Harbor freight has issued a recall on 2 of their jack stand models. If you own them stop using them and return them to the nearest store for a refund.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/33572/...denly-collapse

 

There's a reason they're known as Hazard Fraught.

 

Ya I never buy any of their cheap tools for this very reason.

 

Thank you for the heads up GolNat. I didn't know about this and informed my brothers. I guess it's why one of them calls HF Bottom Of The Harbor Freight.

Hopefully my NAPA stands are okay. I bought them 15 years ago, the only set I could find with a wide beefy saddle that would securely support my pick-up truck frame. The pawl arrangement looks sound, with good locking depth.

 

I use ramps when I change the oil but a few weeks ago I cut up some 2X6s so that the next time I drive up onto the ramps I can stack the lumber under the car so if a ramp fails the car won't drop.

 

Yeah I always use ramps when I can.

Not all HF stuff is bad. I have several of their tools including their floor jack that is very nice. Many of the stuff they carry is the same as GearWrench, Eastwood, or Lowes/HD brand just painted a different color.

I watched a video of the problem stands and if mine were like that I would have not used them. You could see that it was not latching properly.

Always important to do a good shakedown once the car is lifted also. If I have the car up on 4 stands I'll do a 4 corner shake test.

 

Replacement stands are now also recalled

Now if you read the Road &Track article and link, HFs wording may lead to believe that potentially some of their 2011-2020 Jacks Stands might have a defect. They list the model numbers back to 2011 on this link and say that you can even take those in for a refund- no replacement.

https://www.harborfreight.com/js-det...8,894,925&uid=

 

I still have my eye on one of their hydraulic jacks... If some thing as simple as a stand failed, how much faith should i put in the complex lifty thing?

 

I have their low profile jack and it has been great. Hydraulic jack is only for lifting and not meant to be worked under so I never put too much faith into them.

 

I have the HF hydraulic lift as well - their 3T low profile version from 2019. I would never trust a hydraulic lift that didn't have lockouts/pins to prevent it from falling. HF's lowest cost bidder made that hydraulic bit to just pass requirements.

I only use the lift to move things up - then jack stand the snot out of the car.

I wouldn't doubt that HF will re-review parts for defects and find issue with certain hydraulic lifts - FM GLobal or their insurance will require them to step up efforts or pay 50% more insurange premiums now.

 

https://www.thedrive.com/news/34038/...ely-failed-too

https://www.thedrive.com/news/33679/...erous-they-are