Shop press

[Gsmblue]

Looking to buy a shop press. The main reasons are:

Rear axle bearings
Ball joints
Snowmobile skid bearings

I am eyeing up the horrible freight “12ton” press for about $170

Would this be sufficient or am I being too cheap?

All and any advice welcome!

[Gary Lewis]

I have a Chinese 20T press and it has been adequate.  I think a 12T would be also, although there have been times that it might have been at the limits.

However, the issue is as much the height of it and the range it moves as the pressure.  You need to be able to have an axle shaft hanging down from the "table" in order to press some bearings on.

[Rembrant]

I have a 12 ton press at my work and a 50 ton. The 12 ton is just a cheap one from Princess Auto (Kind of our Canadian version of Harbor Freight).

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-ton-hydraulic-shop-press/product/PA0008604639

The 12 ton has served me very well with my automotive work. I have rarely ever had to use the 50 ton unit, and when I did it was usually because of needing more space, not more pressure. It has a larger press bench, but it would be overkill most of the time. It is similar to the unit below, but a higher end industrial brand:

https://www.princessauto.com/en/50-ton-pneumatic-hydraulic-shop-press-with-foot-control/product/PA0008998049

I wouldn't hesitate at all in buying a 12 ton, but like anything else if there's a bigger one for only a couple bucks extra, then why not. I like the 12 ton because it's strong enough for most jobs, but it's light enough you can "feel" the work and you're less likely to damage your workpiece.

And, you can always add a little heat when needed. I have Acetylene Torches at my work, but Mapp Gas is perfect for home use. That's what I've been using for the last 25-30 years.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Welding-Soldering-Torches-Tanks/MAPP/N-5yc1vZc8lqZ1z0z746

[Gsmblue]

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

A mapp torch is on the list too.

[Gary Lewis]

Don't forget a hammer.  Once you get pressure on a part a tap from a hammer frequently gets it to move.  It doesn't have to be a hard hit, just a rap to shock things.

[Ray Cecil]

I bought the heaviest one at Harbor freight, 12 or 20 ton....can't recall....but it's served me well for 6 or 7 years now.

[Gsmblue]

I picked up the 12ton press today.

It made short work of all the bearings in my sled skid. Looking forward to using it on the Bronco axles too



Here are all the bearings i had to press out/in.




Paid for itself on the first day, still got a second sled to do too.

[Gary Lewis]

Should do the trick.  Always good to have the right tools.  

[Rembrant]

Nice press! I like the shape(s) of the plates that came with it too. That's better than the old rectangular blocks that they used to be.

[FordFETruck]

That press will come in handy. I have the 20 ton version and it's a lot of press for the money. It had absolutely NO problems pressing the wheel bearings and retaining collars on Ford 9" axle shafts, and those things are extremely tight press fit.

[mat in tn]

I have been using this same model press for a few years now and don't know how I got by without one. I only have one gripe. the seal between the body and the base of the jack used has a tendency to weep. it makes a bit of a mess, and I don't always remember to put rags under it. I do have it sitting on an old door mat in the shop though so that catches what I miss.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Loctite PST....

(ask Gary.... It is made for this 'stuff')