Would you entrust your life to the Jack Rod?

      AGM

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      This morning, a fellow editor asked me if I would trust my life to something called “the Jack Rod.” Initially, I thought he was referring to a power-up from Halo that I had forgotten about, but he meant a specific brand’s version of a long-standing garage accessory: a jack lock. So, are jack locks safe? In the appropriate circumstances, yes. I wouldn't want to be under a car supported solely by one unless absolutely necessary, but they do serve a purpose in certain situations.

      The Jack Rod is produced by AGM, a well-known brand with an extensive range of appealing shop tools and off-road accessories. The concept behind this product is straightforward—it’s a height-adjustable, high-strength rod that you place between a floor jack’s saddle and its front axle, thus transforming the jack into a type of jack stand. Pro Eagle (a prominent name in off-road jacks) offers something similar, as do other brands. I can tell you that there are plenty of mechanics in my area using 2x4 scraps for the same purpose.

      For those who aren’t experienced with vehicle maintenance but have stumbled upon this article, a hydraulic floor jack is excellent for raising a car but not ideal for holding it in place for extended periods. That’s why it’s essential to place jack stands, designed to support hefty weights indefinitely, beneath a car’s frame or axles prior to crawling underneath. For added safety, position a wheel under the vehicle as well, and ensure there's someone nearby who can hear you if things start to go awry.

      Now, returning to the initial topic. My colleague observed that comments on Reddit and Instagram appear “divided” regarding the Jack Rod’s safety. I believe the AGM representative in the promotional video adequately addressed this when he stated: “I know this tool is awesome, but it’s not so amazing that we can stop using common sense once we’ve got one” around the 3:30 mark.

      When utilized properly and in the right scenarios, I believe a jack lock is indeed safe enough. On level ground with wheel chocks, in a situation where only one quadrant of the vehicle needs to be elevated, your jack should not be at risk of rolling away. Changing a tire or working on brakes? Absolutely. Need to lift the vehicle for a quick inspection? Sure thing. However, it’s important to remember that the jack itself is still on wheels. While it’s highly unlikely for it to roll away, it’s not entirely impossible. It can be more easily kicked or dislodged compared to fixed-foot jack stands.

      Often, when you’re doing DIY work, you’re not in an entirely flat or optimal setting. Additionally, your car might need to be elevated for a longer duration than initially anticipated or require a greater height than expected. Furthermore, the pad of your jack isn’t designed for optimal stability, while jack stands are.

      For quick tire changes at the track or home brake services, one of these devices could be a perfectly safe time-saver. However, if you’re tackling a significant job that will take a considerable amount of time, involving heavy weight shifts or working in areas that aren't completely level, it’s wise to invest in high-quality jack stands as well.

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