Thread: Shop press, any experience w/ it?

So i was thinking of getting this shop press from Harbor Freight, it's only a 6 ton press but i wasn't sure if more was needed since the press i use at work is a 20 ton and it gets the jobs done.

For the price and compatibility for my garage i'm thinking of getting it...


But my question is, for our cars is 6 tons not enough?

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I have virtually that same press. It works beautifully, no issues. I'd recommend it just from my personal experience with it.

It'll probably do fine. We've got their 12-ton A frame unit ($160) and it did just fine after replacing the load-bearing hardware with grade 8 stuff. One of the bolts that came with it failed spectacularly while trying to press in four wheel studs at once (probably not the greatest idea in the first place). Point being, replace the hardware that handles the load.

cool, with an 89.99 price , i can't beat it w/a stick....


after i get it, i'll have to go to Ace hardware & replace the load bearing parts.

no need, ive used mine for 4 years doing bushings, ball joints, bearings, and many other odd projects and it still works great, i think mine is a 12 ton version but like i said still works great, mine is the free standing unit also which i would highly recommend if you dont have a solid surface(butcher block or other 2" plus thick wood top) to attach that one to

The biggest issue I see with this 6 ton unit is it looks very low to the ground so you will either have to put it on a table or sit on the floor to operate it. Also it doesn't look like you have alot of room between the ram and the press plates which could be a problem when pressing a hub into your bearings (requires well over 12 inches between the ram and the press plates for me). I have the 12-ton unit and it is awesome. Go ahead and spend the extra for the 12-ton and do everything and anything you will ever need without worry.

Good point. Unless that picture is somehow "compressed", the legs on that guy aren't tall enough really. The stand-up ones like we have that sit 5 or 6 feet high have a further range for the press table to adjust to, making it easy to do most anything. That press looks a little small....