Axle Stands

About Axle Stands

Axle stands are indispensable safety equipment for anyone working beneath a vehicle, providing secure mechanical support once a car, van, or light commercial vehicle has been lifted with a jack. Unlike hydraulic jacks which can suffer from seal failure or pressure loss, axle stands offer a fixed mechanical lock that holds the vehicle at a stable height, allowing safe access to the underside for maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Whether you're a professional mechanic working in a busy workshop, a mobile technician attending customer sites, or a home enthusiast tackling weekend servicing, quality axle stands are absolutely critical for personal safety.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes axle stands from trusted manufacturers such as Sealey, Draper, Bahco, and Kincrome, with capacities ranging from 2 tonnes for standard passenger vehicles through to heavy-duty 10 tonne models for commercial applications. The range encompasses traditional pin-type stands offering proven reliability, alongside modern ratchet-style designs that provide fine height adjustment and faster positioning. Professional-grade models feature extra-wide bases for enhanced stability, whilst low-entry designs accommodate lowered or sports vehicles. Convenient combo kits pairing axle stands with trolley jacks are also available, delivering a complete lifting solution in one package.

When selecting axle stands, capacity is paramount—always verify the Safe Working Load (SWL) exceeds your vehicle's weight with adequate safety margin. Remember that stands are typically used in pairs, so combined capacity is the critical figure. The Tooled-Up range includes stands rated from 2 tonnes per pair through to 10 tonne models suitable for vans and light commercial vehicles, ensuring options for every application from compact hatchbacks to larger work vehicles.

Jargon Buster

• Safe Working Load (SWL) - The maximum weight an axle stand is rated to support safely, expressed in tonnes. Always work within this limit and never exceed the stated capacity.
• Ratchet Type - Modern axle stands featuring a ratcheting bar mechanism allowing precise, incremental height adjustment. Generally quicker to position than pin-type stands and easier to operate single-handed.
• Pin Type - Traditional axle stand design using removable pins inserted through pre-drilled holes at set intervals to lock the height. Simple, robust construction favoured by many professionals for proven reliability.
• 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 paintwork and underside components.
• Minimum/Maximum Height - The range of working heights the stand can accommodate, crucial when working with lowered vehicles or requiring extended reach for larger repairs.
• TÜV/GS Certification - German safety certification indicating the stands meet rigorous European safety standards, providing additional assurance for professional workshop use.

Who Uses Axle Stands?

• Professional Motor Mechanics - Daily use in garages and workshops for comprehensive vehicle servicing and repair work
• Mobile Mechanics - Portable safety equipment for on-site repairs and maintenance call-outs at customer locations
• MOT Testing Stations - Essential for safe vehicle inspection and thorough underside examination
• Fleet Maintenance Engineers - Servicing company vehicles, vans, and light commercial fleets
• Classic Car Enthusiasts - Restoration projects and regular maintenance of cherished vintage vehicles
• DIY Motorists - Home mechanics carrying out servicing, brake changes, suspension work, and repairs
• Agricultural Engineers - Working on tractors and farm machinery requiring robust support equipment
• 4x4 and Off-Road Specialists - Installing modifications and performing suspension work requiring extended height stands
• Racing Teams and Track Day Enthusiasts - Quick, reliable vehicle support for pit work and trackside 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 25-30% 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 minimum and maximum heights. If you've got a lowered vehicle or sports car, look for low-entry designs that can get underneath easily. Conversely, if you're working on 4x4s or need access for exhaust work, extended height stands are essential. Check that the adjustment range suits the work you'll be doing most frequently.

Adjustment Mechanism: Pin-type stands are simple, reliable, and favoured by many experienced mechanics for their robust construction. Ratchet-type stands offer quicker, more precise height adjustment and are generally easier to operate. 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 for safe operation.

Build Quality and Standards: Look for stands manufactured to European safety standards 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 illuminating 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 evenly.

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 safety 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 25-30% 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 traditional 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.