Is it completely stupid...

[Mitching]

...To use a widow maker jack to jack up one side of a car while the other side is already on an axle stand?

I need to change the gear oil, but the only jack I have is a widow maker    :embarassed:

[Thom89]

As long as the stand opposite, is in a position where it cannot slip out, as the angle of the car changes as it rises. And the rear wheels are chocked front and back, and then the car can be lowered onto the other axle stand, before you get under the car, and the car is on level firm ground, you'll be OK

Thom

[Mitching]

Makes sense!
Cheers
Where would be best to stick the axle stands then?

[Thom89]

Makes sense!
Cheers
Where would be best to stick the axle stands then?

Under rear mountings of the front subframe, thats just behind the wheel, and it saves crushing your jacking points

PS, sorry for poor grammar in first post

Thom

[The Mighty Elvi]

Put the wheel (that you've taken off - axle stand side) under the car (widowmaker side) as you jack up.

That way, if the widomaker slips, the wheel will save your blushes.

[Mitching]

That's what I usually do, But as soon as it's jacked up I put the axle stand in before I take the wheel off.
You can never be too careful!

[clipperjay]

Chock the rear wheels GOOD!!!!
You will see a little movement 

[Mitching]

Well, I did it without killing myself!
Didn't have anything to chock the wheels with so I just used some rocks instead that are at the end of my drive.

[Diamond Hell]

Good idea with the rocks, but seriously, get a better jack. They're not termed 'widowmakers' for nothing. I know of someone living a couple of miles from my workshop who was killed a couple of years ago when his car fell off the jack on to him.

[Mitching]

It's on the list of the many things I need, but it's difficult on a student budget!
I've had a few brown-trouser moments with the widow maker before, twice it's buckled when I've been in a rush and not had it straight or on the ground properly. Luckily I'm always a bit cautious when using it so don't get in any uncompromisable positions if the inevitable happens.