Axle Stand
AKA: Vehicle Support, Jack Stand
Back To Tool ListAxle stands must be placed on a flat surface to avoid falling over. Make sure to place them exactly below a substantial area of the vehicle, such as the axle, wishbone joint, or sub-frame. Never lower a vehicle onto an axle stand that is placed below the exhaust pipe, floor, fuel tank, or any other moveable, thin, or unsupported area. If you are not sure, check the article linked in the description below for more information.
For use with a jack, to support the weight of a lifted vehicle.
There are a couple of axle stand designs to be aware of. The older type has a solid steel pin that must be placed through one of the holes in the stand's neck. The second type has a ratchet.
Regardless which type you have, the stand must be placed on a flat surface and extended as far as possible beneath a jacking point (any solid metal that won't bend or tear under the weight of the vehicle) and then locked in place. Always give the stand a quick check to make sure it is properly locked before lowering the vehicle onto it, and make sure it is exactly in the right position, so that the vehicle does not cause it to move. When the vehicle is seated properly on the axle stand, it should not be possible to move either the vehicle or the stand by hand.
Ratchet style axle stand