what's the safest way to support a car in order to work under it? i usually support the end with the jack and rest the jack points with jack stands, but it's a little scary when you're hammering under there or using a breaker bar on something. is there something i can do to support the car better or make it safer for myself?

 

Other than getting a hydro-lift, I'd say layer your support. Place the stands on the jack points and place the jack or additional jacks near where you are working, have them just barely touching the car. This way if it moves or falls, you at least have a few seconds to try to get the hell out from under it. Basically keep backup supports near you and layer the supports just incase.