Rich Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 So the new driveway is covered in gravel, quite large stones as well. Is it ok to use the jack and stands directly on it or should I get some wooden boards to use and what's the best type so it doesn't split under the weight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 You need something really solid like paving slabs i feel. Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMARTLY Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Agree with Tony, get four 18 x 18 plain concrete slabs. You need to spread the weight out over a larger area than that of the contact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liner33 Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 25mm thick ply is fine, thats what i use if i jack up on the drive . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 I was going to suggest plywood but then paving slabs would be more stable? Paving slabs are bloody heavy though to carry from the back garden.  Mind you looking at the prices of plywood it would be cheaper to buy the paving slabs. These aren't as thick but might do the job? Paving slabs from Wickes seem to be £2 each, can't find them in singles on ebay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 15mm thick isn't all that given the weight of the legs on them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liner33 Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Cheap slabs can crack and you are more likely to injure yourself carting them around IMO, the wood I use doesn't even get marked by the axle stands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 15mm thick isn't all that given the weight of the legs on them  Wouldn't using 2 on top of eachother be ok?  Cheap slabs can crack and you are more likely to injure yourself carting them around IMO, the wood I use doesn't even get marked by the axle stands  Yes I think it would do my back in carrying them to the drive before I've even started working on the car! Plywood will be so much easier to move. I take it your drive is gravel as well then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam_r Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 rich. go down a local fabricators and pick up some 3-4mm steel sections they dont bend. can be painted and left outside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 There's an idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Would steel sheets that thin really not flex under the weight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 I'm sure the fabricators would advise on that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMARTLY Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Would of thought steel sheets might have moved on the gravel? If you used slabs you could clear the gravel sink them on concrete and have them ready when you are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Then go buy a longer car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GamithUK Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 I have a couple of scaffolding boards that I use, very thick (an inch or so) wood with metal strap-ends to keep them together, I would nix the concrete slabs as too heavy and if they do go they will break suddenly which isn't going to help. I would get some thick wood panels of some sort - heavy duty ply would work and if the load was too much you will be able to tell well before they break.  ttfn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liner33 Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Yes my drive is 20mm gravel , I sometimes jack the car up to wash the arches etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2013 I think I will try the plywood first, it will be the easiest things to get hold of and move about as well. Would it be ok to use 2 of those 15mm boards on top of eachother? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted August 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2013 I haven't got around to getting the plywood yet but I have discovered that one half of the driveway is tarmac, the other half is concrete mixed with stones so very uneven. I am going to clear the stones from the tarmac side so I have a flat surface and it will be more comfortable to lay on when working under the car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted August 6, 2013 Report Share Posted August 6, 2013 Reads like a plan. I wonder why they only concreted half the drive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted August 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2013 I think the whole driveway was concreted but maybe this half was really bad so tarmac was laid a long time ago as a cheap solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted August 6, 2013 Report Share Posted August 6, 2013 Maybe the weather just got at it over the years then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted September 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 Anyone know if thick reclaimed plywood/OSB board will be ok to use, especially if I remove the gravel and put it on the tarmac?  I can't find any plywood offcuts apart from that one on ebay and the guy is messing me about with collection. Nothing local on gumtree and new sheets are £20+ and I would need 2 of them.  I did buy some scaffolding boards a while ago to use for something but don't need them now. I was thinking of cutting one down and using it for the axle stands, I think that would be strong enough? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMARTLY Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 Have you got a boat yard / boat builder or similar near you? You should be able to get some cheap marine ply off cuts there. Isn't there one by Casio Bridge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted September 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 I have no idea where Cassio Bridge is but I'm guessing near Cassiobury Park? Â I am in Norfolk the week after next, plenty of boating places up there so I might take a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMARTLY Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 It's the bridges at the bottom of Whippendell Rod   P & S Marine, postcode WD18 8SN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.