Morris Minor Owners Club

this explains how important this topic is
http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewforum.php?f=1

bmcecosse wrote:Unfortunately the 'cradle' is usually too narrow to hold the chassis rail securely. Works well under the back axle tubes - and under the front suspension lower arms.....

That is why a shaped bit of wood is ideal. Grips the chassis on the flat side and nestles in the cradle of axle stand on the other side. The wood makes the chassis leg and axle stand a perfect fit, and therefore safer!

No question about axle stands is stupid as evidenced by the recent tragedy.

I totally agree -I have some relatively soft timber I use for this - the cradle of the axle stand bites into the timber and makes for a good solid support. And yes the absolutely tragic accident to dellerie makes this post extremely relevant. Does no-one ever use ramps these days ? Even if you don't want (or cant) get the wheels up on the ramps -they are extremely useful to shove under the car bodyshell when it is jacked up - with a slab of timber on top if possible. This makes for a very secure support. The thought of being trapped under a car - which is supposed to be a 'fun' hobby - just terrifies me. I sincerely hope everyone on here learns from this tragedy -and takes steps to make sure it never happens to anyone on here. Next time you jack up your car - just remember what happened to dellerie........

Yes BMC, I do put ramps with wood on them under the car and wheels if they are off the car, so if the car does fall off the axle stand then there is something to break the fall of the car rather than me!

I sincerely hope everyone will do so from now on.