Axle Stands

About Axle Stands

Axle stands are essential safety equipment for anyone working underneath a vehicle, providing robust, stable support once the car or van has been lifted with a jack. Unlike hydraulic jacks which can fail or leak over time, axle stands offer a mechanical lock that holds the vehicle securely at a fixed height, giving you peace of mind whilst carrying out maintenance, repairs, or inspections. Whether you're a professional mechanic working in a busy garage, a mobile technician attending call-outs, or a DIY enthusiast tackling weekend projects at home, investing in quality axle stands is absolutely critical for your safety.

Our range includes axle stands from trusted manufacturers including Sealey, Draper, and Bahco, with capacities ranging from standard passenger cars through to heavy-duty commercial vehicle stands. You'll find traditional pin-type stands that offer reliable, proven technology, as well as more modern ratchet-style stands that allow for fine height adjustment and quicker positioning. Many professional-grade models feature extra-wide bases for enhanced stability, whilst low-entry designs are perfect for working with lowered or sports vehicles. We also stock convenient combo kits that pair axle stands with trolley jacks, giving you a complete lifting solution in one package.

When selecting axle stands, capacity is paramount—always check the Safe Working Load (SWL) and ensure it exceeds your vehicle's weight with adequate safety margin. Remember that you'll typically use stands in pairs, so the combined capacity is what matters. Our collection includes stands rated from 2 tonnes per pair through to heavy-duty 10 tonne models suitable for light commercial vehicles and vans.

Jargon Buster

• Safe Working Load (SWL) - The maximum weight that an axle stand is rated to support safely, usually expressed in tonnes. Always work well within this limit and never exceed it.
• Ratchet Type - Modern axle stands featuring a ratcheting bar mechanism that allows for precise, incremental height adjustment. Generally quicker to set up than traditional pin-type stands.
• Pin Type - Traditional axle stand design using removable pins inserted through holes at set intervals to lock the height. Simple, robust, and proven technology favoured by many professionals.
• Saddle - The top cradle or contact point of the axle stand that sits against the vehicle's jacking point. Often features a rubber insert to prevent damage to the underside.
• Minimum/Maximum Height - The range of working heights the stand can accommodate, important when working with lowered vehicles or when you need extended reach.
• TÜV/GS Certification - German safety certification indicating the stands meet rigorous European safety standards, providing additional peace of mind for professional use.

Who Uses Axle Stands?

• Professional Motor Mechanics - Daily use in garages and workshops for all types of vehicle servicing and repair work
• Mobile Mechanics - Portable safety equipment for on-site repairs and maintenance call-outs
• MOT Testing Stations - Essential for safe vehicle inspection and underside examination
• Fleet Maintenance Engineers - Servicing company vehicles, vans, and light commercial fleets
• Classic Car Enthusiasts - Restoration projects and regular maintenance of cherished vehicles
• DIY Motorists - Home mechanics carrying out their own servicing, brake changes, and repairs
• Agricultural Engineers - Working on tractors and farm machinery requiring robust support equipment
• 4x4 and Off-Road Specialists - Installing modifications and carrying out suspension work requiring extended height stands
• Racing Teams and Track Day Enthusiasts - Quick, reliable vehicle support for pit work and adjustments

How to Choose the Right Axle Stands

Weight Capacity: This is your primary consideration. Check your vehicle's kerb weight in the handbook and select stands with adequate capacity. Remember you'll typically use a pair, and it's wise to have at least 20-30% capacity above your vehicle's weight as a safety margin. For everyday cars, 2-3 tonne stands are usually sufficient, whilst vans and 4x4s may require 5 tonne or higher capacity models.

Height Range: Consider both the minimum and maximum heights. If you've got a lowered vehicle or sports car, look for low-entry designs that can get underneath. Conversely, if you're working on 4x4s or need access for larger repairs, extended height stands are essential. Check that the adjustment range suits the work you'll be doing most often.

Adjustment Mechanism: Pin-type stands are simple, reliable, and favoured by many old-school mechanics for their robust construction. Ratchet-type stands offer quicker, more precise height adjustment and are generally easier to operate single-handed. Pneumatic rise models are the premium option, allowing rapid positioning with minimal effort—ideal for busy professional workshops.

Base Stability: A wide, sturdy base is crucial for preventing tipping, especially on less-than-perfect workshop floors. Heavy-duty models often feature extra-wide feet and reinforced construction. If you're working on uneven surfaces or outside, this becomes even more critical.

Build Quality and Standards: Look for stands manufactured to European safety standards and carrying appropriate certifications. Reputable brands like Sealey, Draper, and Bahco have established reputations for quality. Check for features like welded (not bolted) construction, powder-coated finishes for corrosion resistance, and rubber saddle inserts to protect vehicle jacking points.

Storage and Portability: Consider where you'll store your stands. Some models nest together for compact storage, whilst others come with dedicated storage racks. Mobile mechanics should prioritise lightweight aluminium designs or models that pack down efficiently for van storage.

Popular Accessories

• Trolley Jacks - Essential companion equipment for initially lifting the vehicle before positioning axle stands underneath
• Rubber Saddle Pads - Protect vehicle jacking points and prevent scratching or damage to the underside
• Axle Stand Storage Racks - Keep your workshop organised and stands safely stored when not in use
• Wheel Chocks - Critical safety equipment to prevent vehicle rolling whilst jacked up
• Low-Profile Creepers - Comfortable access underneath the vehicle once safely supported on stands
• Inspection Lamps and Work Lights - Essential for seeing what you're doing in the dark recesses under a vehicle
• Jack Pads and Adapters - Specialist accessories for vehicles with specific jacking point requirements
• Load Levellers - Useful when working on uneven ground to ensure stands sit level and stable

Safety Information

Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Hydraulic and mechanical jacks are lifting devices, not support devices—they can fail without warning. Always use properly rated axle stands as your primary support once the vehicle is raised.

Always work on firm, level ground. Concrete workshop floors are ideal; avoid soft ground, tarmac in hot weather, or sloped surfaces. Place stands on solid timber boards if working on less stable surfaces to spread the load.

Position axle stands only at manufacturer-approved jacking points specified in your vehicle handbook. These are reinforced areas of the chassis designed to take the vehicle's weight. Never place stands under bodywork, suspension components, or other unsuitable areas.

Use stands in pairs and ensure they're set to the same height with locking mechanisms fully engaged. Give the vehicle a gentle shake test before committing to work underneath—if anything moves or feels unstable, stop immediately and reposition.

Always apply the handbrake firmly and leave the vehicle in gear (or Park for automatics). Use wheel chocks on the wheels remaining on the ground as an additional safety measure, in accordance with HSE guidance on working with vehicles.

Inspect your axle stands regularly for signs of damage, corrosion, or wear. Never use stands with bent components, damaged locking mechanisms, or visible cracks in welds. Replace damaged equipment immediately—your life depends on it.

Never exceed the Safe Working Load rating of your stands. When in doubt, choose higher capacity equipment. Remember that dynamic loads (such as working energetically underneath) can increase forces on the stands beyond the static vehicle weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What capacity axle stands do I need for my car?

Check your vehicle's kerb weight in the owner's manual or online. As a general rule, a typical family car weighing around 1,400kg would be safely supported by a pair of 2-3 tonne capacity stands. However, it's wise to have at least 25% capacity margin above your vehicle's weight. Larger vehicles, SUVs, and vans will require 4-6 tonne stands, whilst commercial vehicles need heavy-duty 10 tonne or higher rated equipment. Remember the capacity shown is usually per pair, not per individual stand.

What's the difference between pin-type and ratchet-type axle stands?

Pin-type stands use a removable pin inserted through holes at fixed intervals to lock the height, offering simple, robust construction that many professionals trust. Ratchet-type stands feature a ratcheting bar mechanism allowing fine, incremental height adjustment without removing pins, making them quicker to set up and reposition. Both types are safe when properly used and maintained—ratchet stands offer convenience, whilst pin stands provide old-school reliability and often cost less.

How many axle stands do I need?

For most routine maintenance work (oil changes, brake work, suspension repairs), you'll need a pair of stands to support one end of the vehicle. However, if you need to lift the entire vehicle—for example, when removing the exhaust system or carrying out extensive underside work—you'll need four stands. Many professionals keep both a 2-tonne pair for lighter work and a 3-4 tonne pair for heavier vehicles or when additional capacity is needed.

Can I use axle stands on sloping ground?

No, you should always use axle stands on firm, level ground. Working on slopes significantly increases the risk of the vehicle shifting or the stands toppling. If you have no choice but to work on a slight incline, use substantial wheel chocks, ensure the handbrake is firmly applied, and consider placing the stands on substantial timber boards to spread the load. However, the safest practice is always to find level ground before beginning any work underneath a vehicle.

Do I need to use a jack as well as axle stands?

Yes, absolutely. You need a trolley jack or bottle jack to initially lift the vehicle off the ground, then you position the axle stands underneath at the appropriate jacking points before carefully lowering the vehicle onto them. The jack is the lifting device, whilst the stands are the support device. Many professionals leave the jack in place as a backup even after the stands are positioned, providing an additional layer of safety, though the stands should bear the vehicle's full weight.