This is really scary

[Phokaioglaukos]

I am mystified. In that thread there is disagreement about whether 3- or 4-leg stands are safer. Someone said that OSHA requires pin-locking stands and not ratchet-locking stands, but I cannot find any standard for jack stands other than one in Australia that costs $50 to buy (the standard, not the stand) and a ANSI PALD (portable automotive lift device) standard that is claimed to be met by all sorts of ratchet stands.

Griot's garage sells a 4-leg stand with ratchets, and claims that it locks well, with the teeth engaging fully. That seems to be failure point with the stands in the thread. Snap-On sells a similar one and also an aluminum pin locking stand. (I think the aluminum stand would be good to take to the track--it must be lighter.)

Accordingly, I guess I will inspect my stands closely to see how well the ratchets lock into position. My car is low enough that I think I jsut use the stands fully retracted, so the ratchet may not be an issue. I will also inspect them closely before each use. I flushed my brake fluid on Sunday with the car up on four jack stands and all the wheels off.... Maybe I should think of a scissors lift, but then I'd need ramps to drive over the lift. My garage does not have enough headroom for a real lift.