Jack Stand
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Eastwood Company 71681 BendPak MLS-18 Mobile High-Lift Jack Stand 18,000 lb Capacity
Why Jack Stands Are Non-Negotiable in Any Shop
A floor jack gets a vehicle in the air — but a jack stand is what keeps it there safely. Anyone who works beneath a raised vehicle knows that relying solely on a hydraulic jack is a serious risk; seals can fail, pressure can bleed off, and the consequences are severe. Jack stands are the passive, mechanical safety net that every professional technician and serious DIY enthusiast depends on for oil changes, brake work, suspension repairs, exhaust jobs, and more.
The category spans a wide range of capacities and designs. Light-duty stands rated at 2 to 3 tons are well-suited for passenger cars and light trucks, while heavy-duty models rated at 10, 20, or even 25 tons are essential for fleet vehicles, semi-trucks, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery. Understanding which style and capacity you need is the first step toward working safely and efficiently.
Types of Jack Stands
- Ratchet/Pin-Style Stands: The most common type for automotive work. A pin or ratchet bar locks the stand at a chosen height, offering multiple adjustment positions and a secure hold.
- Screw-Style Stands: Preferred in heavy-duty applications, a threaded screw collar allows for fine-tuned height adjustment and a very solid, vibration-resistant lock.
- High-Reach Stands: Designed for large vehicles like trucks and RVs, these stands offer extended height ranges to support lifted frames at working height.
What to Look for When Buying Jack Stands
Capacity should always exceed your vehicle's weight — never work at the limit. Look for stands with wide, stable bases that resist tipping on shop floors or uneven surfaces. A quality saddle (the top contact point) should cradle an axle or pinch weld without slipping. Safety-linked or retained locking pins prevent accidental height changes during use. Buying stands in pairs, as most professional models are sold, ensures balanced support on both sides of an axle.
Top Brands in Jack Stands
Esco Equipment is the dominant name in this category for good reason. Esco has built a decades-long reputation serving automotive, heavy commercial truck, agricultural, and fleet industries, offering jack stands ranging from 3-ton performance pairs all the way up to massive 25-ton pin-style and screw-style stands built for industrial-grade loads.
Sunex Tools brings professional-grade engineering to shops that demand reliability without compromise. Sunex jack stands are built with the working technician in mind, offering solid construction and dependable locking mechanisms across a range of capacities.
Hein-Werner is a trusted name in American-made lifting equipment. Their jack stands feature ratchet-action saddle columns for precise height adjustment, formed steel frames for rugged durability, and folded metal footings that help distribute load evenly and reduce sinkage on pavement — details that matter when working under heavy vehicles.
American Forge rounds out the lineup with dependable, no-nonsense jack stands aimed at everyday shop and garage use, offering solid value for technicians who need reliable support without complexity.