Jack Stands 101: What They Are and Why You Should Always Use Them

Jack stands are a key component of any DIYer’s tool collection. Not only do they make working on your vehicle easier, they also come in handy far more often than you might expect. Jack stands are heavy-duty safety supports designed to hold a vehicle securely in the air after it has been lifted with a jack. Whether you’re changing a tire, servicing brakes, or tackling a weekend project, understanding how and when to use jack stands is essential for working safely and confidently in the garage.

Why you shouldn't use a jack to hold up your vehicle:

1. Jacks are for lifting, not holding

A jack’s job is to raise the vehicle. Once it’s up, the internal components (hydraulics, threads, seals, or gears) are under constant load. Over time, these parts can slowly bleed down or fail, causing the vehicle to lower unexpectedly.

2. Hydraulic failure can happen without warning

Most floor and bottle jacks rely on hydraulic pressure. Even a small seal leak can cause the jack to lose pressure gradually—or suddenly. When that happens, the vehicle drops. Jack stands, on the other hand, use solid mechanical locks, not pressure.

3. Jacks aren’t stable enough

Jacks have a small contact point and a narrow footprint. Any movement—bumping the vehicle, removing a stubborn bolt, shifting weight—can cause the vehicle to tip or slip off the jack.

4. Jack stands are built to lock in place

Jack stands are designed with:

• Wide bases for stability

• Fixed height or ratcheting locks

• Load ratings meant for static weight, not motion

Once set, they don’t rely on moving parts to keep the vehicle supported.

Remember: A jack raises the vehicle — jack stands keep it there safely.

Now that we understand why jacks alone aren’t safe, let’s look at the types of jack stands available.

Types of Jack Stands

Not all jack stands are created equal. Choosing the right type for your vehicle and workspace is key to working safely. Here are the most common types:

1. Pin-Type Jack Stands

• How they work: A steel pin fits through holes in the stand’s vertical column to lock it at the desired height.

• Pros: Simple, reliable, low maintenance, durable.

• Cons: Limited adjustment increments; you must lift the vehicle to the next pin hole to change height.

• Best for: General DIY use, especially if you want a stable, straightforward option.

2. Ratchet-Type Jack Stands

• How they work: A ratcheting mechanism allows for easy height adjustments. Pull up or push down to set the height.

• Pros: Quick, adjustable in small increments, easy to use.

• Cons: Slightly more prone to wear over time; always check the locking mechanism.

• Best for: Frequent adjustments during projects or for varying vehicle heights.

Tip: Look for ratcheting jack stands with a safety pin like pictured above for added protection

3. Screw-Type Jack Stands

• How they work: A threaded screw is turned to raise or lower the stand’s height, then a lock nut secures it.

• Pros: Fine-tuned height adjustment, extremely stable when locked.

• Cons: Slower to adjust than ratchet or pin types.

• Best for: Heavy-duty vehicles or precise positioning needs.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just getting started, jack stands play a fundamental role in keeping you safe while working under your vehicle. Understanding why a jack alone isn’t enough—and knowing which type of jack stand to use—helps you choose the right setup for the job.

Don’t leave safety to chance: always use jack stands when working underneath a vehicle.