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Old 08-30-2013, 02:51 AM
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cmac2012 cmac2012 is online now
Me, Myself, and I
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Redwood City, CA
Posts: 37,163
Anybody ever use a Harbor Freight hydraulic press?

Put new control arms in my Bimmer a few days back. I had riders lined up on Craigslist for a Monday departure, and like the fool that I am, didn't discover that I really needed new ball joints (not separate from the control arm) til Friday night. By the time I had everything out, it was Sunday and the high tech auto shop I usually take my pressing work to was closed - couldn't any facility with that capability on hand.

I searched Craigslist for a hydraulic press. Of course, w/o all the different size pressing flanges or whatever they're called, you'd be hustling hard to make it work. Probably could have. Nothing on Craigslist however. My nephew pointed out that Harbor Freight has some cheapies. I checked and sure enough - not sure how heavy a press one would need for what I'll be up against - they have a 6 ton for $70, a 12 ton for $130, and several 20 tonners from $199 up. Can't be too good but then I'd rarely use it. If the 6 ton would have done the bushings, would have been worth it. I was whacking on my vice handle with a biggish hammer to get them suckers pressed on. Gave me one serious blister. Waaaa Haven't had one of those since I was a framer.

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