Hopefully useful question
 

I was wondering -- What kind of jack stands do you guys use?

A related question would be what kind of floor jack do you use?

Are these things commoditized enough that any brand would work? or are there enough differentiating factors (capacity, warranty, pretty colors) to justify a specific brand?

Thanks.

Craftsman for both. I don't think you can beat the quality/price ratio. I do have a Harbor Freight "racing" jack for the track but it is so poorly built that I barely trust it. I like Craftsmans "SUV" jack as it has the same low starting height but goes 6" taller

I use harbor freight jack stands. I got a pair rated for 3 tons and a pair rated 1.5 tons I beleive. Never hurts to over do it when it comes to the capacity. I also bought there aluminum racing jack, great for lowered cars it can get under cars some jacks will not. The quality of the jack is fair, but it's light and cheap for the type of jack.

I got a jack and stands together in one package from Costco that ran me about $80.00.
It sure is useful-

i really want the one that drivewerks sells. matching jackstands would be cool too.

having said that, i use a craftman.

any tips re: pricepoints or whether to get flat or curved (shoulder?) tops? would you advise padding or is bare metal (paint) fine?

Thanks, and as I said, I hope this is helpful for others.

If you've got money and want serious quality get the blue jack and jackstands that Pelican sells through DriveWerks. I've seen those in action and they are true engineering excellence. Remember, you get what you pay for. That being said, I have a harbor freight AL jack. I got it back when it was pricey, but for me the weight was important (no garage, so I have to lug it around). The quality on mine looks good. Nothing I wouldn't trust to jack up the car, but I still use jack stands before I get under one.

NASCAR jack (Costco)
Orange/White Steel jackstands (Harbor Freight)

I won't work under the car without at least two jackstands AND the jack up under the middle of the car (as a safety catch).

Features to look for are:

Saddle height - At rest, especially if your car is lowered. I actually have to start my car with a scissor jact so I can get a Craftman jack under there. Height at full tilt...high enough for an engine drop?

Pad options - Come with the rubber or notched pads?

Capacity - The higher weight capabilty, the better.

Release control - How delicately you can lower the jack under load? Some complain that a fraction of a turn results in a violent decent.

Pump pressure - How many pumps does it take to raise the car? How much muscle does it take?

Build quality

Weight - Obiously aluminum is lighter than their steel counterparts. But not the cost.

Where's it made? Can it be serviced?

Anyone have the Craftsman Aluminum jack? Its more pricey that the Harbor Freight but if the quality is there it might be worth it?