If you’re in the market for new 12 ton jack stands, you don’t want to purchase just any stands off the shelf. While the options are more limited when you get to 12 ton jack stands compared to 2 or 3 ton jack stand, you still want to make sure you’re purchasing something that is proven to be safe and reliable. Especially considering the extra weight that you will potentially be underneath.
In this article we’re going to look at the 3 best 12 ton jack stands to keep you safe and what features to look for in any pair of jack stands.
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Best Pin Locking 12 Ton Jack Stands
Our Pick
BIG RED ATZ120005R Torin Heavy Duty Pin Type Professional Car Jack Stand with Lock, 12 Ton (26,400 lb) Capacity, Red, 1 Pair
Features:
Adjustable pin type locking mechanism that is attached to jack stand
18.11″ max lift height and 11.81″ minimum lift height
Heavy duty, high- density steel construction
Large, stable flat base- won’t sink into un-level or rocky ground
Oxidation resistant housing, making it suitable for different working environments for extended periods of time
Handle for carrying
Weight- 42.7 pounds
Complies with safety standards
Best Ratchet Locking 12 Ton Jack Stands
Our Pick
BIG RED T41202 Torin Steel Jack Stands: 12 Ton (24,000 lb) Capacity, Red, 1 Pair
Features:
Ratchet bar with sawtooth, designed to raise easily and then stay in in place
18-5/16″ minimum lift height to 28-1/8″ maximum lifting height
Large pyramid shaped base for support (will need a flat surface underneath)
Concave saddle with large surface area to provide support needed
High grade, heavy duty steel jack stands
Handle for carrying
Considered light weight at 26 pounds
Tested to meet ASME standards
Best Double Locking 12 ton Jack Stands
Our Pick
Strongway Double-Locking 12-Ton Jack Stands – Pair
Features:
18 5/16″ minimum height to 28″ maximum height
Self-locking ratchet bar combined with patented double-locking technology with safety pin for enhanced safety
heavy duty steel construction
large saddle surface area for optimum contact with car
Easy to clean due to powder coated surface
Wide pyramid shaped base (will need a flat surface underneath)
Conforms to ASME standards.
Weight of jack stand set 62.78 pounds
What to Look for When Purchasing 12 Ton Jack Stands
Certain features are non-negotiable when it comes to the best 12 ton jack stands and ensuring your safety and the support of your vehicle. Some features do differ between different brands of stands.
Make sure you are choosing your 12 ton jack stands through the lens of safety first.
Locking Mechanisms
Jack stands are locked in placed by either a locking pin, ratchet, double locking or screw locking mechanism.
Locking Pin
This is the most commonly used mechanism for locking, as it is the most reliable. While it can be a bit tricky to use, it makes up for it in safety, as it holds up extremely well, and ensures that your jack stand stays locked in place.
Ratchet Locking
These are the simplest mechanisms to use; however, they are not as safe as a locking pin or screwing lock mechanism, due to their decreased safety with larger vehicles. While it might be fine on 3 ton jack stands, I’d be hesitant to use 12 ton capacity jack stands with a ratchet lock, as they are typically not recommended by professionals.
Double Locking
Jack stands with a double locking mechanism typically employ both a ratchet and pin to double up on safety and ensure the jack stands stay at the proper height when holding vehicles.
Screw Lock
This is also a very safe and secure mechanism for locking in your jack stand. You screw it into place after achieving the desired height on your jack stands. This mechanism is the most complicated and least common among jack stands, but will stay tight. (I was unable to find screw locking 12 ton jack stands available.)
Weight Capacity/ Load Ratings
Jack stands come in a wide range of weight capacities. Make sure you check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the weight of your car or truck before purchasing a pair of jack stands. It’s always better to purchase the stands with a higher load rating to keep you safe.
And it is never wise to mix and match jack stand capacities. If you need jack stands with a stronger weight capacity, please purchase a new set with capacity for your vehicle.
Saving money is not worth it when your well-being is on the line.
Note: It is voluntary for manufacturers to adhere to the ASME PASE (Portable Automotive Service Equipment) 2019 Standards. Please make sure than any brand of 12 ton jack stands you buy that claim to meet the safety ratings has the credibility to support that claim.
Height Range
Jack stands come in a variety of heights and ranges. Determining the maximum height range you need on your jack stands depends on the type of vehicle you will be using them with. First off, make sure the minimum lift height of the jack stands is not too tall to fit underneath your car. Another tip is to purchase jack stands with adjustable height range.
Steel versus Aluminum Jack Stands
Steel is hands down the strongest of the two materials. If you’re purchasing 12 ton jack stands, absolutely purchase heavy duty steel ones. While they are heavier to lug around than aluminum, their strength definitely makes up for it.
If you’re looking for a jack stand for a lighter vehicle (less than 3 tons) and need something light weight, high quality aluminum jack stands might just do the job. But make sure you purchase ones with high quality welded seams and excellent reviews.
Surface Area of Cradle
The last thing you want is for your car to shift while it’s sitting on the jack stands. Make sure that the cradle that is concave enough that it will hold the car without it slipping off the side.
Jack Stand Feet
Some jack stands have flat, anti-sink feet, while others have pyramid shaped legs with feet that can sink down if you’re working on gravel ground and will require that you lay something hard and flat underneath to create a solid surface. No matter the feet, look for jack stands that will not slip out from under the vehicle.
Weld Quality
If you read the reviews of jack stands, you’ll notice a common complaint of cheap ones are the unsatisfactory welds on the seams of the stands. The last thing you want is for a stand to come apart down the seam. Make sure you evaluate the weld quality when you purchase your 12 ton jack stands.
Conclusion
Remember, you typically get what you pay for. Evaluate in terms of safety and durability and please don’t spring for the cheapest option. Jack stands are an item that it pays to research before purchasing. The find the best 12 ton jack stands, it pays to do your research.
BIG RED T41202 Torin Steel Jack Stands: 12 Ton (24,000 lb) Capacity, Red, 1 Pair
9% Off
BIG RED ATZ120005R Torin Heavy Duty Pin Type Professional Car Jack Stand with Lock, 12 Ton (26,400 lb) Capacity, Red, 1 Pair
23% Off
Jack Boss 12 Ton (26,400 LBs) Jack Stands, Heavy Duty Pins Style Car Lift Stand with 2 Casters and Handles, Fits Car Most Autos SUVs Trucks Pick-Ups, Red, 2 Pack
9% Off
Torin ATZ120005B Heavy Duty Pin Style Adjustable Height Automotive Jack Stands, 12 Ton (26,400 lb) Capacity, Red, 1 Pair
$114.68 (as of November 25, 2024 12:17 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
