Last Updated on August 26, 2020 by Tim
While having a good floor jack is incredibly important for your vehicle, just as important as having a good set of car jack stands.
While a hydraulic jack does a great job lifting a car, you certainly don’t want it to be the only thing between you and a thousand pounds vehicle above you.
There are literally dozens of jack stand models on the market in all sorts of price ranges. Below are what I believe to be the best jack stands currently on the market.
While you’re at it, don’t forget the mechanic’s creeper and wheel chocks.
Looking for heavy-duty jack stands for your large truck, motorhome, trailer, or farming equipment? CLICK HERE!
Top Picks: Best Jack Stands
ESCO #10498 3-Ton Jack Stands
These ESCO model #10498 stands are literally the best of the best and are quickly gaining a loyal following among mechanics and auto enthusiasts.
The first thing you’ll notice is the tripod-type feet that actually allow them to have incredible stability.
Also unique is the large circular rubber pad on top that both protects against scratching paint as well as a large, more stable surface to sit on.
Each ESCO stand is able to support up to 3 tons of weight and adjusts from 13 inches all the way to 21 inches.
While you’ll need to jack up your vehicle a bit higher to get these stands underneath your vehicle, the maximum height is among the highest you’ll find.
The center shaft is solid steel (instead of hollow) again showing the commitment to safety.
Since the ESCO jack stands are sold individually, the biggest downside is the price. Also, some users have noted that the quality of welding is not the cleanest but that’s getting a bit nitpicky.
For most German cars with round jack points, the ESCOs are a must. Visit any BMW, Porsche, Corvette, or other car enthusiast forum and you’ll quickly find that owners swear by these and will never go back to the old-fashioned ratcheting type again.
A great buy and personally, I now use these on my own vehicles as well.
- Minimum height 13.2 in.
- Maximum height is 21.5 in.
- Sold individually
Torin T43004 3-Ton Aluminum Jack Stands
Sold in pairs, these 3-ton aluminum jack stands by Torin are one of the most popular car jack stands on the market.
With a patented design, these adjustable jack stands offer lightweight mobility and a cast aluminum base that makes for exceptional support capabilities.
The base measures at 6 3/4″ from side to side, giving you extra-wide support where you need it most.
The strong aluminum tubing is finished with an all-anodized finish, giving a sleek look to this set of stands.
This model jack stand features a 5-hole adjustment and is secured safely with a locking bearing, meaning this jack stand will always come through when you need it to.
The height range for this model ranges from 10 ¾” to the maximum height of 15 5/8” so if you haven’t had luck finding good low profile jack stands, your search is over.
These jack stands are a good fit for almost any type of car. If you take your vehicle to the track, pairing these with a good quick lift racing jack is a great combination.
Many users prefer the pin design of this jack to the ratchet design of its competitors because of their slower release and less fear of rusting.
Overall, the quality of these stands is highly praised by users. With a base that will stand sturdy and impressive lift capacity, this model will provide you the perfect amount of functionality and stability when you are working on your next project.
That said, even though these are perfectly capable, some users will choose to stick with steel construction (no matter what) as opposed to aluminum.
- Lightweight jack stands for supporting vehicles after lifting with a jack;...
- Constructed of high-grade aluminum; Removable locking support pins provide added...
- Adjustable height ranges from 10-3/4" to 15-5/8" with a 3 ton (6,000 lb) load...
Runners Up:
Hein-Werner HW93503 3-Ton Jack Stands
These blue and yellow auto jack stands by Hein-Werner are our first runner up. Sold in pairs, these sleek-looking stands also have a 3-ton capacity and a lift height of 19 inches.
What sets this model of jack stands apart from its competitors is the large saddle column, which provides state-of-the-art ratchet action height adjustment.
The great multi-position ratchet bar gives you strength and control when you need it most.
What’s more, the wide base provides excellent stability and will never sink into the pavement when you are doing your work.
Users are loving the durability of this model jack stand by Hein-Werner, however, have commented that the construction of the base could be improved due to the welded, triangle-shaped feet not being one solid piece.
However, because of its American-made assembly and good stability and functionality, this is a great choice for heavy-duty jack stands.
Matches well with our top USA made floor jacks.
- Multi-position ratchet bar provides strength and durability
- Formed base adds stability and reduces sinking into pavement
- Pair of jack stands with a saddle column that provides ratchet action height...
Torin T43002A 3-Ton Jack Stands
The budget option, these Torin stands are the picture of versatility and almost identical to more expensive Craftsman jack stands.
To begin, they are available as either 2-ton, 3-ton, or 6-ton jack stands, so you only need to pay for the support you specifically need.
Each of the 3 varieties of this jack has a solid steel handle and a ratchet hold for double locking protection and extra-fine adjustment.
A quick adjustment mechanism means that it will always securely snap into place and provide you with the safety and support you need.
The handle also serves as a carry handle when not in use, and this jack stands also feature a saddle column release for additional functionality.
The patented design of the stand features four legs that will always provide a strong support system and will never sink into the ground, even when on a typically uneven surface.
A few users warn that some models ordered had faulty welds, so the welds should always be inspected before use.
Despite that warning, the Torin T43002A jack stands will provide you the support you need at a low price.
- Double locking jack stands help support vehicles after lifting with a jack;...
- Features a lifting range of 11-1/4" to 16-3/4" with a 3 ton (6,000 lb) load...
- Constructed with heavy-duty steel and is industrial welded for quality and long...
Top Picks (Heavy Duty Jack Stands)
Omega Black Heavy Duty Jack Stand – 22 Ton Capacity
Think all jack stands are the same? Think again.
These massive jack stands have a unique (and patented) easy lift technology where the ratchet bar automatically rises by simply lifting the handle.
It sounds gimmicky but works really well.
Rated at 22-tons per pair, they will handle pretty much anything.
As you might guess, hefty stands such as this are on the heavy side and we’re talking about 40+ lbs each here.
The minimum height is 13.33 inches with the max being 19.66 inches.
- Heavy duty holding pins for adjustable heights
- Large saddle securely supports load
- Sturdy welded steel construction
Sunex 1410 10-Ton Jack Stands
If you need a set of heavy-duty tall jack stands, this 10-ton set from Sunex really delivers.
With a max lift height of 46.5″ (min of 28.1″), they are actually very stable with a heavy-duty support tube that wraps around the four legs.
This may not be our top choice as the one of the best jack stands but it is still great for commercial use.
Well built and heavy (sorry UPS guy). Also available in low (17.3″ max height) and medium (29.9″ max height) versions.
- Four leg steel base
- Made of heavy schedule pipe for added strength and stability
- Quick and easy height adjustment.Base Length:38.27 inch
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Chris says
I just recently heard about the ESCOs when I was looking through Craigslist. Looks really interesting since I’ve been looking for stands that go higher than the typical heights which barely work for my Jeep. I’m curious if they can be found locally. Supposedly Sears carries them but I haven’t had any luck with the stores around me. Do you know of any brick and mortar stores that would have them? Was hoping to look at them in person before ordering. Thanks man, I learned a lot from your site.
Tim says
Honestly, I’m not aware of anyone who stocks these in-store. Personally, I think they blow the others out of the water when it comes to safety. If you have the money, go for it.
Jackson says
Love my ESCOs and wouldn’t trade them for anything else!
Daves not here says
The Esco look like a decent design, but the welds look poorly done, and the rounds for the feet look like they have a few ridges from the stamping process. Not sure why they didn’t smooth those out for this price. The welds are what concern me though. You don’t want to see sloppy welding on a jack stand.
Tim says
I agree about the welds… they do look a bit sloppy but are definitely rock solid as far as stability is concerned. More important than how the weld looks is fusion, penetration, and size. Good comment!
Mark says
Where are the ESCO jack stands made?
Tim says
Company is based in Florida but the stands are made in China.
dave says
Chris, meh just get some Torin 6 ton. They’re less expensive, extend in a range of 15-3/8″ up to almost 24″, and are perfectly stable for that size vehicle if you are on pavement. For hard pack dirt or hot asphalt, I would prefer the Esco for their flat feet (or put wood under the Torins).
FYI Torin makes theirs under some other brand names for example Strongway brand, sometimes available a little cheaper at Northern Tool and possibly Amazon et al.
Tim says
Thanks for the comment Dave. I agree 6-ton stands will be more stable with their wider base but they can be a pain to use with smaller cars depending on the jack point. Also, some of the cheaper floor jacks won’t even get up to the minimum height of the 6-ton Torins so that’s another thing to consider.
Not sure I’d trust any stands on dirt but if I had to, I’d probably be most comfortable with the Torins.
DAN says
Is it ok to lift up one side of my car with a jack while the other side is already sitting on a jack stand for support? I feel like the jack stand would start tilting.
Tim says
Absolutely. Unless you have a hydraulic lift in your garage, this is the only way in most cases to get the entire axle (or entire car) up on jack stands. Take it slow and you’ll be fine. The bases of the jack stands are made wide enough to handle this. Make sure you have a pair of wheel chocks on the other axle to prevent the car from rolling.
Drew says
I’ve always been a fan of US Jacks. Those things are heavy duty.