Jack stands, as a key component supporting heavy objects, once rusted and corroded, not only will it affect the load-bearing stability, but it may also cause safety hazards due to a decrease in structural strength. Here are 4 maintenance techniques to extend its lifespan, covering everything from daily maintenance to deep protection:

1.  Regular cleaning to remove the source of rust

• Cleaning frequency: Adjust according to the usage environment. It is recommended to clean once a week for outdoor work or humid environments, and once a month for indoor dry environments.
• Cleaning method:
  1. First, rinse the surface of the bracket with a high-pressure water gun or wet cloth to remove sediment and oil stains, and remove surface impurities;
  2. If slight floating rust has appeared, gently polish the rust with fine sandpaper (800 mesh or more) or steel wire ball until the metal color is exposed (to avoid excessive polishing damaging the bracket body);
  3. After cleaning, thoroughly dry with a dry cloth to ensure that there is no residual moisture (focus on wiping off areas that are prone to water accumulation such as gaps and solder joints).

2.  Coating protection, isolating corrosive media

• Applicable coating types:
  • Rust proof paint/anti-corrosion paint: Choose paint that matches the material of Jack stands (such as iron red rust proof primer+topcoat for iron brackets), ensure the surface is clean and dry before painting, apply 2-3 thin layers, and then apply the next layer after each layer is dry, focusing on covering the corners and welds;
  • Galvanizing treatment: If the bracket is a detachable component, it can be electroplated or hot-dip galvanized, and the zinc layer can form a "sacrificial anode" protection (zinc preferentially corrodes, protecting the iron substrate), suitable for long-term outdoor use of the bracket;
  • Rust proof oil/grease: For movable joints, screws and other parts, applying rust proof oil (such as Vaseline, special metal rust inhibitor) can not only prevent rust, but also maintain flexibility.

3.  Reasonable storage to reduce environmental erosion

• Storage points:
  • Choose a dry and ventilated indoor space to avoid outdoor storage (if outdoor storage is necessary, cover it completely with waterproof cloth and elevate the bottom to prevent moisture erosion on the ground);
  • When the bracket is idle, a thin layer of anti rust oil can be applied and wrapped with plastic film to isolate moisture in the air;
  • Avoid mixing with corrosive substances such as fertilizers and acid-base solutions to prevent chemical corrosion.

4. Timely repair to prevent rust from spreading

• Repair steps:
  1. Thoroughly remove rust and loose coating around with sandpaper or angle grinder until healthy metal is exposed;
  2. Wipe the treated surface with rust remover (such as oxalic acid solution) to neutralize any remaining rust stains, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry;
  3. Apply anti rust primer and topcoat, or reapply anti rust oil, to ensure that the repaired area is completely sealed.

By using the above four techniques, the rusting and corrosion rate of jack stands can be effectively slowed down, their service life can be extended, and safety during use can be ensured (especially during load-bearing operations, rusted jack stands may break due to insufficient strength, causing accidents). In daily use, it is recommended to flexibly adjust the maintenance frequency and methods based on the material of the bracket (cast iron, carbon steel, etc.) and the usage environment (humidity, high temperature, outdoor, etc.).