Watch Out for that Jack Stand

When you buy a tool from the store, you expect that it will work correctly. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some products don’t perform as they should and others may even be dangerous.

Such is the case with some jack stands that have recently been recalled from the market. It’s important to check your jack stands  to be sure they are not affected by these recalls, as using them could be unsafe.

Harbor Freight Recalls More Than 1.7 Million Jack Stands

Between March 20, 2020, and May 3, 2020, Harbor Freight recalled more than 1.7 million Pittsburgh Automotive 3-Ton and 6-Ton Heavy Duty Steel Jack Stands. The company had discovered that some of the products could drop suddenly, potentially injuring people under or near the lifted vehicle.

The jack stands were manufactured in China by a company named Jiaxing Golden Roc Tools Co., Ltd. Upon investigation of the issue, Harbor Freight determined that the quality of the products had become inconsistent due to the aging of the tooling the manufacturer was using. As a result, the ratchet teeth on the jack stand lifting extension post could inconsistently engage the pawl to a sufficient depth, increasing the risk that the jack stand could fail and drop the vehicle.

To find the part numbers on these products, look on the yellow part of the label on the base of each jack stand for parts 61196 and 61197, or check the item number on the label on top of each jack stand for part numbers 56371 and 56373.

Harbor Freight advised consumers to stop using these jack stands immediately and return them to local Harbor Freight stores. Each consumer will then receive a gift card equal to the retail price of the jack stand originally purchased. For more information, email the company at recall@harborfreight.com, or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

Walmart Recalls Nearly 14,000 Jack Stands

On August 13, 2020, Walmart recalled nearly 14,000 Hyper Tough 2TJS 2-Ton Jack Stands (part number UPC 0085001232400). As with the Harbor Freight jack stands, these could also let go without warning, dropping the vehicle and potentially resulting in injury to people near or under the vehicle.

The problem with these jack stands also involved the ratcheting bar. Walmart advised consumers to stop using the products immediately and to return them to Walmart for a full refund. For more information, call Walmart at 800-925-6278 from 7:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. CT or check Walmart’s recall website page.

Use Your Jack Stand Safely

Jack stands can be dangerous even when working correctly. Defective jack stands can cause serious injuries, including crushing injuries and spinal cord injuries, as well as amputation of the fingers, hands, and legs.

To help use your jack stand safely, follow these tips:

  • Always park on level ground.
  • Check the jack stand for proper operation before using it.
  • Position the jack stand correctly.
  • Use wheel chocks on the side of the vehicle you’re not lifting to prevent movement.
  • Lean against the car to be sure it’s secure before getting underneath it.
  • Don’t work alone.