ratchet axle stands

Sheraton · 16th January 2016, 13:39

How'do folks

i was given a pair of 6000kg ratchet axle stands

does anyone have these? ( i think they are Clarke) reason i ask is i assume the ratchet action is to raise the height(?) - haven't checked these properly but pressing the lever dropped the extension height

maybe just been assembled wrong

also the wee tabs on the side of the chassis - i assume these should be pressed in? (to avoid over extension)

Paul.

MangoMan · 16th January 2016, 13:57

Personally, and I mean personally I would never feel safe or trust something with a ratchet - they might be as safe as houses, but I just couldn't do it. Sorry.

As to the operation - not a clue - sorry.

chipsceola · 16th January 2016, 14:29

Trolley jacks used to be clockwork before they became hydraulic, had one of those collapse under due to ratchet slipping under load ..... if you do use them, don't get underneath, I was lucky.

T-Cut · 16th January 2016, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheraton

i was given a pair of 6000kg ratchet axle stands ( i think they are Clarke) reason i ask is i assume the ratchet action is to raise the height(?) - haven't checked these properly but pressing the lever dropped the extension height

maybe just been assembled wrong

also the wee tabs on the side of the chassis - i assume these should be pressed in? (to avoid over extension)

Like these: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cax-...n-axle-stands/

I'd say there's nothing to worry about. I have similar stands and they're fail safe when latched. The side lever lifts the latch so you can raise the jaws. I'm unsure about the Clarke jaw design, but they (Machine Mart) say these are best sellers. Can't help with the wee tab.

TC

Sheraton · 16th January 2016, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Like these: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cax-...n-axle-stands/

I'd say there's nothing to worry about. I have similar stands and they're fail safe when latched. The side lever lifts the latch so you can raise the jaws. I'm unsure about the Clarke jaw design, but they (Machine Mart) say these are best sellers. Can't help with the wee tab.

TC

that's the ones

the side lever doesn't seem to lift them tho

i'll go have a look at them (still in the car - it's snowing here today - so not using them today

) if they seem suspect i won't use them

i wasn't keen on the idea when i seen these ratchet style stands - however at 6000kg load rating

they are definitely built to be strong

i had fancied the Melco stands - built in the uk

and traditional style

Paul.

MSS · 16th January 2016, 14:56

The ratchet types should be safe but I personally also would not feel safe going under a car supported with any ratchet, hydraulic or screw type device.

Even with normal pin type axle stands, I use one of these cut into 6 off 400mm lengths as secondary supports. Three blocks stacked on either side of the car give ample working space.

http://www.woodensupplies.co.uk/land...m-x-125mm-p707

I make sure that the car could not drop more than 1-2mm if any of the metal support items should fail. This is emulating oak blocks - as used byTerry Shaw (tsauto) - but at a loower cost and weight.

T-Cut · 16th January 2016, 15:05

If I intend working under a car, I will only use ramps. And sturdy solid ones at that. Some welded angle iron and strip constructions are decidedly hairy! (IMO)

TC

The Gas Man · 16th January 2016, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Like these: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cax-...n-axle-stands/

I'd say there's nothing to worry about. I have similar stands and they're fail safe when latched. The side lever lifts the latch so you can raise the jaws. I'm unsure about the Clarke jaw design, but they (Machine Mart) say these are best sellers. Can't help with the wee tab.

TC

I've had a pair of these for many years (maybe not the 6 ton version), and they've been fine, but I always leave the trolley jack in place as well.

MSS · 16th January 2016, 15:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

If I intend working under a car, I will only use ramps.

TC

I prefer not to be under a car even with ramps without secondary wooden support.

Strange how when I was younger I regularly spent weekends under the car on axle stands (pin type) or ramps. But now, with a family to feed, tend to be a lot more careful.

T-Cut · 16th January 2016, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by mss

I prefer not to be under a car even with ramps without secondary wooden support.

Indeed. That's why mine are fabricated from scaffolding walk boards and four inches thick stuff. They weigh more than me! And almost as wide.

TC

16th January 2016, 13:39	#1
Sheraton Posted a thing or two Rover 75 1.8t Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 1,377 Thanks: 384 Thanked 409 Times in 267 Posts	ratchet axle stands How'do folks i was given a pair of 6000kg ratchet axle stands does anyone have these? ( i think they are Clarke) reason i ask is i assume the ratchet action is to raise the height(?) - haven't checked these properly but pressing the lever dropped the extension height maybe just been assembled wrong also the wee tabs on the side of the chassis - i assume these should be pressed in? (to avoid over extension) Paul.

16th January 2016, 13:57	#2
MangoMan This is my second home Looking.... Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: England Posts: 10,911 Thanks: 862 Thanked 1,111 Times in 868 Posts	Personally, and I mean personally I would never feel safe or trust something with a ratchet - they might be as safe as houses, but I just couldn't do it. Sorry. As to the operation - not a clue - sorry. __________________ *Regards, Bill - (MangoMan).* (Member 00854) http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...d.jpg~original

16th January 2016, 14:29	#3
chipsceola This is my second home Jaguar XF 3.0D Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southampton Posts: 4,364 Thanks: 119 Thanked 509 Times in 426 Posts	Trolley jacks used to be clockwork before they became hydraulic, had one of those collapse under due to ratchet slipping under load ..... if you do use them, don't get underneath, I was lucky. __________________ Chips

16th January 2016, 15:05	#7
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	If I intend working under a car, I will only use ramps. And sturdy solid ones at that. Some welded angle iron and strip constructions are decidedly hairy! (IMO) TC Last edited by T-Cut; 16th January 2016 at 15:07..

16th January 2016, 14:56	#6
MSS This is my second home Rover 75CDT, Jaguar XF-S 3.0V6, V'xhall Omega V6 Estate, Twintop 1.8VVT, Astra Estate and Corsa 1.2 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Suffolk Posts: 7,085 Thanks: 283 Thanked 624 Times in 440 Posts	The ratchet types should be safe but I personally also would not feel safe going under a car supported with any ratchet, hydraulic or screw type device. Even with normal pin type axle stands, I use one of these cut into 6 off 400mm lengths as secondary supports. Three blocks stacked on either side of the car give ample working space. http://www.woodensupplies.co.uk/land...m-x-125mm-p707 I make sure that the car could not drop more than 1-2mm if any of the metal support items should fail. This is emulating oak blocks - as used byTerry Shaw (tsauto) - but at a loower cost and weight.