What jack & jack stand combo are you using?

http://www.searsoutlet.com/2-1-2-Ton-Floor-Jack-Low-Profile/d/product_details.jsp?md=ct_md&pid=20178&mode=seeAll


Craftsman 2-1/4 ton Jack Stands, 2 pk. - Tools - Mechanics & Auto Tools - Lift Equipment & Jacks



I recommend a good wheel "cross wrench" for easy lug nut spin-on-off. Had one with right size already. Also get a good tire gauge. My first flat required me to use the factory kit because I left the good stuff in the garage after doing work on another car. That will never happen again. The factory supplied kit is a POS.

 

This aluminum racing floor jack from Harbor Freight has got to be my favorite;

Aluminum Floor Jack - 1.5 Ton Aluminum Racing Jack

I paid $80 for my first one in 2003. I've bought two more at about $60 each. It weighs about 20 pounds, and I've kept one in all of my cars since I got my first one. It makes tire changing absolutely easy.

These are my favorite jack stands;

Torin T43004 3 Ton Aluminum Jack Stands (Sold in Pairs) : Amazon.com : Automotive

They have a large base surface area and don't sink in on soft surfaces. They have nearly flat tops that don't bend chassis parts.

My other favorite tool is a 16 inch of schedule 80 3/4 inch 6061-T6 aluminum pipe with a vinyl motorcycle grip on one end. It works easily to extend any lug wrench to rempve overtightened lug nuts. Even a weakling with arthritis can use it to advantage. I never leave it out of any car or truck. And, being aluminum, it weighs only 12 ounces. Anyone interested, I can make them up and send them one at a reasonable price of $23 delivered by Priority Mail. It is super strong, the comfortable handle makes it great for freezing temperatures.

 

I also use a Sears floor jack (old 3 ton model) and the "3 Ton Aluminum Jack Stands" from Harbor Freight Aluminum Jack Stands - 3 Ton I use the stands on their lowest setting, the jack gets the car about 3-4 inches above that height so there's sufficient room to slide them in and out.
I also use the solid rubber wheel chocks from HF Rubber Wheel Chock - Save on this Solid Rubber Wheel Chock

 

I'm generally a fan of Harbor Freight, particularly for tools that have a limited use. I have never been able to get over the worry of relying on their tools where there is a degree of safety risk involved. Hence, I have stayed away from jacks and jack stands where they are the only thing between nearly 2 tons of car and concrete. Most of the products out their are probably coming from the same factories. My hope is that an importer with a reputable brand name will have a quality verification program in place.

That said, I don't have a specific brand recommendation as I bought my jacks and stands 12+ years ago. Those Torin stands do look cool though. I have an asphalt drive and the base would come in handy. For a jack, I would look for something that has a lower profile and a long reach. The lower profile will make it easier to get under cars that are either lowered, or where you have jacked one end up already. The longer reach will help get the car up higher for either more work room or high enough to get the tires off the ground if you are working on a larger vehicle (e.g. SUV, truck, mini van).

 

I've had three of the aluminum jacks over the past 10 years. I'd NEVER get under any jack alone. The jacks are made in the same factories in China as the expensive OTC models.

I have a very heavy Sears Craftsman KYB Japanese jack that over 30 years old. It still works, but I prefer the "NO DAMAGE" rubber pad flat top aluminum racing jack.

 

+1
The HF Aluminum Jack stands are very heavy duty with a wide base- and especially stable the way they're used with the Prius- on their lowest setting with the "Y" piece sitting directly on the jack stand frame top collar.

Of course- if you're just doing an oil change- the Rhino Ramps (RhinoGear 11909 RhinoRamps Vehicle Ramps (Pair,12,000lb. GVW Capacity) : Amazon.com : Automotive) are probably the best bet.

Nice thing w/the Prius is that at 10k miles oil change- it's time to rotate the tires too. If you get yourself 2 pairs of jackstands you can get both jobs done quite quickly with a minimum of effort.

 

Fully agree and I consider it a must as well. Also, if I'm working under the car on jack stands with the wheels off I'll often slide the wheels under the car for just another added measure.

 

To rotate tires, I just use two of the HF aluminum jacks. The $59.99 coupon is still out there. You just have to look in magazines and newspaper inserts. It sure is better than the $89.99 price tag, even with the 20% off coupon,

 

I have an American Forge and Foundry 200t jack:
Automotive floor jacks, hydraulic jacks, floor jacks from ASE

I also have a Hein-Warner 2-ton:

Floor jacks from Hein Werner

The Hein-Warner is a slightly better jack. It raises and lowers the car smoother and in a more controlled manner.

For jack stands, I have the infamous orange ones that you get for $7.99 on sale and I use the red rubber pads to prevent the peaks from going through the side of the car.

For the money, if you are an occasional user, the $110 Arcan jack from Costco is very hard to beat.

 

Now here's a question. How many of you keep these in your vehicles. I have been doing this since 1989, with the exception of that one "forgot to them put back in". Guys try using the Prius jack sometime just for grims, or better yet, let the wife try it. Yes tires are better these days, but flats happen.

 

I just got the Costco Arcan 3.25 ton jack today for $99.00. It's really a low profile jack at 4" and it has a padded handle so you don't scratch the bumper if you over pump the jack on the way up.
There's also another round hard rubber pad on the jack to lift the car so it does not scratch the underneath of the car. Some have complained it should have teeth so a cross bar does not slip off the flat round pad.

Here's an image I found on line.

Google it or youtube it, it's reviewed everywhere.

I need to invest in rubber wheel chucks, next.

 

Sears "Special" - 3-ton jack, two 3-ton jack stands and a creeper for$99.99. Nothing special, works fine.
Also use Rhino Ramps.