Which Axle Stands? Rated Each or Per Pair, Ratchet or Pin

Axle stands, not the jack, hold the vehicle while you are underneath. Is the rating per stand or per pair? Ratchet or pin? Will they reach, and is your drive firm enough? Check the per-stand figure, measure the height you need and use hard, level ground.

The Axle Stands range at PartsForMachines has more than 70 stands with ratings from 1 to 20 tonnes, from Sealey, Draper, MO-TEC, SIP, Chicago Pneumatic and Govoni.

Per Stand or Per Pair: What Capacity Do I Need?

It varies, so check before you compare. Most pairs state both: the 30881 ratchet axle stands are rated 3,000kg each and 6,000kg for the pair. Some packs quote one combined figure for the two stands, which can read like a per-stand rating. If a pack gives a single figure without “each” or “per pair”, ask us before you rely on it.

A pair works under one end, so the two share that end’s weight, not the whole vehicle’s. As a cautious rule, halve the vehicle’s gross (maximum) weight and pick stands each rated comfortably above that: under one end of a van with a 3,100kg gross weight, stands rated 2 tonnes each can be enough.

Ratchet or Pin Axle Stands: Is One Safer?

Either type is only as safe as its rating and its lock. Before the weight goes on, the ratchet’s pawl (catch) must sit fully in the teeth, or the pin must be pushed fully home. Ratchet stands set quickly in small steps; the CP82020 has ten notches between 280 and 425mm. On the VS2003 ratchet axle stands, Sealey says the angled teeth lock the post tighter as more weight goes on.

Pin stands lock with a pin at the chosen height, usually in fewer, bigger steps: the 04339 has five settings from 350 to 555mm. Some add a captive pin, which is hard to lose, or a double-locking pin.

How High Do My Axle Stands Need to Go?

High enough to reach your support point, and low enough to slide under it. With the vehicle jacked up, measure from the floor to that point and check it falls within the stand’s height range.

Most 2- and 3-tonne car stands top out between about 365 and 555mm, so lifted 4x4s, vans on big tyres and machinery can need taller stands. The AS3000 reaches 705mm at 2.5 tonnes per stand, and the 03635 6-tonne pin axle stands work from 540 to 935mm, for vans, trucks and farm machines.

Can I Use Axle Stands on Gravel, Tarmac or a Slope?

Stands belong on hard, level ground such as concrete, so avoid gravel and slopes. Loose or soft ground can make the load unstable. Sealey’s VS2003 instructions rule out tarmac, so check what yours say.

If the ground is not right, move the vehicle somewhere firm and level, and chock the wheels left on the ground. With the weight on the stands, give the vehicle a firm shove before you go under; if it moves, stay out until the stands are reset.

What Should I Check Before I Buy?

• the rating per stand (is a single figure each or for the pair?) against half the vehicle’s gross weight
• the height range: low enough to slide under your support point, high enough to reach it
• the lock: ratchet or pin, and whether the pin is captive or double-locking
• the saddle: a V crutch or flat rubber pad to suit your support points
• what is in the box: a pair, or a single stand that needs a partner

Browse the Axle Stands range, or contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with the vehicle, its gross weight and the height needed.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a car on four axle stands?

Not always: some makers say to use only one pair at a time, never at both ends at once, with the other wheels chocked. Check your stands’ instructions, and never add extra stands to get round a rating that is too low.

Why did my axle stand drop or sink?

Check three things: whether the lock was fully engaged, whether the stand is damaged, and whether the feet sank into soft ground. Inspect stands before each use, and stop using any with cracked welds, missing or damaged parts, or that may have been overloaded.

What is an auto-rise axle stand?

A ratchet stand with a gas-assisted post: pull the lever and it rises until the crutch meets the axle or chassis, then its angled teeth hold the load. The AAS3000 auto-rise axle stands are rated 3 tonnes each and work from 343 to 510mm.

Do pin stands start lower than ratchet stands?

Not necessarily: it depends on the model. The VS2003 ratchet stands start at 285mm and the AS3 pin stands at 290mm, while the 04339 pin axle stands start at 350mm. Check the lowest setting against the gap under your support point.

Are axle stands sold singly or in pairs?

Many come as a pair, but not all. The 09704 high-reach stand is sold on its own, and the ASC high-level commercial vehicle stands are sold singly but must be used in pairs or more. Check the title and order enough stands.

Can I leave a vehicle on axle stands for weeks?

Only somewhere safe: on hard, level ground, with the grounded wheels chocked, and not where it could put people or property at risk. Before each time you go under, check that the vehicle and stands are still stable.

Flat rubber pad or V crutch: which saddle do I need?

One that suits your vehicle’s support points. A V-shaped crutch, as on the AS5000, helps locate a frame member or axle; a flat saddle with a rubber pad, as on the 24173, protects the underside and adds grip.

Are folding axle stands safe enough?

They can be, within their rating and height. The AS2000F folds flat, has a double-locking safety pin and holds 2 tonnes per stand, but tops out at 366mm, lower than most. Sealey pitches it at occasional use; check it reaches your support point.

What does S.W.L. mean on an axle stand?

Safe working load: the most the stand, or the pair, is rated to carry. The 30883 ratchet stands, for example, are 6,000kg S.W.L. per stand and 12,000kg per pair. Keep each stand within its own figure, and retire any that may have been overloaded.