[Shop-talk] Jackstand PSA and request for trusted stand brand

[Scott]

So I used to read Griot's jackstand ad copy every few months, the one 
where he said, "DON'T TRUST YOUR LIFE TO INFERIOR STANDS!!! I'VE SEEN 
THEM COLLAPSE!!!"

And snort to myself. I've never seen a jackstand collapse.

Until this weekend, when one collapsed with me *under* *the* *car*.

Three ton model, one at each corner of the car. Only thing that saved me 
was my paranoia: I usually stuff my Rhino Ramps under the car--as much 
to keep them out of the 'walkway' surrounding the car as for backup to 
the stands. Well, when the stand went, the car landed on the ramp  and 
only trapped my foot until I turned my whole leg sideways enough to get 
it out.

I'm fine, except I'm still shaking a little and this happened twenty 
four hours ago.

The stand let loose where the 'tooth' grabs the stand 'arm'. Whatever 
held the 'tooth' in place, it quit doing it.

These were from Discount Auto Parts. I had four--they're all waiting to 
go to the landfill now. I figure I've seen my once-ever-in-a-lifetime 
stand failure, but I shudder at how stupid I'd feel if another one 
failed and my last thought was "you've got to be kidding me".

So...just another reminder that nothing is infallible, I guess. I'll be 
using eight stands on any car I plan to roll under from now on.

And on the subject of which eight I'll be using, anyone have a supremely 
over-engineered brand of stand they want to recommend? Given my recent 
experience, I'll be looking for something that could hold up a Mack truck.

Thanks,

Scott