American Chopper - Cool Press Tool

[wharvey]

Hey all,

I was just watching the American Chopper guys and they were using a really cool press tool that kind of resembled a C clamp but could be driven by a wrench or drill from one end to press components together.

Do you have any idea what that was and where I can buy one because I want one!! : )

Wayne

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

I was thinking an arbor press until you said it could driven with a drill or wrench. not sure what that could be.

 

[kiall1987]

their red and silver in colour with a what looks like a 24mm hex on the biggers ones

 

[wharvey]

their red and silver in colour with a what looks like a 24mm hex on the biggers ones

Yep that's it! Any ideas what they are called?

 

[mikeatrpi]

What if you made your own by welding a nut onto the end of a c-clamp?

 

[Krawlin98ZJ]

sounds like a ball joint press http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRGXY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Drakon96]

I do believe what your looking for is a Porta-vise clamp. I do believe the aluminum ones are discountinued however.

 

[kiall1987]

http://www.porta-vise.com/ i think hes right they look like them

 

[bchee]

Based on the description and color, that sounds like it, but the hex has the rod through it, so how can you put a driver on it?

 

[Drakon96]

I don't own any of these but have looked at them and IIRC the nut on the end of the rod is removable so it can be slid out from the hex.

 

[wharvey]

Yeah I don't think those are what I saw. The clamps on the show were very big and heavy duty looking with what looked like a substantial shaft. The hex on the end was much bigger too. I'll keep an eye out for the rerun and will try to pause it and read the markings on it next time. I should've thought to save the show on the tivo. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[eschoendorff]

I agree with Krawlin' you probably saw a ball joint press. They're pretty handy, and lots of folks have had decent luck with this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335