Leveling Feet, Jacks and Support Stands

Thread size and load: feet for furniture, stands for vehicles

Leveling feet are sized by thread and base. A listing such as M8 x 20 mm means an 8 mm thread that is 20 mm long, and the remaining figures give the base size, so the thread must match the insert in the furniture or machine. These feet suit cabinets, appliances and benches, and their load rating is modest. They are not stabilizers for a trailer or a lifted vehicle.

For lifting a vehicle, a floor jack raises it and jack stands hold it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Stand ratings are often quoted per pair, so check which applies, and choose stands rated well above the weight of the end you are lifting, check that the lifting range gives you enough clearance, and use them on firm, level ground. A floor jack's low minimum height matters for low cars.

Network jacks and laser levels in the same list

Some items called jacks here are not for lifting. Modular network jacks, such as a Cat6 8-position jack, are wall-plate sockets that terminate Ethernet cable with a punch-down tool. Match the category to your cable, for example Cat6, and check the wiring scheme, T568A or T568B, which the jack may mark with color codes. Choose the color and the keystone or panel style to suit your wall plate.

Levelers also include bubble and laser levels. A bubble level is simple and needs no power, while a laser level projects a line or dots over a longer distance for hanging shelves or setting tile. Compare range, accuracy over distance and whether the unit self-levels. For vehicle levelers and stabilizers, check the working load, the base width and the thread or mounting method.

Questions about Leveling Feet, Jacks and Support Stands

What does M8 x 20 mean on a leveling foot?

M8 is a metric thread with an 8 mm diameter, and 20 mm is the length of the threaded stud. Check that the matching nut or insert in your furniture is also M8, and that the stud length fits the depth available. Thread pitch can differ, so confirm it when replacing an old foot.

How many tons should jack stands be rated for?

Pick stands whose rating is well above the weight of the part of the vehicle you lift, with a margin, and check whether the rating is per stand or per pair. Heavier vehicles such as trucks and SUVs need higher ratings. Always place them under the factory lift points on firm, level ground.

Does a Cat6 jack need Cat6 cable?

For full Cat6 performance, yes: use Cat6 cable, a Cat6 jack and matching patch cords. Mixed categories still work, but the link is limited to the lowest rated part. Terminate the wires in the order shown by the T568A or T568B marking on the jack and use the same scheme throughout.