This might be a silly question…
Why are jack stands preferred over cinder blocks?
Ive never known a cinder block to fail and to tell you the truth,,, jack stands scare me.. I know of 3 guys locally,, who were seriously injured or killed by a jack stands fail.
Again,,, just my own personal thoughts and opinions.
I never ever work on any vehicle while on a jack..unless I’m changing a tire in the middle of nowhere.
I use to carry a big ol section of oak set underneath. , until I thought the cinder block was a bit safer.

I normally use wood blocks. But right now I have a jeepster commando in the garage on jack stands. Its not heavy like my f350 and on concrete. Smack a concrete block with a hammer and then a wood block. I see alot of people use concrete block the wrong way, on their side or on end.

Never , never use cinder blocks. They can fail very easily.

Jack stands used properly are much safer. Large solid wood blocks also work.

Never use cinder blocks.

I like jackstands because they're so light and easy. I usually toss a tire under as a backup

Wood blocks for me also. Those jack stands that I have used have the trip lever exposed and would be easy to hit it and trigger the release of that jack.

I had a friend who was nearly killed when the jackstands "failed" he pulled the drive shaft and a suv rolled back off the stands, not really a jackstand fail, more of a brain fail

Easy question. Jack stands are way less likely to crumble and kill you. As said above, wood blocks are way better option than cinder blocks. Never trust a cinder block!

…….. I’ll add that most jack stand “failures” are usually operator error. Stand on a slope, in wrong spot or lock not fully engaged.

Cinder blocks were phased out in the 1940's because they crumbled on their own after a few decades. They were replaced by concrete blocks which is what we all use today.

Concrete blocks have very little lateral strength, lay one on it's side and put weight on it and it will break. They have lots of vertical load strength though.

I prefer 6 x 6 x 24" blocks of wood over concrete blocks or jack stands. As a contractor and deck builder, I have an unlimited supply of them.

Kid from school was killed when cinder blocks collapsed on him. Never ever use them to support a car!

Also had a co-worker killed when a jack holding up his lawn tractor leaked down while he was putting the blades on. It didn't crush him, he couldn't get it off him and it suffocated him from being on his chest.

Ive seen Cinder blocks fail very easily. Jack stand usually only fail because operator error, which means if u think cinder blocks are safe u probably shouldn't trust yourself to jack stands.

Snowy when u put weight on the jack stands its very difficult to move the lock leaver

Wood blocks

What he said.......misuse is almost always the problem that causes the failure.

That applies not only to jack stands but masonry blocks (cinder or concrete) or wood block supports. Used properly, they work, used haphazardly, they can fail. They all need to be used on a solid base that is reasonably level so they are stable.

But, I will agree that wood blocks in the typical application the OP is addressing would be my 1st choice. But I would not be afraid of jack stands on a level concrete floor either. If I used masonry blocks, they need a solid base under them and a solid cap on top like a wood or metal plate to distribute weight.

Hundreds of thousands of mobile homes set on stacked masonry block pillars. I have 40' freight containers that weigh 5 toms empty that set on stacked masonry block pillars that simply work.

Would I trust my life to a couple of stacked masonry blocks (typical 8" blocks with holes) setting on bare soft ground with a car frame setting directly on top (no solid top plate)? No, I would not.

Application makes all the difference.

Jack stands

I meant to say , my f350 on concrete level floor.

Good post. Lots of proper info.

foxkidd44 ,
Look at it this way , spend the time to jack the vehicle properly and place your supports with the greatest care and most securely for maximum safety.

You are betting your life on it.

Some more pointers -

Jack stands are primarily to be used on a very solid flat surface like a concrete floor. Using them outside on the dirt or gravel can cause them to shift as things settle. Even asphalt can be a concern especially on a hot day. If using them in this manner , place a piece of thick plywood under them to act like a snowshoe to prevent sinking.

Don't use a cheap jack stand. Get decent ones. Don't use a damaged/repaired jack stand.

I have 10 jack stands. Different sizes and heights. If I can , I use more than I need in different spots as a backup plan.

Jacking up anything , level ground is a must.

As Donnersurvivor stated , putting a tire under the vehicle is a good backup plan. I do this too.

I've been known to use hefty pieces of firewood rounds placed flat as a backup too. I have 2 pairs of drive up car ramps , I use them too as a backup.

I also use my jacks as a backup too after placing the vehicle on the jack stands with all the weight on the stands and the jack just barely holding the load.

If just lifting one end of a car , use big wheel chocks on both sides of the tires still on the ground. Set the E brake if applicable , make sure the vehicle is in park.



It's kinda like this , buy a cheap $50 motorcycle helmet and you get minimal protection. I like to buy a $300-$500 helmet as my head is worth more than $50

Don't get into the Darwin award books please.

Blocks on tires to keep all movement secured, first