Ratchet Axle Stands

Looking for a pair of axle stands and have seen 3 tonne Ratchet Axle Stands at Halfords for £30 and at B&Q for £21. Has anyone used such an item not sure if I would feel safe using them rather than a conventional stand with a load pin? Any views welcome, cheers John

We've used a pair in the garage for the last two years to work under London type taxis. No problems.

Hmmmm I think I'm in doubt like you John and would rather trust a pair with load pins! Halfords sell them 2 or 3 tonne load available regards. Chris

Used them for years - never had a problem. Found them quicker and easier to use than trying to get a pin in a hole!

I wouldn't feel safe using them with for instance either set of wheels off (F/R) with a substantial weight of the landy hanging above suspension jobs for instance where you are bashing and clattering at bolts etc.

I have 4 of them and use them all the time on my RRC LSE. They've not squashed me yet.

Brilliant piece of kit

They work! Don't think of the ratchet mechanism in a socket wrench, as this will lead you to thinking they are not man enough to hold a Landy! If you are paranoid, you can buy stands with a pin as well, Faithfull Tools make (supply) some.

I've used them and they're totally fine

They wouldn't/couldn't sell them if they didn't work. There would be a bit of bother if folks were getting flattened all over the country. But it seems like you've made your mind up ...

West Slope Rover said:

I have 4 of them and use them all the time on my RRC LSE. They've not squashed me yet.

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Yet !

I have four 3 tonners that I use all the time, hey are more than up to the job. The ratchet mechanism is no more likely to fail than any other stand design.

We have 8 X 3 tonne and 4 X 2tonne, use them all the time, never had an issue in 8 years or so.

Peter

Yoyodyne said:

They wouldn't/couldn't sell them if they didn't work. There would be a bit of bother if folks were getting flattened all over the country. But it seems like you've made your mind up ...

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No I hadn't that is why I posted the question, I don't know anyone who has any so thought best ask for opinions.

Thank you to everyone for their advice, I am now convinced and will be purchasing a pair this weekend.
Cheers John

just watch your fingers when you disengage the ratchet when you are setting them to thier lowest position before you put them under the motor. got a nice blood blister from seeing how they worked and then them dropping on my finger, LOL

Yes, mine catch me just on the web between thumb and index finger as I drop them. That seems to be the major danger. The advantage is that they go up and down in smaller steps than the pin versions and you can therefore make better use of your jack's travel. I was a bit apprehensive at first, having only had the pin ones before, but I'm still in one piece and haven't been laminated to the tarmac yet.

They'll be fine

Connorefc said:

Thank you to everyone for their advice, I am now convinced and will be purchasing a pair this weekend.
Cheers John

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Just to add, I bought a pair of 3 ton ones from Toolstation, there fine for under the axles as they arnt very tall, ended up getting a pair of 6 tom stands from machine mart for about £38 - bit more expensive but I have them on the chassis of my S3 at the moment with the rear axle off.
Depends what you want them for, but I didnt want to put my little axle stands on concrete blocks to make them high enough (well not for long anyway!)

r