So after removing the HF ones from the pile due to the recall, I was using some of my other, smaller stands while working on the S2k this weekend. These are Ironton (came form Northern Tool) 2 ton stands. These are the ones I carry in my car to autox events and they have had pretty light use since I bought them. These stands have never been used on anything but cars weighing <3000 lbs. I know that some of these cheaper stands are rated in pairs, but that would still mean I have only every placed about 1/3 of the max capacity on each one.

I sat the rear of the S2k on them yesterday and after it sat for a few seconds heard a creaking noise briefly. I went to double check that I had sat the car squarely on the stands and noticed that one BENT. The top portion that the teeth engage and that contains the lever was slightly bent over to one side. I can see where the bottom of the stand bulged slightly as well (where the seam is on the side of it). I will try to get a good picture of this, but I could definitely see where it was bent.

So, I am going to invest a bit more money in my jackstands for sure and probably replace all of the cheaper sets I have! Check your stands people.

I am actually looking more towards pin type stands vs ratcheting due to the failure mode of the recalled HF stands. Pin type removes that tolerancing from the equation. The ones I am thinking of getting are Esco 10498 or 10499's. Seem to be very well built, fit the usage for the lower cars in the garage and are still more affordable (although of course more than the typical HF ones). I prefer legs vs flat base stands and like the pin style mechanism.

 

Curious to see what people are replacing the HF stands as well. I need to replace my HF stuff.

 

Very good post! Those thin stamped steel ones have always scared me.

 

I use these for my Mercedes and will start using them on the S2000. They aren't cheap, about $200 for a set, but I honestly can't see them ever failing. $200 is a small price to pay imo.

 

Those are the ones I was looking at. That and the 10499. I think the only difference in the two are the height. Seem to be well built stands for the price.

 

I use these -
I don't have to use them often but they work quite well.

 

I've been using these for the better half of the last 10 years on both my Mazdaspeed 3 and S2000. And I've never had a scary moment with them.



Looks like the "Pro Series" have been rebranded as the "Blackjack"

Do jack stands experience fatigue? Like I said, these have been going strong for 10 years now.

Thanks!

 

They could experience some fatigue I guess but not likely a ton since they are not being cycled constantly. I have another set of cheaper small ones as well that I have had for about 16 years that have seen lot more use and are holding well.

 

Double locking jack stands are a good option if you want to stay on the inexpensive side. They utilize a pin/bar that slides into the teeth of the extension piece as a second method of locking it in place.

edit: were your ironton 2 ton jack stands double locking? i just googled "ironton 2 ton jack stands" and found a Northern Tool link to Ironton double locking 2 ton stands but the seem to be discontinued. Wonder if they were discontinued due to faulty manufacturing or design?

 

You betcha! $200 won't pay for the ER trip.