Best and most affordable ball joint press kit?

[BmwTechZiggy]

Ive been starting to do more and more ball joints at work but not enough to spend the stupid money on a snapon etc kit. anyone got any good recommendations for a kit that has a large variety of adapters at a good price? something like the otc kit but more adapters?

 

[decableguy2000]

I have the Astro Pneumatic 7865 base kit, I added the 7868 adapter kit, and the 78100 XL press. I had zero issues and done every thing I needed it to do.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Astro Pneumatic

 

[Lucid Moments]

I've got the Astro Pneumatic kit too and have been very happy with it. I bought the 7897 master kit that comes with a bunch of adapters that come in pretty handy.

 

[AldeanFan]

As others have said, buy the Astro kit and the adapters separately

 

[Rusted Nut]

The best is never affordable. I seldom loan tools, but just lent my OTC press to a co-worker, after his value press broke. The OTC is pretty stout, great for 1 tons etc…

 

[bscman]

I replaced my harbor freight (after maybe 10 jobs) that was sprung with the Astro everyone else is recommending. Much better!

 

[Buckgnarly]

Best is Snap On BJP1, most affordable is Astro, I have and like both. Astro Goliath has saved my **** a few times also. Can't beat Astro for price and quality.

 

[xjfish]

Tempted to upgrade to this:

BALL JOINT PRESS BJP18100 | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

BEST?

I've used the old OTC + random adapters successfully for years. GOOD VALUE

 

[Shoreline_]

If you can find a used snap on one on eBay ... we burned through many pullers and presses in our day at the shop except Enerpac and Snap-On.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

/\ this, but if I lost mine I'd probably just buy a new one.

 

[dchawk81]

I don't know what brand mine is but it's neon green and they make a bigger one. Haven't used it yet to determine if it's worth getting the bigger one.

Therefore this post is pretty much worthless.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I bought the OTC prest 43 years ago. It was on sale at KMS TOOLS. No problems

 

[anndel]

I have the Astro Pneumatic 7865 base kit, I added the 7868 adapter kit, and the 78100 XL press. I had zero issues and done every thing I needed it to do.

I have this set and the Snap-on BJP1. I grab the Astro set first and if that can't remove the ball joint then I go for the SO which always does. So far the Astro couldn't do it 2 out of 12 times.

 

[turner66]

I don't know what brand mine is but it's neon green and they make a bigger one. Haven't used it yet to determine if it's worth getting the bigger one.

Therefore this post is pretty much worthless.

probably OEMTools?

 

[WWheeler]

Many years ago after demolishing the jack screw threads on a "PowerBuilt" (Alltrade) press that was a loaner from O'Reilly's (I've been friends with the manager for decades is the only reason they didn't keep my deposit, which was about 50% more than I could have bought it for elsewhere) and failing to get a Ranger's ball joints to budge. So then I bought an OTC press to finish it and it got them out and back in easy-peasy and every other job I've used it on ever since, including brake anchor pins that typically don't play. Even with heat they can sometimes max out 'Thor' on 150 PSI and somehow that OTC press has hung in there. I definitely should have just bought it from the get-go instead of messing with parts store's loaners.

Penny for penny I'd put the OG OTC press (Made in USA) up against any other. If cost is of no concern then by all means get the Snap-on set.

I also have Astro's Goliath press for when I need the extra room and the few times I've used it it's been great also. It hasn't seen anything that seemed to give me a huge fight yet though.

I use the presses with a variety of adapters. I still have what's left of a 'Pittsburgh' branded Harbor Freight set that they don't sell any more. Now IIRC their set is 'Maddox' and costs a little more than twice what the old one did. It looks to have the same number and sizes of adapters but I'm not sure if it's exactly the same except for the name or not. They worked pretty well to get what I needed done but they are a bit soft and a few of the adapters have not survived (full disclosure: I also use my BJ adapters in other situations such as with a shop press). I also have an Astro '4WD' set of adapters that seem to be a lot more durable than HFs so far. A couple are just a little chowdered up but all in all the full set is still quite usable. I also have a few OTC adapters bought seperately to fit a few applications where none from the kits would and so far they have taken a pressing and still look new.

 

[dchawk81]

probably OEMTools?

I'd have to look but that sounds like it could be right.

 

[Aileron]

My cheap press worked a few times before someone snapped it in two. I found a nice snap on BJP1 used on ebay. My thought was unless someone took a torch to it it would be ok at least for what i use it for.

 

[jsmeece]

My ball joint press kit is OTC 7249, no problems so far only had to use it once. Only work on my immediate family's vehicles, so I don't do many ball joints.

 

[kbeefy]

Tempted to upgrade to this:

BALL JOINT PRESS BJP18100 | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

BEST?

I've used the old OTC + random adapters successfully for years. GOOD VALUE

I have the BJP1 and like it, but after seeing the Matco one in person I'd love to have one.
Can't justify the price as a 'backyard' mechanic.

 

[WWheeler]

I'd luv to give that Matco BJP18100 a spin BUT yeah I sure couldn't justify paying that much with a 30 day guarantee? What?
And it doesn't come with the adapters/cup kit for it which is another $350.

CUP KIT FOR BJP18100 BALL JOINT PRESS BJP18100C | Matco Tools

Looks like it's made by Schley SCH18100 made in Taiwan and it's sets look to come with the adapters, which together costs less.

Schley Products, Inc 18100 SCH18100 High Pressure Ball Joint Press

Schley Products Inc 18100 SCH18100 High Pressure Ball Joint Press The patented 18100 Ball Joint Press is designed to remove and install most press-in type ball

www.tooloutfitters.com

Schley Products (SCH18100) High Pressure Ball Joint Press

DetailsFeatures and Benefits:Kit includes 9 cup sizes for most pick-up applications, including Ford, Dodge and GM;Removes and installs ball joints with pre-fitted straight grease fittings;Design provides ample clearance to service ball joints on the vehicle;Forged alloy steel frame members for...

www.tooltopia.com

 

[joel_400]

I have both otcs the small and large frame. Bought them from a guy on craigslist years ago for cheap. I got there and he was pounding beers...the more he drank the cheaper they got...I hung out for an hour or so and he dropped 100 bucks off the price by the time I paid him! Then he ran out of beer and wanted to go get more so I paid him and left. Then I bought the snap on set used for cheap. It's my go to, but if someone asks to borrow one they get the otc.
Joel

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

The good ol' fashion OTC press has done everything I've asked it to do, including numerous 1 ton axles. Granted, I live in AZ so rust isn't a thing.

 

[Steve_P]

I also have the OTC, and no issues with it. I bought it when it was probably only $30 more expensive than the Astro; for home use I might go with the Astro now based on price. I also have the Astro adapter kit, and the adapters from my original HF kit- the HF press itself was absolutely junk.

 

[MFortie]

I too have the OTC set and it's worked fine for the few ball joints I've changed out.

 

[joel_400]

I must add that with the snap on the adapters snap together so you're not trying to hold everything as you tighten. I have decently large hands, but that can get kinda tricky from time to time. The Snap on everything clips together and stays one piece. It is pricey though, sometimes even the used ones.
Joel

 

[Jim greengo]

I bought an otc for my dad like 30 years ago,he never complained about it.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

Snap-On BJP1 at half price traded in from a tool truck.

Only "tool truck" purchase I've ever made.

Worth every penny.

Edit: That Matco one looks handy, especially since I do all my mechanicking on the floor (less clearance for the conventional C-clamp style press).

 

[bb29510]

on ball joint , i have gotten where just take it to the tire store

 

[dchawk81]

I have both otcs the small and large frame. Bought them from a guy on craigslist years ago for cheap. I got there and he was pounding beers...the more he drank the cheaper they got...I hung out for an hour or so and he dropped 100 bucks off the price by the time I paid him! Then he ran out of beer and wanted to go get more so I paid him and left. Then I bought the snap on set used for cheap. It's my go to, but if someone asks to borrow one they get the otc.
Joel

Shoulda fetched him some beer and got the deed and everything on it for free.

 

[dchawk81]

I bought an otc for my dad like 30 years ago,he never complained about it.

He waits until you're not around. He has class.

 

[Jim greengo]

He waits until you're not around. He has class.

He was pretty good at throwing ,and burying things with his back hoe that didn't get the job done.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

This idea is not for everyone, but if you want very good, and your playing with domestics, take a look at a Kent Moore or Miller ( same press made by OTC ), with the appropriate adapters, all found on fleabay. The press itself is twice the tool of my 7249 OTC and the adapters are super specific ( = less bent and broken **** ). I play with full size trucks and jeeps, so the adapters are very manageable.

This, I think is the 99-2007 Silverado Sierra adapters with the press, this fetched $250 on ebay. Recently, Ive seen the same setup sell for low as $150 several times.

 

[Steve_P]

You could probably buy every Astro ball joint tool they make, new, for less $ than a used BJP!. Yeah, I'm sure the BJP1 is still better to anyone that has one, but for someone working at home, that will most likely only use it once every few years...

 

[joel_400]

When all said and done I had less than 250 in my used snap on set...including the gas to go pick it up. Just gotta be willing to look periodically and wait for that good deal! And be willing to travel a bit if needed! It was well worth it though! But if you absolutely can't wait my vote goes to the otc!

 

[ecotec]

I have an early 90’s OTC set that I bought used and a Honda ball joint tool.

I got to use a buddy’s BJP1 set once. It is better in every way. I could never justify it. It would never pay for itself at my house.

 

[Wrench97]

The Snap on set is nice but it too has it's limitations, the starter OTC kit is less then $200, the Astro set has more adapters but the C frame is smaller.

 

[sweetk30]

been using OTC for 20+ years . also got the master kit with it and a few other specific vehicle ones . . lube the screw with copper anti-seize . and try and not use impact on it . big 1/2" 24" long ratchet and get it done .

 

[Bocefus]

The USA OTC is probably your answer for best value for the money. Just make sure you don't get the Harbor Freight press. The price is tempting, but too much flex to do the tough jobs.

 

[WWheeler]

been using OTC for 20+ years . also got the master kit with it and a few other specific vehicle ones . . lube the screw with copper anti-seize . and try and not use impact on it . big 1/2" 24" long ratchet and get it done .

I honestly have never NOT used an impact on any ball joint press, especially not my OTC. Trying to use it with hand tools is insane IMHO as it's too hard to keep everything aligned straight and letting it get the slightest bit crooked is the easiest way to fubar a forcing screw. I also always only ever use oil on mine. I don't like to use grease or anti-seize or anything like that because I feel it's more likely to pick up dirt and such and harder to wipe clean. I oil it up, put all the beans to it, then when it's done I clean it up with brake clean before stowing it away.

FWIW OTC even specifically says to use an impact with their press.