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Harbor Freight Press

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by mickeykelley, Apr 7, 2017.

  1. Apr 7, 2017
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    Oct 10, 2015
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    I'm getting ready to do the brakes on both the CJ and the wagon so I'm looking for a press to handle the studs, plus future uses like u-joints, etc. I know harbor freight is hit or miss, so what are y'all's experiences with their 6 ton bench vs 12 ton vs 20 ton? Thus will just be for my use on these Willys and maybe something may come up in the future where I could put it to use.
     
  2. Apr 7, 2017
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
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    May 25, 2006
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    My press is an off brand Cummins 10 ton that has done some crazy stuff. It is hydraulic and dollar for dollar is one of the best buys I have ever made.
     
  3. Apr 7, 2017
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Jun 22, 2006
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    I have the H/F 20 ton that I have used for about 10 years. No complaints at all.You will be surprised how many uses for it.
    Not sure about the hit or miss thing not much to go wrong.
     
  4. Apr 8, 2017
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    I meant hit or miss on quality of various tools they sell. I'm thinking the bench won't give enough room to move hub/drum into place. Not sure on the 12. Going to go buy with my drum and see the floor model I guess.
     
  5. Apr 8, 2017
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    The HF 20 ton at $149 on sale is tough to beat..............and almost indestructible.......more power in a press is always better.
     
  6. Apr 8, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Never needed a press for U-joints, or for studs either. :n:
     
  7. Apr 8, 2017
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    it's a handy tool to have around . but tends to take up space and sit around , and collect stuff :rolleyes:
     
  8. Apr 8, 2017
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    Jul 16, 2007
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    I have the 20 ton version.I don't use it a lot but sure is handy for certain jobs. Had mine for about 10 years.
     
  9. Apr 8, 2017
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    I have the old 12 ton one. Its fine. Not wonderful. The 20 ton newer version is better and for the sale price its hard to beat. I NEVER use a press for Ujoints. I almost always just use a vise and some sockets. A press would wreck stuff if everything isn't perfect. I have used my press for studs, but just as often I have just used a socket on one side and a drift with a 4# sledge hammer with the same results. Its a great tool if you make parts that have an interference fit.
     
  10. Apr 8, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Get it... I won't ever talk a guy out of buying a new tool.

    You might try using an old hub (or a steel plate) as part of the pressing process to avoid warping a good hub...I'm not explaining it well, but hopefully you understand?
     
  11. Apr 8, 2017
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    We've had one at work for 10-12 years...the 20T. Beat the crap out of it AFAIC. Still there and working fine. I bought one about a year ago for my next garage. Haven't unboxed it yet.
     
  12. Apr 9, 2017
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Always get the bigger one! With these presses, bigger gets you more margin of not breaking the tool, though you can break more parts. The bigger tonnage gets you a larger frame which is more capable of working with larger parts, like axles that are long.
    Get the 20 ton and don't look back.
    -Donny
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2017
    47v6 likes this.
  13. Apr 9, 2017
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    That's my thought too.
     
  14. Apr 10, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Danefraz likes this.
  15. Apr 10, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    "Here you go…"
    I like the way that was converted to be "portable."

    Here's a 30-tonner I built from scrap to work on my bridge. :)

    DSC01498.JPG
     
  16. Apr 10, 2017
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
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    We have (2) 4,400 ton presses at work, pretty much nothing we can't crush. That looks like a toy by comparison.
     
    GeoffreyL likes this.
  17. Apr 10, 2017
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    I think it might just be a bit of overkill for my wheel studs. Just a little.
     
  18. Apr 12, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    "When it absolutely posiively has to be flat today."
     
  19. Apr 18, 2017
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
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    I think we need pics!
     
  20. Apr 25, 2017
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Yes....
     
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