2 post lift safety stands - do you use them ?

[rfuerst911sc]

So for those of you that have a 2 post lift do you use "under hoist " safety stands ? I have had my lift for about 6 years now and never gave it a thought . If you do use them how many do you use ? I just spotted on FB marketplace one stand for 40 bucks . It is rated for 4k lbs . Just curious what if anything you guys are using .

[IS300]

I have two, they are use full in a few ways,
safety
holding stuff up (like a third hand)
use the like a tall jack

[jhynesrockmtn]

I have a harbor freight one and use it on the heavy end of the vehicle when on the lift. Especially my old Landcruiser. I really need to get another.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

I have a harbor freight one and use it on the heavy end of the vehicle when on the lift. Especially my old Landcruiser. I really need to get another.

Funny you say that as this is a Harbor Freight one for sale .

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by IS300

I have two, they are use full in a few ways,
safety
holding stuff up (like a third hand)
use the like a tall jack

Sounds to me like they are a must. I see where some have removed a heavy component and changed the balance point significantly. How do you plan for that? I see cars up on 2-post all the time with an engine out. Do you bias the car in anticipation? Seems a bit Russian Roulette.

I'd want those for that if nothing else not to mention holding the trans if it is separated while on the hoist.

[herr_oberst]

I like how the mechanic just walks out the door when the engine-less Corvette falls off the two post lift.

Probably just got in his car and went to the corner bar to commence drinking.

(PS; there's oodles of '2 post lift fails' on the googlenet; some of them make me turn away because most likely someone got hurt very, very badly)

http://www.youtube.com/shorts/6qffi3B6OXE

[rfuerst911sc]

That video is scary to watch . The mechanic was lucky not to get hurt . Seems to me a stand like I am asking about would prevent that .

[pmax]

[rfuerst911sc]

I bought it so I have at least one . I will keep my eye out for a 2nd one .

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

I like how the mechanic just walks out the door when the engine-less Corvette falls off the two post lift.

Probably just got in his car and went to the corner bar to commence drinking.

(PS; there's oodles of '2 post lift fails' on the googlenet; some of them make me turn away because most likely someone got hurt very, very badly)

http://www.youtube.com/shorts/6qffi3B6OXE

Look how closely together he placed the lift arms. They look to be no more than 2 feet apart. I spread the arms on my 2-post as far as they'll go.
I don't use a stand. Guess I should, but I don't lift my cars any more than 4 feet anymore. I've found it's easier for me to lie on a creeper under the car or sit on a stool next to it. Guess I'm just lazy.

[rfuerst911sc]

On my 986/996 I spread the lift arms to utilize the factory lift points . On the Volvo and S10 pickup I spread the lift arms as far as the vehicle frames allow . While not scientific I always give the vehicle an up/down wiggle to check for stability . I am fairly confident I am lifting the vehicles safely but I respect how quickly it can go wrong . The lift stand I just purchased will provide a tiny bit more security .

I no longer do any work that would change the balance of the vehicle other than tire rotation . And I doubt that's enough to make a vehicle fall off the lift . The Corvette video above as already stated the lift arms are too close together . I know nothing about Corvettes but the factory lift points must be farther apart than what was shown in the video . If you do stupid then stupid things will happen . Be safe guys .

[David]

Some of those look like arm failure. They also don't look like US shops so makes me suspect the manufacturer.

I don't use jacks under mine. I do give a large pull on the light end of the car before I go under it. I'd rather the car fall off with me next to it than under it. My lift is rated for 7,000 lbs but I'm leery of getting under anything much over 3,000 lbs.

[rfuerst911sc]

My lift is a 7k rated made for Ammco by Challenger Lifts . Good ole American steel . My cars and S10 are around 3000 lbs . The Volvo around 4500 . I do put my diesel dually on it to do oil changes . She weighs 7300 . I only lift it high enough to get jack stands under the frame and lower it onto them .

I don't know if true but some internet sites say lifts have a 20 % safety weight margin . So an example would be a 7k lift can lift aprox 8400 lbs . I have no clue if that is true but I have to think some safety margin is built in . I would never recommend pushing the weight rating on a regular basis .

[David]

Lifting devices are supposed to be tested to 125% of rated capacity but I wouldn't go over 100%.

I haven't put my Tundra on mine yet but if I do, it would only be for tires, brakes and suspension where I don't get under it.

[cabmandone]

Every single time. I always drop the arms down to the locks then put the safety jacks in. I make sure my son does the same. Complacency is what gets folks killed.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by cabmandone

Every single time. I always drop the arms down to the locks then put the safety jacks in. I make sure my son does the same. Complacency is what gets folks killed.

100 % correct ! I always lower down to the locks . It's common sense safety .

[911 Rod]

Sometimes I put one at the trailer hitch for my Tundra. I don't feel comfortable with the way it bounces around being so long and 7,000 lbs.
Never on my 911's.

[Jeff Alton]

Pics of Corvettes falling are not suprising. The jack points are incredibly close together, foollish actually. Removing any weight from either end on a 2 post will result in a tip event.... Use stands....

Just be smart, think about what you are doing...... nuff said.

With Radical SR3, we will even add weight to the front when up on a two post and use stands....

Cheers

[speeder]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Look how closely together he placed the lift arms. They look to be no more than 2 feet apart. I spread the arms on my 2-post as far as they'll go.
I don't use a stand. Guess I should, but I don't lift my cars any more than 4 feet anymore. I've found it's easier for me to lie on a creeper under the car or sit on a stool next to it. Guess I'm just lazy.

I hear you but there are times when you need the vehicle all the way up in the air and it needs to be absolutely safe to do so. An initial inspection of components, checking for leaks or safety concerns…I need to really have a clear view. I learn a lot more from the bottom of a car or truck than I do from the top usually.

I agree that most jobs are done from a lower vantage point.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Jeff Alton

Pics of Corvettes falling are not suprising. The jack points are incredibly close together, foollish actually. Removing any weight from either end on a 2 post will result in a tip event.... Use stands....

Just be smart, think about what you are doing...... nuff said.

With Radical SR3, we will even add weight to the front when up on a two post and use stands....

Cheers

That is scary that GM engineers designed the Corvettes lift points being that close together !