Modifying an axle stand.

[Rorschach]

It would be complex indeed which is why I think a lot of these kinds of things are purposely over engineered for safety. I am sure you could use much less metal to support the weight of a car, and a 2 ton rated stand will be tested to at least double that.

Not a problem twisting it around, the pins are only 90deg apart and I am always at a slight angle to the stand when operating the jack so I can see both sets of holes. When jacking the car I like to lift the stand and put the pin through as I am jacking just in case the jack gives way or slips, the car won't drop as far then.

[Hitch]

No idea on the math for it to be honest. Generally, its not great to have holes less than 1.5x the diameter away from an edge, on simple connections. Theres not much load on the axle stand other than a compressive load, which steel is pretty good at accepting.

The set I have have, the holes in line at about 25mm centres.

[peter c]

My brother and I did that many years ago to a pair of Halfords axle stands. They have been used for many vehicles including vans and Land Rovers with no ill effects.

HTH

Peter C

[Rorschach]

Update for you, I have used the stands and I am still alive

They worked absolutely perfectly, just as solid as before, no sign or any stability or strength problems. There is only one thing I would change (done it already now) and that is I should have added another set of holes above the original ones. When I did the modification you can see I added 2 new holes between the original 3, I should have added another set above the original first hole.
Reason being when I was jacking up the car at the weekend I had to jack the car higher than necessary to engage the first pin hole, the wheels were already well clear of the road by this point and an extra hole would have meant having the car lower and more stable. Added benefit that if my jack had given out, the car would have dropped a maximum of 1" rather than 2".

I have since remedied this with the extra hole so next time I jack the car it will be even easier and safer than before.

[kellys_eye]

<digs out old axle stands and drill bits>

Very surprised they don't do this as OEM. Nice mod (no, not Moderator 2)

[Rorschach]

<digs out old axle stands and drill bits>

Very surprised they don't do this as OEM. Nice mod (no, not Moderator 2)

It appears some do have more holes than others. These days though I guess the ratchet type are more popular if you want that kind of "fine" adjustment. Works for me though and saves me buying new ones as these do the job perfectly well. My trolley jack on the other hand is a bit leaky now, I think I am due a new one
If I am honest I much prefer my bottle jack to the trolley, but it doesn't fit underneath the jacking point

If I could afford it I would love one of those twin parallelogram lifts that are operated by a single pump.