A jack stand supports the weight of your vehicle once it’s been lifted off the ground using a jack. Stands provide a sturdy mechanical construction and base on which your truck can sit while you work underneath it. Like jacks, stands can give in, slip, or tip over, especially if you don’t inspect them for safety and reliability. Here are some tips for inspecting jack stands before using them.

Check for Structural Integrity Issues

Jack stands are usually made of steel or aluminum. Steel offers durability, stability, and increased load capacity while aluminum is lighter and more portable. When inspecting your jack stands, check the whole frame, including the base and legs, welds, pins, and points of contact. Inspect the base for cracks, bends, breaks, metal deformation, and other issues that may compromise the stand’s strength and stability.

If you notice any faulty parts or cracks on the welds, repair them or replace the stand. Bends and deformations are also signs of aging or poor construction and require attention before you use the stand. Some stands have structural issues from the manufacturer. An example is a crooked stand with the top base welded at an angle. Even if the weld quality is reliable, the crooked angle poses safety issues because the ratchet will be slightly misaligned. Use the stand only when all components are in good working condition.

Look Out for Rusted Components

Jack ramps and stands are metal constructions prone to rusting. Manufacturers may coat the stands to delay the process but steel and iron components eventually rust when exposed to air and moisture. Rust weakens the metal and can lead to cracks, breaks, and deformations. Before you use your stand, inspect the frame for rust.

The pins holding the stopper in place are prone to rusting. Rusted-out pins may prevent the jack stand from staying in place. A rusted base may also bend under pressure, resulting in unevenness in the support. Inspect the locking mechanism also and make sure all components are stable, reliable, and in good working condition. Discard rusted stands or send them to metal recycling companies and replace them with new stands. If the stand’s structural integrity hasn’t been compromised, clean or replace the rusted parts and apply an anti-rust coating.

Check the Weight-Bearing Capacity

One way to inspect your jack stand for safety and reliability is to confirm its weight-bearing capacity. Each stand has a load capacity that determines the weight the stand can support without issues. This rating may be inscribed onto the stand’s frame but is usually outlined in the manufacturer’s manual or website. The load capacity specifies the maximum weight, so you can use the stand to support vehicles at or under that weight.

Choose stands with a higher weight-bearing capacity to give you the extra margin of safety. Avoid exceeding the load limit even when using multiple stands. Overloading can cause the stand to bend, crack, or fail, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. If you have an older stand, replace it or use it to support vehicles that are well below the weight-bearing capacity. Check the height range, too, paying attention to the lowest and highest points. Choose stands with adjustable height ranges to provide enough space for working comfortably under the vehicle.

Purchase Reliable Heavy-Duty Jack Stands Today

Vehicle jacks and stands are indispensable tools every heavy-duty truck owner needs. You can use them to change tires, inspect the chassis, and clean and maintain your vehicle. Heavy-duty auto repair shops and garages also use these lifting and holding tools to complete repairs, installations, service, and maintenance. Contact an experienced specialty tool supplier today to find out more about heavy-duty jack stands and their safety features.