For any kind of work where a vehicle needs to be raised for mechanical work, automotive jacks and stands are a must. Most consumers know a little about how to use the jack that comes standard with many vehicles, but fewer know how to support a vehicle on stands for extended work times. Using automotive jacks in tandem with an auto body stand secures the vehicle for safety, and when it comes to being underneath a car or truck, safety is the first priority!

When businesses need to train new people in using car jacks and tools like automotive stands or car racks, the Internet offers resources for finding the right solutions. Readers can find:

1. Directions to programs from trade schools that will assist with auto jacks and stands safety training.

2. More resources from industry-related sites on how to work with car stands and automotive jacks.

3. Online guides and tips from independent auto repair pages.

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Check out schools for automotive jacks and stands through online ed sites

There are a lot of formal 'industry' or 'vocational ed' programs for auto mechanics through schools across the country that will cover vehicle safety with jacks and stands. Choose a program that fits the needs of a beginner.

I recommend: Schools like the Universal Technical Institute prepare students for doing auto repairs safely, including elements like jack and stand use for safe access to a vehicle. Find more auto repair schools online through CollegeBound.

Find automotive jacks and stands info at auto repair sites

Auto repair sites often include auto stand safety tips and more info about dealing with vehicles as a beginner or independent shop. Browse these sites to find a treasure trove of practical how-to info.

I recommend: Learn about jack safety and more at YouFixCars.com, a site with online ed resources for mechanics as well as an exhortation about the value of auto jacks and stands. Find more safety resources for jacks and stands at WheelScene.

Find more automotive jacks and stands guides from other independent sites

For learning quickly about how to use an automobile stand or a set of vehicle jacks, check out simple online tutorial pages that may include video or other helpful features in training beginners on jacks and stands.

I recommend: Auto Media's pictorial safety guide can be a resource for those who want to see what it looks like to correctly raise a vehicle for work. Get more safety tips at Street Directory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When choosing automotive jacks and stands education and training, see that your training covers all aspects of OSHA and federal standards for workplace safety. You may find that for comprehensive auto mechanic safety, jacks and stands represent just one of a number of pillars for a well-rounded education.

For any kind of business where workers need to get to the nooks and crannies of a vehicle, automotive jacks and stands are must-haves. The size, quality and features of these tools determine how good your service to clients will be.

Competent shops for road assistance and other vehicle-related services don't often use the same small standard tools that fit in the trunk of a sedan. Business owners invest in multi-feature, sliding jacks and stands in the following situations:

1. To quickly and easily assist motorists with flat tires or other tire troubles with mobile automotive jacks.

2. To get a vehicle up and down for a range of diagnostics.

3. To do the routine maintenance a car requires, like rotating tires using vehicle jacks, car stands or car racks.

4. To work on larger client vehicles, like boats and trucks, or public works vehicles, like trains.

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Buy from dedicated auto stand and jack makers

Some companies focus their manufacturing and distribution power on hydraulic or mechanical jacking processes. These dedicated auto stand and jack vendors, or shops offerings jacks for a variety of vehicles, routinely provide the specific hardware, such as automotive floor jacks, it takes to quickly get vehicles up in the air for inspection.

I recommend: Find pneumatic and hydraulic jack models that slide under vehicles for easy use at Metrohydraulic Jack Company's online site. Railquip specializes in vehicle jacks up to and including trucks and buses. The Automotive Lift Institute certifies lifts based on safety and design standards.

Get automotive jacks and stands from warehouse sellers

For other buys on car racks, auto stands or auto jacks, you can find deals at auto warehouse vendors. These shops offer vehicle jacks along with a wide range of other gear for the road or the off-road pit stop.

I recommend: Find auto jacks as part of a wide catalog at Automation Inc. This auto hardware shop sells cylinders, valves and other gear, as well as a vast array of tools and accessories online. Get auto jacks as well as air pumps, shop cranes and more at Zinko.

Find auto stands from online vendors

Another great tool for working on vehicles, the auto stand is a worthy companion to a good jack. Vehicles that are jacked up to required heights can be easily held in place by simple metal car stands rated to the weight of the vehicle.

I recommend: Aubuchon Hardware sells automotive jack stands with jacking capabilities, for getting a vehicle to a certain stance and keeping it there. Get more high-weight capacity stands for affordable prices at CSE Offroad, along with products like lift kits, exhaust systems, skid plates, cooling kits and other stuff for customizing vehicles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always evaluate safety controls for car jacks and tools. Extra features on automotive jacks and stands help out a lot, but don't neglect safety training for the staff that will be using this gear, especially if speed is one of the aspects of the business.

For those working in the car repair business, knowing automotive jacks and stands key terms is a must. Whether you're lifting cars, large trucks or engine parts, you should have a working knowledge of the many types of automotive jacks and stands. From hydraulic floor jacks to low and tall jack stands, you'll find that once you familiarize yourself with key terms, you'll never be at a loss as to what type of automotive jacks and stands you need for the job at hand.

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Scissor jacks

Scissor jacks are typically what you might find in the trunk of your car for changing a flat tire. Scissor jacks are portable and come in many types for lifting smaller cars up to campers. These jacks usually fit under the vehicle's panel rails and work by turning a handle, which extends the scissor arms.

I recommend: CN Jacks Machinery defines scissor jacks, describes uses and features, and displays photos.

Floor jacks

Floor jacks are commonly hydraulic and on wheels so they can be moved around easily. Floor jacks are able to lift vehicles from the frame, rather than panel rails, for better support. The vehicle is lifted when the handle is pumped, causing the hydraulic cylinder to extend the arm.

I recommend: Automotive Service Equipment shows a variety of hydraulic floor jacks along with specifications, descriptions of features and instructions for how to operate them.

Bottle jacks

Automotive bottle jacks allow for one-handed operation and work more quickly than hydraulic floor jacks. Bottle jacks can be used horizontally, upright or at an angle, and utilize a longer handle, resulting in more lift with each stroke.

I recommend: MyToolStore.com gives details about manual bottle jacks used in the automotive, construction and industrial industries.

Exhaust air jacks

An innovative way to jack up a car is by using an exhaust air jack. This jack comes equipped with a hose that attaches to the exhaust pipe, inflating a bag placed under one side of the vehicle. Gas fumes expand the bag, which jacks up the vehicle.

I recommend: Get a brief description, specifications and picture of an exhaust air jack at Northern Tool + Equipment Catalog.

Transmission jacks

Transmission jacks are specialized jacks designed to lift and move automotive transmissions. This allows for better access to transmissions during repairs. Transmission jacks also can be used to move and lift other automotive parts, such as differentials, axle assemblies and drive shafts.

I recommend: Meyer Hydraulics Corporation shows a transmission jack at work, lifting and transporting a transmission, and gives details about specifications, such as weight capacity and side tilt capability.

Ratcheting jack stands

Ratcheting jack stands often are recommended over automotive jacks when working under a vehicle. Ratcheting jack stands are adjustable to various heights. Ratcheting jack stands are made of steel, rest on four legs and are available in a variety of strengths, bearing weights from three tons up to 12 tons.

I recommend: FreePatentsOnline.com gives a detailed explanation about what ratcheting jack stands are and how they work.

With all the automotive jacks and stands types and styles available for purchase, you may think you need to own several jacks along with numerous stands. That’s not necessarily the case. If you do your homework before you purchase an auto stand or automotive jacks, you may be able to save money by getting just the right product for your job.

There are a number of factors you should consider as you look at the various automotive jacks and stands types and styles available. Cost is always a factor. You may be able to find good used automotive stands and automotive floor jacks if you are looking to save some money. You should also look at:

1. The weight of the vehicles you plan to work on. Each automotive jack stand and jack has a weight rating.

2. The tasks you plan to perform. You don’t want an engine jack to change tires.

3. The safety features of the automotive jacks and stands.

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Use floor and bumper automotive jacks to raise and lower vehicles

Whether you use the small scissor jack that comes with your car, or a floor jack designed to quickly elevate a vehicle, these are the most common types of automotive jacks. Many models require you to pump up a vehicle, while others use hydraulic power to move the car off the ground. If you are working on cars that set low to the ground, you should consider low-profile jacks.

I recommend: You can find bumper car racks at Automotive Service Equipment. These vehicle jacks raise either the front or rear of the vehicle by its bumper. Northern Tool + Equipment offers a full selection of automotive jacks. You can find automotive floor jacks in a variety of sizes and profiles.

Find specialty automotive jacks to perform specific tasks

You may need a special jack to get an engine out of your vehicle or to hold the transmission while you work on it. Other specialty jacks are available to lift special vehicles such as motorcycles.

I recommend: Use special scissor jacks from Greg Smith Equipment Sales to set your vehicles on car stands. They offer both new car jacks and tools and they also have “scratch and dent” offers at reduced prices. Otto Service offers hydraulic automotive jacks and stands to help hold a car’s transmission while you service it.

Put car stands under your cars

Whether you are showing off a restored vehicle by putting it on a display stand, or just putting a safety stand under your car while you work on it, automotive stands play a prime role in garage safety. Make sure you how to properly place your automobile stand to use it as safely as possible.

I recommend: Find automotive jack stands at Mechanics Tool Supply. Choose an automotive display stand from Discount Ramps.com to show off your automobile.