PSA: Harbor Freight Jack Stands Recalled for Risk of Collapsing

If you're talking about a hollow cinder block, those will just crumble if a car falls on them. You'd need a solid block of concrete, which would probably be too heavy to move if it was big enough to be useful.

 

If you look closely at my photo, you will see the exceptionally sturdy ESCO stand that I place on the pinch weld right next to the Rennstand as a backup.

 

I'm talking about a foundation block which is solid. I put a 4x4 or two to augment it if I need more height. It is there as a safety measure and not really bearing any weight. I also use jack stands as a backup plus I have two floor jacks which are also there and not removed as it is in the picture.

Anyway, I'm more concerned about earthquakes which rarely happen like 1989 (the World Series earthquake) which was the last big one here but we get many smaller ones occasionally, too.

 

The area around the tie down holes that are supposed to be filled with a rubber plug when the car is prepped for sale, seems like a good sturdy spot for a flat jack stand.

 

That's the rear jackstand point I use.

Third gen, but very similar I think.

For front I put them at the front end of main longitudinal body rails, very thick/strong, and stable.

 

Sad that so many trust their lives to such junk.

On that account, when I purchase safety equipment, I buy nothing but the best. A lifelong disabling injury is even much worse than death.

I only use the best jack stands made and also have the Bend Pak Quick Jack system.

Over the years, I've seen individuals change brakes under a bumper jack with no jack stands. Definitely, NOT for me!

 

I've got four 3-ton safety stands, and four 6 tons. They're all made in China I'm sure. They seem solid has heck, had all of them at least a decade. I don't think it's that hard to make a product that works and is reliable. Not sure how you determine a particular product is "the best".

Also, four heavy-rubber wheel chocks, use them whenever just one end is raised.

I never use the scissor jack points (at least not with my Toyota Prius), they look to be the opposite of appropriate for jack stand cradles: thin gauge and a knife edge.

And if I'm crawling under, make sure there's something solid and thicker than me pushed under first.

 

I use to shop at Harbor Freight for tools and things that I felt quality didn't matter too much. I still have a great folding trunk organizer I bought at Harbor Freight, and if I'm buying a tool at almost a "it's disposable" level of expectation? I suppose it's OK. I have some cheap wrench's, screw drivers, ratchets, that for the modest applications I'm applying are just barely passable.

I definitely would NOT feel comfortable buying or using a Harbor Freight Jack stand. Sorry, but I just wouldn't. This recall only underlines that I think this decision is good.

Let's be honest. I think Harbor Freight has the reputation for economy not necessarily quality. So any tool that could possibly put my life at risk....I'm paying more and buying elsewhere.

For trunk organizers, inexpensive LED flashlights, and perhaps a "kitchen" level tool set? I'm OK with Harbor Freight. Everything else is a buyer beware warning from me personally.

True story, but a while ago, I was in a Harbor Freight, and a Dad and son were walking around, and the Dad said the kid, could get something he wanted. I would say the "kid" was maybe in the early teens, 13-14 years old tops. The kid was loud, just talked loud, so I was forced to hear as he walked down aisle after aisle musing as to what he was going to get.

Eventual purchase?

18 inch, serrated edge, Machete. Price $5.99.

None of my business, but is that a good parenting choice?
" Here Son, enjoy your cheaply made 18 inch machete, try not to kill yourself, your little brother or your friends".

My parents hesitated to let myself and my brother buy candy cigarettes, and my mother was nervous about the Swiss Army Knife I had. The idea that I would be given a 18 inch Machete?
Why does a teenager need a 18 inch Machete? I'm worried about both the kid that would want one (Crystal Lake Anyone? ) and also the Parent that would throw it in the shopping basket as "Parent Approved".

This isn't Harbor Freights fault. But 18 inch, $5.99 machete would be something I'd file under NOT going to buy at Harbor Freight.

 

Once in a while you get something good from Harbor Freight.

I bought this US General racing jack 15 years, ago, and it is still functioning perfectly. It was $100 at that time which was a good deal. I can't vouch for the current models selling for less. The picture shows how I am still using it with my Safe Jacks Re nnstamd.

 

Funny, I never do one corner at a time; either raise the whole front or rear.

I guess it's just what you get used to.

 

If I need to lift all four wheels up at once, I use my Bend Pak Quick Jack;

QuickJack BL-3500SLX Portable Car Lift - 3,500-lbs. Capacity

 

I bought the aluminum 3T stands from Harbor Freight just because the Steel ones were out of stock. The aluminum 3 ton stands look to be one solid piece, but they are a little shorter. Haven't had any issues with them yet.

 

@Georgina Rudkus Yup - if you're going to spend $1.2k that is...

 

I got mine in the 2018 Christmas special for $1k delivered. Thank for the Trump Tariffs that China paid, the price is now a lot more.

 

Interesting - I thought it was American companies absorbing the cost of the tariffs.

What Is A Tariff, Who Pays, And What Is The Purpose Of A Tariff? | Investor's Business Daily

 

Out here in California we use them to power wash a home prior to prepping for painting.