Harbor Freight 12 Ton Shop Press Unboxing

[themechanic]

I took advantage of the Labor Day 20% off coupon and bought a shop press from Harbor Freight. The display model was hammered gray but this one is sort of HEMI Orange. It comes with a 12 ton jack, powder coated frame and zinc plated hardware. The instructions were clear but not really necessary.

It fits right under my cabinet. NOTE: It does not come with concrete anchor bolts and should be bolted to the floor per the instructions.

Not bad for $104 after the discount.

 

[Habib]

have you tried it yet? how well does it work

 

[MarPar]

Not bad at all...

yeah, it's Harbor, but for the $$ IMHO it's worth it....

 

[Habib]

yea I bought a engine lift and a chain hoist from HF I didn't have a problem with them that press is a preaty good deal I believe you get what you pay for but I don't want to pay out the *** for a really good one haha

 

[67 B-body]

I pressed on my new axle bearings using one that my cousin has had for many years.... Worked just fine!!!!!

 

[Redhorse719]

I have the 20 ton model from HF and it works great.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Just bought a 20ton model and it's hammered grey.....love it!!!

 

[hunt2elk]

I bought mine when on sale like you. Mine is grey and does everything I need a press to do. If I used it everyday, no doubt I would get something better. But for the price, a guy cant go wrong.

 

[themechanic]

have you tried it yet? how well does it work

I have not used it, yet.

I'll use it to install upper and lower control arm bushings this weekend.

This was regularly priced at $199 on sale for $129 less the 20% discount for $103.99.

 

[69a100]

That's a good price. I was in there yesterday with my Nephew as he was looking for a box for his art supplies and saw that. He had never been to a HF, so we strolled the aisles just so he could check it out. I digress! Even at that price, if the pump takes a dump after a few years. With some creative search terms, you can find a replacement pump for that or other hydraulic thingy. Thought I would have to do the same for a motor/cherry picker but got lucky.

 

[67 B-body]

That's a good price. I was in there yesterday with my Nephew as he was looking for a box for his art supplies and saw that. He had never been to a HF, so we strolled the aisles just so he could check it out. I digress! Even at that price, if the pump takes a dump after a few years. With some creative search terms, you can find a replacement pump for that or other hydraulic thingy. Thought I would have to do the same for a motor/cherry picker but got lucky.

It's just a bottle jack..... Easy to replace if needed.

 

[RS23VOA]

I bought one of these years ago. A simple add on is a piece of heavy wall square tube that will fit inside the uprights to press against. Sometimes the cross piece they give you is just too wide.

 

[Cranky]

I have several types of bottom plates to press against and to press with. However, mine is 30 years old and is USA made but the only difference in looks from that one is mine is welded at the top and not bolted....

 

[themechanic]

I bought one of these years ago. A simple add on is a piece of heavy wall square tube that will fit inside the uprights to press against. Sometimes the cross piece they give you is just too wide.

Not a bad idea; thanks.

 

[RS23VOA]

Cranky,
I pulled a diagonal on mine and welded it also. Made a huge difference. That thing was all over the place before i did that.
Mechanic,
As a for instance, upper control arm bushings. The original piece was too wide to get the arm lined up so i cut the square tube and everything lined right up to press them out, then back in.

 

[mopar 3 B]

I have had mine for several years. Came with press plates. Have not had any problems with it yet. Still not bolted to floor.

 

[snakeyes]

I got one like this a while ago from a friend that never opened the box and it was taking space up at his dads garage [video=youtube_share;GBsRHezT1pk]http://youtu.be/GBsRHezT1pk[/video]

 

[TekHousE]

I have to ask about that vid..What steadycam mount did you use? It's too smooth for just being hand held..?

 

[snakeyes]

[video=youtube_share;4Ey5DHMYLZg]http://youtu.be/4Ey5DHMYLZg[/video]

 

[big66440]

Not a bad deal, I bought a 20 ton model on craigslist and havent regret it at all, I would recommend looking for some better press plates though if you are going to do any serious pressing the cheap cast ones will shatter and cause injury try these http://www.swagoffroad.com/Arbor-Press-Plates_p_7.html they are a little pricey but worth it.