Question

operating a toothed section jack stand
raising
the cup of a toothed section drop and stop at the next locking point.
locking
this type of axle stand is locked when the cam in the top of the jack stand slides into the toothed section, preventing the cupped section from dropping further. if the cup is at the correct height, the steel pin is inserted as an extra lock.
lowering
check that the vehicle weigh is not sitting on the jack stand, before lowering the cup. if the cup needs to be lowered, the steel pin needs to be removed from the jack stand. then hold the cup with one hand and move the steel handle upwards using your other hand. the cup can now be eased down.
the steel locking pin is removed.
in which direction can the cup be moved, without the axle stand locking?
downwards.
both upwards and downwards.
upwards.

Explanation:

According to the text, when the steel - locking pin is removed, to lower the cup, one holds the cup and moves the steel handle upwards. This implies that without the lock (pin removed), the cup can be moved downwards. There is no indication that it can be moved upwards without locking.

Answer:

A. Downwards