You rang I’m in the northern quarters of Derbyshire. The cast steel could be full of porosity especially if it’s Chinese made, they don’t follow the specs exactly as they should
The difference is that to my knowledge - Halfords has not recalled them, they are substantially heavier than the broken version. I dont go much for trying to get my bus as high as possible on the stands - usually only one to four teeth high. If I want higher , I use ramps with the wheels standing on them. This is also because my work area has a 2 degree slope I abandoned my original axle stands as they just sunk into the tarmac as their bases were too small.
Well I think people should use the ones with pins like @Soggz has I’ve never used those stupid ratchet things they look hideous and dangerous
I have got 8 of them stupid ratchet things, that are regularly used at full extent, and they are fine. (I might just give them a whack with a lump hammer now though!
For my sins I've got the Halfords ones I use them on the bug. I use them on the van for wheel tyre work no head under the van. Everything else is the big ones we got from sgs a they get the van more than high enough. Always have a back up under the van even a trolley jack locked off just shy of the van will give you vital time to move if it all falls over. Steel wheels with tyres on is the best under the van
I have 6x halfords stands but still leave the jack under the van/car, I have more than 1 jack You only get 1x life protect it!
Wow, you were lucky that didn't end very badly. Worrying to think there must be 100s or 1000s of these out there, probably owned by unsuspecting, very occasional DIYers - a disaster waiting to happen! I have a pair that look similar to Mike's which I bought 2nd hand, made in China, unbranded, no TUV or BS approval... They do seem quite substantial to me but you have me worried now!
Just one look at the shallow teeth on that ratchet would make me avoid! I’ve never used the things. Don’t trust them.
Put them on cut up bits of boards. Always take a 3’ piece of scaffold board with me,in case I have to jack the van up on grass/gravel.always take a 2 ton jack with me,too. I don’t trust those stupid jacking points.