found something... what do you think of Torin?

Torin 3-Ton Low Profile Service Jack w/ 3-Ton Stands, Model# T83318 | Floor Jacks | Northern Tool + Equipment

$80 for a jack AND two jack stands. I know some people don't trust this style of jack stand, however... should I? The reviews seem ok for the jack, plus its low-profile and 3-ton capacity. Although I only plan to lower a little over an inch, the low-profile should make lifting and lowering a bit easier anyway (although I'm sure a regular jack would probably just barely make it under there)

BTW... you should be able to buy this at your local Pep-Boys for about the same price, +/- $20...

Coupe · 08-28-07, 09:45

Habor freight has real nice jack stands and jacks for very cheap.

I have many from there and they have never failed me in anyway, they get used daily.

MotorCity · 08-28-07, 09:53

Big lots has Torin jack stands

mixxmstrmike · 08-28-07, 02:16

My favorite jack stands have to be these:

Griot's Garage

I certainly appreciate the flat surface that the car sits on. With the curved "U" saddle, they can sometimes touch the floor pan, depending on the vehicle. The rachet mechanism is as positive as you can get. I have two sets of these and I'm planning to purchase a third set (multiple vehicles in multiple locations).

I have the first generation Griot's hydraulic jack as well and while it's great for lowered cars, it does not raise the vehicle fast enough for me. I also have a Lincoln jack and I wouldn't hesitate ordering another one if I could only justify it. It's heavy, shop duty, but man... it's a dream to work with.

Hope this helps,
Mike