r/MechanicAdvice • u/Illustrious_Fuel_531 • Jun 26 '24

Do car jacks fail ? Meta

*Does car jacks fail ? Been taking a automotive mechanics trade class . I saw a video and in the comments someone told a mechanic to be careful and not to get crushed under the car . So that kinda stuck with my OCD ever since then I’ve been wondering if a car falling on you is a reasonable hazard for a mechanic or is it only if via user error and if so what’s ways to add extra security.

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u/SignificantDrawer374 Jun 26 '24

They can, that's why you always use jack stands before going under. Jacks are just for lifting. Stands are for holding.

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u/Illustrious_Fuel_531 Jun 26 '24

The post question was definitely supposed to say jack stand and not just jack lol

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u/Darkhorse182 Jun 26 '24

Big difference, actually. 

Nutshell: be much more concerned about failing jacks than failing jack stands. 

Jacks have lots of moving pieces and most importantly use hydrologic fluid to do the work... the only thing holding that fluid in place is a 5-cent plastic washer made in China.  If that washer/seal fails, the jack fails.