Found my jack stand solution!

[tonythetiger]

I just bought the escos, replacing my recalled HF stands...they are great, stable and strong. Another plus is they aren't that expensive. The only "issue" is the high starting point, you need to get the car way up in the air to set them.
I will say, I like the combo hydraulic stands, but already made my purchase. The lift bars are really tempting, but around 300 bucks and my hope that I wont need the car in the air for awhile keeps my from making the plunge. I have one last project in the works and then Ill drive it for the summer.

[rexcramer]

HF gave me $21.57 back and I bought a new pair from Walmart, +/- $30. They look identical. They also look like another pair that I have had for +/-30 years. All of them are made in China.

+1 on the Liftbars. I bought a pair a couple of years ago and still glad I did. As much as I like Esco's, you need the yoke of the HF style for the Liftbars to work. They feel very solid in use. Like the Esco's, it takes some back and forth to get it up to full height.

My take away is to check the yoke cast pieces for quality. They should look like a sharp saw blade. If the edges are damaged or look like a poor casting, replace them. Also check the cog that they catch on. It should swing freely and have a sharp edge to it also. I also keep my jack, wheels, stacks of wood under the car as back up.

Originally Posted by tonythetiger

The lift bars are really tempting, but around 300 bucks and my hope that I wont need the car in the air for awhile keeps my from making the plunge.