Harbor Freight jack stand recall
 

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...of-collapsing/

I have been using them very sporadically (and for short jobs anyway), with the jack as a backup option, but lesson learned not to go for the cheap stuff anymore... :(

Glad you are ok. One of my basic rules is never to trust my life to a HF product. I'll never get under anything being hoisted or supported by one. That's despite generally hearing surprisingly good things about jacks, etc. But Jack stands are relatively cheap, so that's not a place to skimp. I'm fortunate not to use them anymore thanks to having a lift, but long ago even right out of college, I got a pair of nice Craftsman Professional jack stands rated for more than double my car's weight.

For the record, I think HF is fantastic for some products. And in some respects, steel is steel, but the moment your life depends on engagement, tolerances, fit, etc., that's when I say no.

I may sound like a hypocrite because I do own one of these but that is merely meant to prevent a vehicle from tilting, taking relatively small amounts of load. And for it to fail, a bunch of bolts would have to shear off or a bunch of large threads would have to shear.

Yeah. I’ve fully sworn off the ratchet type jack stands.

These days, I use these exclusively:
ESCO 10498 Jack Stand, 3 Ton Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019JVIPM..._VfsXEbQRYX5P7

I’ve had good luck picking them up discounted from the warehouse division.

Oooh, yeah. I like those! Pins in double shear can take a crazy amount of load. The platform feet are badass too, instead of the edge of bent sheetmetal.

And the rubber pad at the top is WAY more useful for us since we aren't *usually* working on solid axle cars. (They make axle saddles as well.)

Nick - those look great. For our next SUV, I've pledged to finally get a second set of snow wheels / tires, rather than just swap tires onto the same set of wheels twice a year. Does anyone have a recommendation for an aluminum 3 ton jack?

You don't need a 3 ton jack. I lift my diesel truck with a 2 ton jack.

Specifically, this one: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/TOL-DK20.htm

Home use is this jack, but definitely not truck suitable: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...m?pn=TOL-13HLQ

Edit: It's worth noting that the DK20 is now approaching 20 years old and still works like new. My wife even stored it outside for several years. I'm thinking about rebuilding the piston just because it seems like I probably should.

Ok great! What 2 ton jack should I get? :D

Scroll back up. :p

Thanks!!