Sunday Quickie. Axle stands. 3 Leggers. Are they dangerous? This easy trick can improve safety.

I have heard people recommend not to use 3 legged axle stands. They're the only type I have so I always arrange them in a certain way. This helps the stability and in my view makes them ok to use.
As with any workshop lifting equipment, always make sure all safety precautions are taken into account. Mart.
This video represents my opinion. Always make sure you follow your own best judgement when using any equipment.

[@MakersGonnaMake]

Great Idea though I would imagine the idea of a tripod vs quadpod is that a tripods three point of contact will eliminate the chance of wobble. " 3 points form a plane. Therefore a tripod is incapable of wobbling. However, 4 points (legs) are difficult to align in a plane, and are therefore subject to wobble. Ever had to stuff a napkin under a table leg in a restaurant to keep it from rocking? Now, have you ever had to do that with a 3-legged barstool?"

[@MartsGarage]

Yeah, tripod is stable. Just got to watch for that short dimension. Thanks for watching.

[@pointman946]

Ty, Mart for bringing this to people's attention. I don't use 3 legged either, but if I did I would weld a flat plate to the bottom, for more stability, so they won't tip so easily. I do also use other supports too .

[@MartsGarage]

As with anything, Victor, a little thought goes a long way.

[@christophercole3936]

Excellent advice. Thanks for this tip.

[@MartsGarage]

Cheers, Christopher, glad you found it helpful. Mart.

[@FirstNameLastName-cj1nc]

Great advice Mart.

[@MartsGarage]

Thanks Mate. Nice user name btw.

[@colinmcnally5931]

The only thing 4 leg stands have over 3 leggers is spreading the weight over an extra leg. However 3 leggers are safer due to the 3 legged stool theory of being far more stable than a 4 legged stool on uneven ground!!

[@MartsGarage]

Hi Colin. This was in response to comments saying to throw them away and get 4 leggers. I'm happy to use them but am careful to arrange them in the way I describe in the video. Thanks for browsing the back catalogue and commenting.

[@cutworm59]

I have used model a axle tubes as stands. Even used bumper jacks. Your stands look really safe!

[@MartsGarage]

Yeah, I've got some axle tubes too. Used to use them to prop my trailer nose up.

[@johnblackburn7673]

Good advise everyone should take care using axle stands. It doesnt matter how many legs they have if they are not set up correctly on a good solid level base. I always put something else under the car just in case, like the wheels or a big wooden block. Also best to use with a good trolley jack.

[@MartsGarage]

Yeah, John, lots of care needed when anything is elevated.

[@bobgaylord8883]

I had a friend killed by those stands when one collapsed and crushed him. After that, I cut up the ones I had, so nobody else could use them and tossed them. I now only use 4-legged, cast stands with heavy wooden blocks for back-up. I love old cars, but prefer not to die under one.

[@MartsGarage]

Sorry for "Liking" the comment that you lost your friend. We all need to work safe. Part of this is to show people where the weakness is on these stands so they can make informed decisions, as indeed, you have done.

[@graemeburr6463]

Good advise Mart. Flatheads belong in our cars not under them.

[@MartsGarage]

Thanks Graeme. Just pointing out the weakness and giving people the knowledge to make their own choices.

[@corvettefan91]

I've had the bottom horizontal brace pop off on the Chinese sheet metal axle stands, they seem to be only spot welded. Switched to a cast metal pair my Dad had from the 1940's, only problem is they are pretty tall even at the lower setting and I only have two of them.

[@MartsGarage]

Yeah, I don't use the el cheapos. I have a few but never use them for anything I am going under.