Pipe Jacks & Stands

Pipe Jacks & Stands — Shop WeldingMart

Whether you’re fitting up large-diameter pipeline, staging spool fabrication in a shop, or supporting structural pipe on a jobsite, the right pipe jack or stand is the difference between accurate alignment and wasted passes. This collection brings together B&B Sumner fixed-leg pipe jacks, folding-leg pipe jacks, adjustable roller stands, and specialty jack stands — 55+ SKUs covering height ranges from 16” to 52” and load capacities up to 5,290 lbs. per stand.

B&B Sumner is the benchmark brand for professional pipe support: third-party load-rated, field-proven on cross-country pipeline and refinery turnaround work, and backed by a parts ecosystem you can actually source. WeldingMart stocks the full Pro-Jack, Fold-A-Jack, Adjust-A-Roll, and FAB SAF Jack product lines so your crew doesn’t split orders across multiple vendors. For pipe welding consumables and fit-up tools that pair with these stands, see our Pipeliner & Fit-Up Tools collection.

Not sure which stand height or head type matches your pipe diameter? Our Pipe Welding guide walks through support spacing, head selection by pipe OD, and safe load distribution before your first tack.

Pipe Stands & Jacks Buying Framework

Who Needs This Collection

Pipeline contractors and field crews: Fixed-leg V-head pipe jacks (Hi Pro-Jack 32”–48”, Lo Pro-Jack 20”–38”, Stubby Pro-Jack 16”–26”) are the go-to for cross-country work where height must be set and locked fast. Load capacity up to 2,500 lbs. per jack handles mainline pipe through 36” OD. The FAB SAF Jack extends the range to 32”–52” for large-diameter transmission line.

Fabrication shops: Folding-leg jacks (Hi Fold-A-Jack 32”–48”, Lo Fold-A-Jack 22”–39”) store flat and deploy without tools — ideal when floor space is shared with other operations. Adjust-A-Roll roller stands let one fitter rotate pipe to any weld position without breaking the support setup.

Structural steel and HVAC: Bench-mount roller heads and the Uno Pipe Jack (custom height to spec) handle lighter structural pipe and conduit where precise positioning matters more than tonnage capacity.

Five-Point Buying Decision Framework

1. Height range — Match stand height to your work height. Fixed-leg jacks come in Stubby (16”–26”), Lo (20”–38”), and Hi (32”–48”) variants. FAB SAF extends to 52”. Folding jacks cover similar ranges with faster setup.
2. Load capacity — Calculate pipe weight per linear foot (carbon steel = ~10.68 × OD × wall thickness lbs/ft) and multiply by unsupported span length. B&B Sumner Pro-Jacks are rated to 2,500 lbs; Adjust-A-Roll units to 5,290 lbs with the steel wheel head.
3. Head type — V-head for fixed pipe positioning (welding, cutting, NDE); roller head (steel or rubber wheel) for rotation during welding or when pipe must travel along the stand. Rubber wheels protect coated pipe.
4. Leg style — Fixed leg for permanent or semi-permanent setups; folding leg for frequent repositioning; FAT Jack and FAB SAF Jack for extra-heavy or high-reach applications.
5. Quantity pricing — Bulk-pack SKUs (Qty 24, Qty 30, Qty 42) are available for pipeline spreads that need a full complement of stands. Price breaks are built into the listed bulk SKU price.

For welding supplies, consumables, and fit-up clamps that pair with these stands, browse our full welding supplies and equipment collection. If you’re new to pipe welding setup, the welding beginner’s guide covers basic pipe joint preparation and support best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions — Pipe Jacks & Stands

What is a pipe jack and how is it different from a pipe stand?

A pipe jack is a height-adjustable support with a V-shaped or roller head designed to cradle pipe at a specific working height, typically used during welding, cutting, or NDE inspection. A pipe stand is a broader category that includes both fixed-height and adjustable units. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably on the jobsite. The B&B Sumner Pro-Jack line uses the “pipe jack” designation for fixed-leg, pin-lock designs; the Adjust-A-Roll line is marketed as a roller stand. Both functions are served by products in this collection.

What load capacity do I need for my pipe diameter?

Load capacity is determined by pipe weight and unsupported span. Carbon steel pipe weight (lbs/ft) approximates to 10.68 × OD (in) × wall thickness (in). A 12” Schedule 40 pipe weighs roughly 28.6 lbs/ft; at a 10-foot span between stands, each stand carries about 143 lbs — well within the 2,500 lb rating of a B&B Sumner Pro-Jack. For larger-diameter pipe (24” and up) or spool assemblies, verify the combined weight of pipe plus fitting before selecting a stand. The Adjust-A-Roll with Steel Wheel Head is rated to 5,290 lbs per unit — the highest-capacity option in this collection.

What is the difference between a fixed-leg and a folding-leg pipe jack?

Fixed-leg pipe jacks (Pro-Jack Hi, Lo, Stubby) use rigid legs that are set and pinned at a specific height. They are more stable under heavy loads and preferred for mainline pipeline work where stands stay in position for extended periods. Folding-leg pipe jacks (Fold-A-Jack Hi, Lo) collapse flat for transport and storage, deploying without tools. They are the better choice for fabrication shops where floor space is reconfigured frequently. Both lines carry the same 2,500 lb load rating — the trade-off is convenience vs. absolute rigidity.

How do I choose between a V-head and a roller head?

A V-head cradles the pipe in a fixed V-groove — correct for welding, cutting, and NDE where the pipe must stay stationary. A roller head supports the pipe on steel or rubber wheels, allowing it to rotate or travel along the stand axis. Use roller heads when the fitter or welder needs to spin the pipe to access different weld positions (preferred for roll welding) or when pipe must be fed along a support line during fabrication. Rubber wheels are recommended for coated, lined, or polished pipe where steel wheels would damage the surface.

Can I use pipe jacks on uneven or soft ground?

B&B Sumner Pro-Jacks and Fold-A-Jacks have a fixed-footprint base designed for level, firm surfaces (concrete, compacted gravel, steel grating). On soft ground, use base plates or wood dunnage under each leg to prevent settling. The FAB SAF Jack features a wider base geometry that improves stability on unprepared surfaces. Never exceed the rated load on soft ground — settling under load changes the support geometry and can shift the pipe out of alignment or tip the stand.

What spacing should I use between pipe stands?

Spacing depends on pipe OD, wall thickness, and joint weight. A common field rule for carbon steel pipe is: maximum span (ft) = 1.3 × (OD in inches)^0.5. For a 6” OD pipe, that gives roughly 3.2 ft; for 12” OD, about 4.5 ft. Closer spacing is required near fittings, flanges, and during fit-up when alignment loads are highest. Always consult the applicable welding procedure or pipeline specification — API 1104 and ASME B31.4/B31.8 provide minimum support guidance for pipeline work.

Are B&B Sumner pipe jacks third-party load tested?

Yes. B&B Sumner published rated capacities are derived from independent third-party load testing, not manufacturer-estimated values. This distinguishes B&B Sumner from lower-cost competitors that publish nominal or theoretical capacities. When purchasing for OSHA-regulated worksites or projects with specified lift and support requirements, third-party load-rated equipment simplifies compliance documentation. Load ratings are marked on each jack and are available in the product spec sheets accessible from individual product pages.

Can pipe jacks be used for structural steel, not just pipe?

Yes, with the right head selection. A V-head pipe jack cradles round sections (pipe, tube, bar) efficiently. For wide-flange beams, HSS rectangular sections, or flat plate, a flat or saddle head adapter is more appropriate. Most B&B Sumner Pro-Jack models accept interchangeable head accessories. Confirm the head type listed in the product title matches your workpiece geometry before ordering. The bench-mount roller head (model 4505) is a good choice for lighter structural tube work where the piece needs to rotate during fabrication.

What is the difference between the Hi, Lo, and Stubby Pro-Jack variants?

The B&B Sumner Pro-Jack line is segmented by height range: Stubby covers 16”–26” (low-height applications such as supports close to grade or inside pit sections), Lo covers 20”–38” (the most common mid-range for shop and field fabrication), and Hi covers 32”–48” (elevated pipe or working at elevated bench height). Height ranges overlap between Lo and Hi — if your application sits in the overlap zone (32”–38”), choose Lo for a lighter carry weight or Hi for maximum upper-range reach. All three variants share the same 2,500 lb load rating and accept the same accessory heads.

How do I maintain and store pipe jacks and roller stands?

After each job, wipe down the height-adjustment mechanism and pin slots to clear weld spatter, dirt, and rust. Apply a light coat of oil or LPS-type rust inhibitor to the threaded adjustment screw and pivot points. Inspect the V-head or roller wheels for deformation — a deformed V-head can shift pipe alignment on the next setup. Store stands upright or stacked per the manufacturer’s guidance; Fold-A-Jacks can be collapsed and racked flat to minimize storage footprint. Replace any cracked welds, bent legs, or worn wheel bearings before returning a stand to service. B&B Sumner replacement heads, wheels, and pins are available through WeldingMart.