The jack stand is the lifesaving device that keeps your car from crushing you. Here's how the most popular brands stack up against each other. By Brian Silvestro Published: Dec 15, 2022 3:21 PM EST ...

I know you're always supposed to use jack stands when you jack up your car. It's a mantra in every car maintenance manual, DIY guide, conversation etc. about working under your car.

Due to physics — fulcrums, tipping points, etc. — the size of a jack stand's base and the height you use the stand at are both very important when it comes to stability.

But after years of using ratcheting jack stands, I am a pin convert. I like being able to set the height and it stays there until I very intentionally remove the pin to slide it up or down.