Classic Winnebagos & Vintage RVs

Topic Boards => Info Articles => Topic started by: Rickf1985 on August 10, 2016, 07:07 PM

Title: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 10, 2016, 07:07 PM
 !-! Do NOT buy these 6 ton jackstands!!!!! I just had one give out due to a cheesy damn piece of sheet metal that is supposed to hold the the center post of the stand from moving forward or back. Pulled on a wrench which pulled the coach over and it let go!!! Thank God I had the wheels on and boards under the wheels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is a link to the stand in question, they sell them under several part numbers but they are all the same. Their whole line is built the same so buyer beware! I will never again trust their garbage for supporting a load.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-steel-jack-stands-61197.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-steel-jack-stands-61197.html)

Notice the angle of the post in the first two pictures, I will tell you that it kicked the holding gear out and dropped the load also.

(http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu74/rickf1985/General%20stuff/IMG_1412.jpg)

(http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu74/rickf1985/General%20stuff/IMG_1411.jpg)

Here you will see the little piece of metal the broke out, that is the palm of my glove it is sitting in. Compare to the one sitting next to it and you can see where it belongs. Note the quality of the weld in addition to the small size of the piece.

(http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu74/rickf1985/General%20stuff/IMG_1409.jpg)

(http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu74/rickf1985/General%20stuff/IMG_1410.jpg)

(http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu74/rickf1985/General%20stuff/IMG_1408.jpg)

(http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu74/rickf1985/General%20stuff/IMG_1407.jpg)
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: EldoradoBill on August 10, 2016, 07:48 PM
here's a link to what I use for jack stands, yes they are pricey but I'd rather be alive https://www.amazon.com/Esco-ESC10436-Fork-Lift-Jack/dp/B0049G9D0Y If you need increased height set them on 4x4 or 6x6 block cribbed


Bill
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 10, 2016, 08:24 PM
I have some almost exactly like them, I built them out of heavy wall pipe. I was actually trying to find them for this job but they are buried somewhere. Need to make more of them. Can make them quick and easy out of square tube stock used for trailer hitches. I use 5/8 hitch pins for the height setting pins and holes.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: fasteddie313 on August 10, 2016, 09:05 PM
That is crazy!!


I almost bought one of those aluminum jacks at HF in detroit, one of the guys was giving me a hard time about looking at a jack before buying it, inspecting it, he was such a prick I told him to put my stuff back and walked out..
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: circleD on August 10, 2016, 10:32 PM
I have some of those and I don't feel completely safe when using them. I might sell them to recoup some of my money. Glad you're ok Rick and that you had a safety built in.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: TerryH on August 11, 2016, 01:05 AM
Good that you are able to post this, Rick, as opposed to having to resize your clothes.
Assume they are the typical 'offshore manufactured crap' that we all have to be careful of.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: 87Itasca on August 11, 2016, 08:52 AM
I don't trust much of anything from HF. Mostly made of Chineseum. A friend calls them "Harry Homeowner" tools.

I bought a steering wheel puller kit from them several years ago for $25 (as it was $20 to rent one from Advance) and it worked the couple times I have used it, but all the bolts in the kit have started turning to dust!

They all have this whitish haze on them, and when you put any load on the threads, they strip completely.

What kind of metal disintegrates in the open air, with no rust on it?
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: legomybago on August 11, 2016, 09:58 AM
I have found a couple items I like from HF, the moving blankets for laying on underneath a rig in the driveway, and their orange ratchet straps. Both have served me well. And I have a 20 ton bottle jack. Other than that, the rest as far as I am concerned is $hit. That's the only place you can buy sandpaper and watch the sand come off the paper as you use it... :P Glad you didn't put ALL your faith in those stands Rick.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 11, 2016, 11:22 AM
There are actually websites now where people have tested HF tools and such and make recommendations on what to buy and what not to buy. I have not looked to see where the stands rate.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: beaverman on August 11, 2016, 07:23 PM
Man that would have left a mark !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ??? ??? ??? glad your ok bud !
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: TerryH on August 11, 2016, 08:20 PM
Quote from: circleD on August 10, 2016, 10:32 PM
I have some of those and I don't feel completely safe when using them. I might sell them to recoup some of my money. Glad you're ok Rick and that you had a safety built in.
Hope you sell them to someone with a much lighter vehicle.
Just checked mine, also 6 ton rating. the section on Rick's that let go is part of the stand itself on mine. Bent up and then welded on the sides during manufacture. However, looking at it, that's not a hell of a lot of material should something let go.
In future, and I usually do, I'll use two stands per side, lower the jack so the stands support the weight, and then jack up again to where the jack is just taking the weight. Two jack stands and the jack. I'm not terribly fast moving, but I hope it's enough.
GREAT heads up, Rick.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: BrianB on August 12, 2016, 09:29 AM
6x6 PT wood blocks are much more reliable in my opinion.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 12, 2016, 10:00 AM
I fully agree on the blocks but do you realize how many blocks it takes to crib up a rear end? Plus by the time you get all that cribbing in there then you have no room to work on what you needed to get to. One of my jobs was a heavy equipment mover and rigger so we regularly had to jack up and move pieces of equipment the size of a couple Winnebagos and weighing 50-60 TONs! Our main supports were blocks of hardwood. Some of those blocks of wood were older than me! How many of you OLDER guys have ever used those old mechanical locomotive jacks? Working with that kind of stuff you learn a great respect for safety. And I still have all ten fingers. ;) Well, a couple are a little bent. W%
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Elandan2 on August 12, 2016, 12:46 PM
I have caused those "locomotive jacks" to be brought out on occasion! :-[
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 12, 2016, 04:52 PM
I got a call from a representative of Harbor Freight since I also sent them an email. Amazing, they told me that they have NO record of anything like this happening so they are not going to worry about it. And by the way, my stands are out of warranty so I am out of luck. I told him "No problem, I am just going to give the pictures to the Consumer Affairs people, Consumer Reports so they can do their own safety inspection on them, and my lawyer. As he started to apologize I hung up on him. The said lawyer is actually a friend of mine and lives for this kind of stuff. I could never afford to hire him! I had no intention of doing anything with it but this guys flippant attitude was just off the charts. NOW they have a record of something like this happening, WITH pictures. What are you going to do? wait for the next time when someone dies? Screw them!
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 12, 2016, 04:59 PM
Rick, this ought to bring back memories then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPN40td9xik

Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: TerryH on August 12, 2016, 07:44 PM
Should you happen to hear from HF again, maybe send them your photos and a list of the various sites you belong to. And a count of others that belong to those sites. And a sample of what you are going to post to each site to warn people of the potential injuries that may result from HF products.
One complaint - BFD. One customer with a legitimate complaint, who is willing to pass the problem on to thousands, and each of those who read it have friends, etc., heads should roll. Far better that they withdraw an obviously defective and dangerous item from their shelf
Ideally, contact everyone who has purchased the item to - minimally - let them know of the danger when using this item.
Yeah.
Right.

Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 12, 2016, 07:50 PM
I sent them the pictures. I also looked at the three ton and 12 ton stands and they are built exactly the same, just different sizes. I asked why they have four different 6 ton jack stands listed all for the same price with all different part numbers. Two are listed as heavy duty and two are listed as standard duty, all the same stand. He told me there is such a demand that they have to source them from different makers. I pointed out that there must be a lot of companies in China named Pittsburgh since they all have the same name. No comment from him on that one.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: TerryH on August 12, 2016, 08:03 PM
And, of course,
Pittsburg
wasn't a spelling mistake on your part. i??
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 12, 2016, 08:42 PM
It was and it is fissed, Thanks fer pointin' it out.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: TerryH on August 12, 2016, 09:15 PM
Canuck. What can I say? Assumed it was what we saw years ago - Made in Usa (City in Japan?).
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: EldoradoBill on August 13, 2016, 05:16 PM
Yuasa makes batteries, and the name was, you guessed it, coined to confuse the "made in Japan" naysayers


Bill
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Surfinhurf on August 15, 2016, 09:44 AM
Rick, you got me thinking about what I use for jack stands.  I got them from my dad and have used them for 30+ years.  I have no idea what the capacity is, any guesses?

I have used them many times under the Winnie, but I always stack wood blocks under the axle.  "Belt and Suspenders"

HURF
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 15, 2016, 10:34 AM
Rough guess, the 1 1/2 x 8 could mean 1 1/2 ton by 8" high but if they are more than 8" high then that idea is out the window. Being all cast iron they are good stands but not much footprint. They were great for holding things up that were steady but they do not have any lateral stability. We used them when rigging machinery that had multiple sections that had to be put together since they were good at minor height adjustments. I would not use them as a primary stand but as you say you also use blocks.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: lemortede on August 15, 2016, 11:22 AM
I am always SUPER paranoid when ever I jack up the Winne. Not only do I use jack stands, but I also have some 4x4's cut into 3 foot lengths (from another project) that I stack under the axle. It sends up creating a 12" wide platform. There ends up being a small space between the stacked 4x4's and the bottom of the axle but will stop the bago from crushing me hopefully. I also place some 12 ton bottle jacks on the corners of the end I am working on. They are snug against the frame but are not lifting. Yes, its redundant, but I don't have a spare me.... I have seen what even having a car fall on you can do....something this big and I am dead.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 15, 2016, 11:49 AM
I had a Craftsman stand collapse years ago and drop a 64 Impala across my legs and trap me in my yard. Luckily for me the ground was soft enough that my legs did not get broken but I could not get out from under the car until the mailman found me several hours later. One thing I COULD do was reach the cooler so I was real happy (drunk) in more ways than one when he found me. Have never bought another Craftsman jackstand since, that was 45 years ago.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Jerry on August 15, 2016, 11:57 AM
Glad you were not hurt Rick, HF does have some poor built stuff but I have to give them some credit I have one of the old orange floor jacks that still works great and several air tools that do a good job. They have always taken care of my faulty stuff without a problem, I guess there are some who don't care in your stores.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Surfinhurf on August 15, 2016, 01:04 PM
Quote from: Rickf1985 on August 15, 2016, 10:34 AM
Rough guess, the 1 1/2 x 8 could mean 1 1/2 ton by 8" high but if they are more than 8" high then that idea is out the window. Being all cast iron they are good stands but not much footprint. They were great for holding things up that were steady but they do not have any lateral stability. We used them when rigging machinery that had multiple sections that had to be put together since they were good at minor height adjustments. I would not use them as a primary stand but as you say you also use blocks.

The threaded rod is 1 1/2" dia and they have 8" of adjustment.  Their lateral stability is what worries me also, so I block all wheels that are on the ground, in both directions, and have a wood block pile that is snug.

HURF
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: BrianB on August 15, 2016, 01:17 PM
Quote from: Surfinhurf on August 15, 2016, 09:44 AM
Rick, you got me thinking about what I use for jack stands.  I got them from my dad and have used them for 30+ years.  I have no idea what the capacity is, any guesses?

I have used them many times under the Winnie, but I always stack wood blocks under the axle.  "Belt and Suspenders"

HURF

They look like what we used to use to jack up a house when doing foundation repairs. Set them up on 8x8 hardwood cribbing.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 15, 2016, 06:49 PM
Quote from: Jerry on August 15, 2016, 11:57 AM
Glad you were not hurt Rick, HF does have some poor built stuff but I have to give them some credit I have one of the old orange floor jacks that still works great and several air tools that do a good job. They have always taken care of my faulty stuff without a problem, I guess there are some who don't care in your stores.

It was their main office that I talked to.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: uglydukwling on August 17, 2016, 09:25 AM
I always get nervous about using jack stands, even good ones that aren't likely to collapse. They may be all right on concrete, but on gravel, they'll settle more on one side than the other and then tip. What I prefer to use are wooden blocks that are wider than they are high. If possible, I try to use single blocks rather than stacks.

Btw, concrete blocks are more deadly than even HF stands. A concentrated load like the weight of  a vehicle resting on a bolt can cause a core block to shatter. Large solid blocks look safer, but too heavy to move.

An interesting approach I've seen in several junk yards consists of 2 wheels welded together. One lies flat on the ground to provide a wide base. The other stands on edge inside the first one providing extra height  and a deep groove in which an axle can rest. They look safe and they probably are because liability must be a tremendous concern in u-pull yards with untrained people removing parts.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: strykersd on November 26, 2016, 10:42 PM
I hate to bring up an old thread but I'm in the market for jack stands and am considering the harbor freight ones.  How much weight did you have on the stand when it broke?  My 20' Brave is rated for 7,000lbs over the rear axle.  Since jack stands are rated in pairs, the pair should be good for 12,000lbs so that should give me an good safety margins. For any motorgome bigger than mine I'd probably go with the 12 ton jackstands.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: LJ-TJ on November 27, 2016, 04:11 AM
Ignorance is bliss and I don't say that to be a smart bum. When I'm working on my old girl I don't want to be thinking about what if the jack stand fails, or sinks in the earth. That's a lot of vehicle that's going to come done on you and it's going to hurt. If it were me, well actually what I've done is gotten some railroad ties (pieces of ) and that's what I set my rig on when I want to work under her. She's nice and solid and I never worry about anything braking and falling on you. Piece's of rail ties are pretty easy to come by. Hm? Oh! hey if your passing by somebody building a pole barn stop buy and pick up the cut offs of their 8X8's.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: khantroll on November 28, 2016, 09:55 AM
I do the same as TJ. I have rail road ties that I use lift the ole girl up. Depending on how high I need her or what may be required for leveling.


I've got some front end work to do though, so I may have to invest in those $160 jack stands for added safety.


Also, as an aside to Rick's comment about their being a lot of companies in China called Pittsburgh, they set the tooling up on a per order basis for white label manufacturing. So you can order stuff from 4 different companies, have as many as 4 different designs (depending on what they copied to make it), and all be labeled as one company's product.


Stanley does this as well. 
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on November 28, 2016, 10:06 AM
I have been looking for new stands and every single stand from every place I look at including Sears and Snap on are all built the same exact way! I will bet a lot of money they are all built in the same place. As long as the vehicle is perfectly stable and does not move or wiggle they should be fine but mine moved to one side when I pulled hard on a wrench and that is what folded and broke loose that poorly welded piece of metal bracing. NOW, If you do buy them and before ever using them take some time and fully weld in that brace then what happened to me cannot happen. I think that is what I am going to end up doing is buy the Harbor Freight ones again but this time I am going to fully weld the braces in before ever using them. There is no substitute for wood cribbing but in some situations there is just not enough room for it. Or enough back for it in my case! I used to do a lot of rigging work so I am real familiar with cribbing and I have seldom ever seen it fail. I say seldom because it has happened and when it does it is BIG!!!! Whenever cribbing failed when I saw it it was because of side slipping.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: DRMousseau on November 28, 2016, 01:19 PM
DANG Rick!!! Ya,... I'm back!

And REALLY wish you could emphasize this matter more!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!
Too many folks rely on WAY too little when it comes this kinda thing. And made worse by the market availability of poor products that many "assume" to be safe. And most people won't have the good fortune of "surviving" similar experiences as you, so as to "know better" the next time.

I too have been shopping for satisfactory stands, a balance of weight and usefulness. Mostly, I jus need "stabilizing stands",... to relieve weight from tires and suspension and provide some leveling with less motion inside the RV. What you have would be somewhat satisfactory for me, but I also need something for when I help out "others", when I assist in odd repairs and projects. AND, the reach up to the frame of some of these "RV trucks" can sometimes be quite considerable. I carry a pretty good assortment of blocks in a bunk, but not enough when the wheels come off!!! That hasn't been necessary yet with the Cruise Air,... but it has to considered soon.

BTW,... we jus called those heavy jobs above, house jacks. Used 'em a lot in my days of water well drilling. Made before any "load ratings" were considered, we jus used common sense. Those 1 1/2x9's were IMO, "light general use", and safely allowed enough lift for 6" timbers, trying for 8" was usually foolish,... "get a bigger jack!", like a 2x12. I really like these kind, but they are SO dang heavy, and you STILL can't neglect blocking for safety.

Folks wonder "why" I slide the tires under the vehicle when I take 'em off,... and I'm fussy about WHERE they're slid under, jackstands or not. But if I'm workin' on it,... then it's MY rules!!!
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: LJ-TJ on November 28, 2016, 01:59 PM
Holy CRAP! He's back. What'd yeah miss us. :)rotflmao :)clap
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: tmsnyder on November 28, 2016, 02:56 PM
"Folks wonder "why" I slide the tires under the vehicle when I take 'em off,..."


I do that too, just in case.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: strykersd on November 29, 2016, 09:06 AM
Good idea on sliding the tires under! 


The more I thought about it, I had the answer right under my nose the whole time.  Having built a few offroad trucks with tires up to 37" I had to buy jack stands taller than the usual two or three ton models.  So I bought a pair of Torin brand 6-ton jack stands (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00026Z3DQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00026Z3DQ&linkCode=%7B%7BlinkCode%7D%7D&tag=strykersd-20&linkId=%7B%7Blink_id%7D%7D).  Although it's a similar design to the HF jack stands, they have a locking pin to give you a second locking mechanism.  And they're only $56  instead of the $50 harbor freight charges.  For now I'll just store one of my jack stands in the Winnebago and eventually buy another pair. 
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on November 29, 2016, 10:11 AM
I don't see any picture of the front side of those Torin stands to see the piece that broke on mine but that added pin is in a position to prevent the the post from rocking forward against the sheet metal so they are much better than mine. As long as you put in the safety pin.

Let me be clear on something here, It was not weight that caused my stand to fail. It was motion of the vehicle and the stands inability to contain that motion. If the stand rocks towards the locking side of the post there is nothing there to hold the post but a thin, 1/8' piece of steel, very poorly welded to the frame of the stand. IF it were securely welded it would be much more secure and IF you added another section to that piece coming down inside it would be even better. The basic stand itself is pretty strong as long as you are on perfectly flat and level surface and you are not working on the vehicle. Otherwise do the welding and modifications.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: strykersd on November 29, 2016, 11:29 AM
I'll see if I can snap a picture next time I head to my shop
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: LJ-TJ on November 29, 2016, 02:18 PM
I got to tell yeah this hole discussion scares the hell out of me. See I know and under stand what Rick is saying. For me there's two issues. The jack stands can hole the vertical weight. That's not the problem. The problem is the horizontal or side loads. One you've got your rig on the stands,provided there level the problem is the seam on the stand. Make sure it is a solid weld top to bottom. That's no guarantee they won't fail there but it's better than nothing. The problem comes when your underneath yanking on the breaker bar and putting side loads on the stands and that's when they fail. Question do you feel luck. Yes Charlie's done it a million times and nothing happened. Son it only take once. DO YOU FEEL LUCK. I've never known apiece of rail road tie to fail. i??     
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on November 29, 2016, 02:57 PM
Stacked wood can fall over very easily if it is not done right, that is why I said it can get in the way. You need two pieces spaced apart for each layer and each layer facing the opposite of the one before. That is cribbing. The higher you are going to go the farther apart the spacing between the beams. And if you are on sloping ground it can still slide quite easily. There is something that is unfortunately in short supply anymore that is a great help in working under these vehicles, It is called Common Sense! Look the whole situation over and think through what you are doing and once you have it all jacked up stand back and think of any possible way you could pull that thing off of there. Even walk up to it and shove it good and hard forward and sideways, if it moves at all then start over.

Here is a good tutorial on cribbing for recovery operations. And it is even from our Canadian friends.

http://www.boronextrication.com/2011/02/12/wooden-cribbing-basics/
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: DRMousseau on November 29, 2016, 10:30 PM
Quote from: LJ-TJ on November 29, 2016, 02:18 PM
I got to tell yeah this hole discussion scares the hell out of me.   

And IT SHOULD!!!

Those of us who survived the "bumper" jacks of previous eras, will NEVER overlook stability in ANY jack or stand they may now or ever use. Nor will they overlook safety redundancies in case of slippage or failures. But too many times, I see someone younger of reasonable mechanical abilities, SITTIN' on the tire with their legs underneath doin a simple brake job on the family auto with nothing more than the scissor jack from the trunk!!!
THAT scares the hell outa ME!!! (I tend to keep my legs under ME doin' this work, even with the tire UNDER the car frame,...that's on stands or blocks AND the jack!!!)

I prefer stands that are pinned rather than those ratchet teeth types,... personal preference I suppose. And would rather block 'em than extend 'em much. And still give 'em a good shove before I begin work. Use to have old rims for a base with 2x wood in them,... haven't seen any recent made rims that are suitable for such use anymore. And I still use big squares of heavy wood under my stands even on pavement.

Cribbing is something I jus don't suggest to others,... if they have previous experience, then it's usually unnecessary to suggest. If not, it's generally hazardous for the inexperienced. Rick's link shows "the basics", but lacks the common sense and "skilled art" for even light work. And many RV's are NOT light!!! "Stacked wood" of 4x4's may get by for family car or pickup, but heavy trucks and such will necessitate "the construction" of a strong and stabile crib to stand to the efforts needed in the repair of HEAVY PARTS!!! Those who depend on cribbing, usually have a special "stack" for whatever job. Ours were of 6x6's, rail ties, old barn beams, and "special stumps" (yup,.. a big chainsaw can make ya a nice stable "block")... many were bored for pinning when necessary and some notched to prevent slipping and often spiked. Heck,... they had to hold trucks and equipment rigs, sometimes for long term in nasty weather!!!

I look at the Cruise Air II and dread the thought of expense and efforts needed to replace the weak front right leaf spring!!! And that's a rather simple job!!! UGH!

Rick stresses common sense,.... I stress FEAR!!!! BE AFRAID and FEARFUL!!! Self preservation and common sense will then rule and keep ya safer.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: TerryH on November 30, 2016, 03:14 AM
Quote from: DRMousseau on November 29, 2016, 10:30 PM
And IT SHOULD!!!

Those of us who survived the "bumper" jacks of previous eras, will NEVER overlook stability in ANY jack or stand they may now or ever use.

Brings back memories of a 53 Chev that was hard on wheel bearings. Always did them with a bumper jack. Also U joints on an enclosed driveshaft. But, hey, I was in my teens and invincible and stupid then. Even during the many times that the bumper jack shifted or rolled. Now I use at least two stands and a jack - per corner - plus blocking and a predetermined exit point before venturing underneath. Also follow Rick's advice of shoving it in each direction as much as I can first.
I seriously hope this topic is read and used. It is very easy to think that a 6? ton rated jack stand means you are safe under your RV while reefing on a fastening with a 24" breaker bar, but that is a lot of torque.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: tmsnyder on November 30, 2016, 07:55 AM
You could build your own, 1967 style!


http://www.agedweb.org/plans/jack%20stand.pdf
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on November 30, 2016, 10:01 AM
That is what I used to do but mine were square tubing all the way to the ground plate and four legs. I plan to make a couple more but they are heavy! All the tubing and pins are trailer hitch parts. The tubing I buy in 10 foot lengths since I find lots of uses for it.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: LJ-TJ on November 30, 2016, 10:34 AM
Don't for get pic's and dimensions.  D:oH!
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on November 30, 2016, 04:04 PM
I just came from Tractor supply and they have receiver tubes that you can weld to whatever to make your own hitch, these things are about two feet long and already have the pin hole and the reinforcement that all hitches have at the end of the tube. There is the perfect beginning of a homemade jackstand! Now all you need is the 2"x1/4" wall tubing for the inner section that is your riser and a drill press to accurately drills the holes for the pin to go through. Then angle iron, 3/16" minimum for the supports and a baseplate of flat plate. To be perfectly honest, When I build this stuff I do not go from a sheet. I just cut and weld as I go. When I do these I will take pictures and get measurements but I can tell you that if you have the tool to do this job you already have the knowledge to build them. You will need a welder and a drill press, I guess you could do the drilling with a hand drill but I sure would not want to! The biggest thing is the base plate, you either need a torch to cut out your own or have them cut at a supplier. Probably would not cost all that much if you go to a big metal supplier. They would pop them out on a shear in seconds.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: tmsnyder on November 30, 2016, 09:58 PM
Holy cow, US made jackstands:


https://www.amazon.com/US-JACK-D-41610-Garage-Stands/dp/B00P248NYO/ref=sr_1_2?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1480561022&sr=1-2&keywords=US+Jack

Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: DRMousseau on November 30, 2016, 10:48 PM
Again,... not fond of those "rachet-tooth" styles other than light general automotive use.

And the plan set is typical of commercially available ones that I find to be too shaky and wobbly, and jus not a strong style.

Rick described exactly those I find to be ideal for general use OR heavier work, and I'll likely build another set of 'em. Heavy square stock, full-length center welded at bottom plate with angle-iron supports on all four corners to the same broad square base. The support fits the center close, to minimize movement and wobble the entire length. And may consider interchangeable cradle-tops,... sometimes you want one for axles, sometimes for frames, rails or flats. With receiver stock,... 10-12ton! A bit heavier (with 1" pins),.. to 20+ton! Maybe with a welded inscription,... heirloom quality to last my grandsons lifetime too.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: CapnDirk on December 09, 2016, 03:26 PM
Quote from: BrianB on August 15, 2016, 01:17 PM
They look like what we used to use to jack up a house when doing foundation repairs. Set them up on 8x8 hardwood cribbing.


You are correct Brian, they are house jacks.  Used to raise a house for foundation repairs/replacement, or to get the beams under it to move the house.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: tarifachris on October 09, 2017, 01:38 AM
I have these Northern Tool 12 ton jack stands and they are massive... The price is o.k as well at 89$ incl. shipping.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200641755_200641755 (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200641755_200641755)

Since I have hydraulic leveling jacks they are great for securing and I trust the double locking system.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on October 09, 2017, 11:08 AM
Most jackstands are going to be good when working on a smooth concrete surface. It is when you are outside on uneven ground that you run into issues with the cheaper stuff.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: WrigleysBraveWin on October 09, 2017, 03:56 PM
Only thing I would buy from HF would have to be for one time use, they have junk.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: khantroll on October 10, 2017, 09:26 AM
I have been quite lucky I suppose in my dealings with HF. The only items I have had fail that I purchased from there was the oscillating multitool; it burned out after two days of use. I have two of their 3 ton racing jacks, an older version of their 1/2 impact gun, an air ratchet, different paint guns, shop compressor, pancake compressor, two portable air compressors, an various small hand tools.


All of the above have served me quite well; better on the average then Stanley, and I'd say roughly on par with Kobalt (not surprising since they all three use outsourced manufacturing).
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on October 10, 2017, 10:18 AM
I just bought an air powered belt sander that was DOA but I will return it for another. At the low prices they have and for homeowner use a lot of the stuff makes sense. If it lasts a year you are ahead of the game. The big problem with the jack stands is if you look at them closely and then look at all the others on the market they are ALL the same. Exactly right down to the last detail! Even a lot of the so called "Made in America" stands are exactly the same.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Shawn62 on May 19, 2020, 05:20 PM
     I just saw that Harbor Freight has a recall on some of their 3 ton and 6 ton jack stands.   I saw it on roadandtrack.com. The stands were manufactured between 2013 and 2019. Pittsburgh Brand.  Items numbers 56371, 61196 and 61197. 450000 units might be involved.  Recall was posted to NHTSA on March 20, 2020.
I remember Rick sounding the alarm on HF jack stands years ago.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on May 19, 2020, 08:38 PM
I STILL have that stand!!! I wonder if it is one of the ones recalled? There is no way to know since any numbers were on labels which have long weathered away sitting outside.


I just went back to the original post and yes, they are the same stands. Damn, I love it when I am right!!!!!
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: skloon on May 19, 2020, 09:48 PM
Quote from: Rickf1985 on May 19, 2020, 08:38 PM
I STILL have that stand!!! I wonder if it is one of the ones recalled? There is no way to know since any numbers were on labels which have long weathered away sitting outside.


I just went back to the original post and yes, they are the same stands. Damn, I love it when I am right!!!!!
At least you weren't dead right- when I read about the recall today I sorta remembered this post- I am in Canada so we dont get their stuff but have an equivalent, Princess Auto- I bought some 10 tonne jackstands from a city surplus sale that they used on busses
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Shawn62 on May 19, 2020, 10:33 PM
Rick,


      I would try to take them back to HF and get your gift card for them.  I have taken four recalled items back in the last year.  Two flashlights, a knife and an electric chainsaw.  They exchanged the chainsaw.  I got gift cards for the other items.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Rickf1985 on May 20, 2020, 10:06 AM
I have the chainsaw too!! :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao  It still works so I just keep using it.  I may try but I will probably forget every time I go up there to throw it in the truck.
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: joanfenn on May 30, 2020, 09:50 PM
Found this on another site re the jackstands from HF;
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcamperreport.com%2Fjack-stand-recall%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1ooiTSLrlIgVlsWjCJaxWzEjmP49NWAtR7qos54O_48qBfjdx28lpHcAQ&h=AT3bxokek0rVH9z2jz3wgva8pMcJnE0FBSziX84CSK0JYy122TmA9w4zzGh_Erq7KiIhi3H2WY4hWrKgJ_VOdU25BDqonGqueAfZqr7_5nZoYZ5pzXldguSsMhv0N5SKuczo2SYz--CPfKQ2Zk9tz8uwt733cJaCxeLrk6tOds4VjzW_knb9A_FkQCvf2y3BB6xELichTHy98GILfZr5QW67ythlaNjb1Ws_U1KCaYNqYDD2U0bnIU0RaMALKS8AhjLVUYqSWQ41w5AyICIBcdXf98kPI0LyxfkGyXb0kisQJeP9WQF6T1BzBzzZ-umsTEJoJj3CRUlpSskj6TZNGe0cY-IdDNAgS2VvWqwKLWDMwvPlEtNv1Kap6hHdbZz5pPytZMDfxc3tClx76xVm29VLy2qx16fLYyrLpo0z_BHmYQ9vA7nmL8108GSheHCE1uIaypuVyKwWbQKxIC17ovMNOqqLIWE0s9AvlWIRGMTMfbvRAXyHV2JlrIJHJ2bGn1qF3BlIqQXFKgfKoHxuOTdxI93x1BU09U4WI_AZR79pxdMJwWTZmCxZulW4kkk5SoAyDk376wOaf3zgws3V1dGcfL7ipE1318KKVoE9Ktjl5njqtBT4hEcAHhYqn4AbbGm1pjQ2wiJkTj0Cqn9I4id1KNzvoMK-X_i62_TPmWdQzEQ9KfFU7gyhDHOxMuomXpxanCuz_WN3SpHpMiJbmCoR149bPuRGOBoxtv1X12hrNALV6BPhwzZVO7Jo9QvnUjclZuQ2bI-n3HDMu5JHFxxijP4KFg2w3MW_CYXKMC-PZMakgfbi42ZW7lE1he_C_MfVTDNwFU2wRf9LlDHSbuyfC-rJ7fH-UE255lrYjZ0gnOi1k-Y
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on October 31, 2020, 09:27 PM
If anyone needs it, here is a link to the the jackstand recall notice (https://images.harborfreight.com/hftweb/recalls/Jack-Stand-Recall-56371_56373_61196_61197.pdf) from the Harbor Freight recall page (https://www.harborfreight.com/customer-service-product-support.html#3).
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: ordchief on April 04, 2021, 07:48 PM
what size jack stands would you recommend for a 89 34ft bounder?
Title: Re: Harbor freight jackstands, UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Oz on April 05, 2021, 06:39 AM
5 ton.  10 ton would be best.