Car on axle stands - does this look safe to work under, any suggestions?

[Mexico14]

Safety first, just checking if there's anything I've overlooked?

[Rp0thejester]

I would never say working under axle stands is safe. It can be made safer though, like putting the tyres under the chassis also wooden planks/blocks just incase of axle stand movement/collapse

[CitroJim]

Whenever I put a car up on stands I always test the integrity of the stands by giving the car a good hard rocking. If it stays well in place then I'm happy it's OK... Like Ryan, I still have some secondary support in place...

Just to say, with any hydropneumatic Citroen it is ESSENTIAL to always use stands and be sure they're good. The suspension can sink at a moments notice and they have killed - all far too often...

[Steve Walsh]

I have a car lift in my workshop with safety locks to prevent it dropping if the hydraulics failed, but I always have a phone within reach when underneath just in case!

[MattBLancs]

Whenever I put a car up on stands I always test the integrity of the stands by giving the car a good hard rocking. If it stays well in place then I'm happy it's OK

Always do "the wobble test"



I've no direct experience, but read lots of unfavourable reports about those fold up style axle stands, take extra care with those.

As others have said chock wheels (bricks, chunks of timber, specific wheel chocks) that remain on the floor (as well as handbrake + in gear/park)

[MattBLancs]

Just to add, two ramps and two axle stands (especially two chuffing enormous 5 tonne ones given to me by a neighbour) = solid as a rock!

Today I will mostly lying under here and covering myself in a thick layer of rusty fragments

[Hell Razor5543]

I have got a set of those axles stands (got them from Lidl years ago), and they work well. The don't take up too much space when collapsed, and when the supports are folded out the stand will not fall over (unless pushed over hard to one side). Just make sure the security pin is clipped into place so the main pin cannot be knocked out accidentally.

[MattBLancs]

I have got a set of those axles stands (got them from Lidl years ago), and they work well. The don't take up too much space when collapsed, and when the supports are folded out the stand will not fall over (unless pushed over hard to one side). Just make sure the security pin is clipped into place so the main pin cannot be knocked out accidentally.

Good to hear of direct experience, and indeed more so to hear they are good!

Always wonder with reviews online - useless product or case of "operator error"

[Stickyfinger]

Question, do you trust you life to something that cost £1 to make in China.

.....if not add in fail safes like tyres/ramps/blocks. Axle stand are really not designed to allow you to go under the car.

[MattBLancs]

Axle stand are really not designed to allow you to go under the car.

That's news to me, thought that was exactly what they are for!

A jack is for raising not support, but the support is axle stands!?

About axle stands and trolley jacks from Halfords
When used in conjunction with a jack, our axle stands enable you to access the entire underside of your car safely. Maintaining and making minor repairs to your car from your own garage has never been more accessible

https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-w ... ley-jacks/

...used to support cars and other vehicles that have been lifted off the ground to access the underside.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/di ... ands-guide

[Steve Walsh]

You are right Matt, if used correctly they are safe

[moizeau]

Yep, if used correctly and are stable on solid level ground they're fine.

there were also another 2 further back (out of view) and the front wheels under the sills.
This was a clutch job, so g/box out.

[MattBLancs]

Gearbox off (and using axle stands) = snap!

And a brief magic trick:

Spoiler: show

Behold the flying stand!

[Stickyfinger]

I disagree 100%.....esp for the type in the photo....as I said, always have a back up support that will save your life.

Go under the car with Chinese monkey metal jack stands = NOT A CHANCE.

Axle stand are really not designed to allow you to go under the car.

That's news to me, thought that was exactly what they are for!

A jack is for raising not support, but the support is axle stands!?

About axle stands and trolley jacks from Halfords
When used in conjunction with a jack, our axle stands enable you to access the entire underside of your car safely. Maintaining and making minor repairs to your car from your own garage has never been more accessible

https://www.halfords.com/tools/garage-w ... ley-jacks/

...used to support cars and other vehicles that have been lifted off the ground to access the underside.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/di ... ands-guide

[MattBLancs]

Ok, will agree to disagree as we obviously have differing levels of tolerable risk. I'm happy I'm using equipment as intended and if bought relatively recently would be CE marked and hence safe if used as designed.

I agree a wheel rim or blocks of wood thrown under the car are "cheap insurance" should the stands collapse or topple for whatever reason and a dented alloy a better option than a dented head!