Anyone care to give me some input on this tool or a comparable tool? I'm on the fence to buy but I have a set of OTC prybars that were not all that great. We have other OTC tools in the shop I work at that have been fine. I'm just wondering how durable the main screw is going to be and if it can be replaced easily if it fails.
hub grappler?
- Thread starter jaysonsk5
- Start date
I have one and the older hub tamer. The OTC stuff has gone down in quality since they went overseas but everyone has. They will warranty anything that breaks too, or find a Matco guy. I am still on my first forcing screw and use on a regular basis in the shop. Just keep it lubed up.
nti06
Well-known member
I have had good luck with the hub tamer in the past. OTC has been a good quality brand in my experience and even provides tools for the tool truck brands. Compare an OTC 4536 and a Snap-on CJ80A. Which would you rather pay for?
Wrench 2201
Well-known member
I've used the Hub Tamer a time or two at a previous job, never tried the Grappler. Tooltopia does list a forcing screw for the Tamer for $20, no idea if they are the same thread pitch or not. Hope that helps.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I have a tamer and it works pretty good. Rear bearings on a newer exploxer maxed it out, but always works on any front bearings. That said, if I had to buy one again, I would get an old forge hub shark. A shop I used to work at had one and it worked great and does not require a degree in brain surgey to set it up like the tamer can. When I was looking to buy one, nobody could find it for me so I got the tamer. Then I was looking at ken tool for tire stuff, they make the hub shark now.
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metaldad
Well-known member
Don't know what a grappler or a tamer is, but I have multiple OTC pullers. I keep all the screws wrapped separately to protect the fine threads.
McMaster Carr sells replacement forcing screws
http://www.mcmaster.com/#bearing-pullers/=ip9u84
and 'legs'
http://www.mcmaster.com/#gear-pullers/=ip9u04
McMaster Carr sells replacement forcing screws
http://www.mcmaster.com/#bearing-pullers/=ip9u84
and 'legs'
http://www.mcmaster.com/#gear-pullers/=ip9u04
This is comparable,
http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-front-wheel-bearing-adapters-66829.html
80 bucks with coupon. I've used mine several times. It works well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-front-wheel-bearing-adapters-66829.html
80 bucks with coupon. I've used mine several times. It works well.
The Hub Grappler is the new version of the hub tamer.
The Grappler is similar to the hub shark in design.
I have sold several of both versions and so far had not had to warranty out anything.
The force screw is covered if it messes up.
There is a Grappler upgrade kit if you have the old Hub Tamer kit.
The Grappler is similar to the hub shark in design.
I have sold several of both versions and so far had not had to warranty out anything.
The force screw is covered if it messes up.
There is a Grappler upgrade kit if you have the old Hub Tamer kit.
Remember this if you have any problems.
We guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship 90 days from the date of purchase. Limitations apply.
Thanks guys. I work at a Ford dealership so getting parts if I need them is important. I have only seen a few jobs come in the shop, for the guys that didn't have a hub tool it bites them in the ***. I just don't want to be in that boat. I never thought about asking my Matco guy, thanks for the info guys.
Gotcha, but remember this: I'm a backyard mechanic, I got the thing several years ago for about $60 and the "HubWhatever" from OTC is over five hundred dollars!
The ONLY thing I can see failing is the forcing screw and even if it does, it ain't the end of the world.
Got that one also. Only used it once but it work. put alot of lube on the thread.
Grease fo sho!
I have had my grappler for a couple of months now and it has gotten more use than i thought. However i have managed to kill my first forcing screw. I was lubricating with kroil for every pull. I think i should have used something heavier. So I'm on the hunt to replace it. My Matco guy can get but it would run like $60? Any advice would be great
braol
Well-known member
I have a OTC hub tamer works great. Have had my Mac dealer warranty the forcing screw and long nut twice. I use it a lot.
rlitman
Well-known member
The screw on the HF version is what most people complain about, but I suspect that it isn't any worse quality than the OTC version. It is just that the people who spend the dough on the OTC hub tamer take the time to grease the screw.
Yeah, Kroil is not really a good lubricant. Amazing at penetrating into frozen parts, but not good for this. I like gear oil, but a good coating of clean grease is very good too.
Yeah, Kroil is not really a good lubricant. Amazing at penetrating into frozen parts, but not good for this. I like gear oil, but a good coating of clean grease is very good too.
u118224
Well-known member
An OTC replacement forcing screw and nut can be ordered from Amazon at approx. $25 each. These also work as an upgrade with the Harbor Freight kit.
Murphy4570
Well-known member
I didn't even know such tools existed! 
I had to go watch a video of this hub grabber on youtube to see it in action.
I use a shop press to do wheel bearings currently. This tool could save the time and hassle of having to remove the entire spindle from the vehicle.
I had to go watch a video of this hub grabber on youtube to see it in action.
I use a shop press to do wheel bearings currently. This tool could save the time and hassle of having to remove the entire spindle from the vehicle.
rlitman
Well-known member
Yep, and if you only disconnect the bottom, you don't need a re-alignment afterwards.
Subaru actually insists that this is the only proper way to replace their bearings. The forces from the press can cause damage that this won't do, even if you use an impact gun on it (which is the only way to go IMNSHO).
Subaru actually insists that this is the only proper way to replace their bearings. The forces from the press can cause damage that this won't do, even if you use an impact gun on it (which is the only way to go IMNSHO).
TheCarbideRat
Well-known member
That's cool to know, are you a Subaru tech?
rlitman
Well-known member
No, just a Subaru owner. I found the Subaru TSB on wheel bearing replacement when my rear bearing failed. Turns out they had a lot of issues with pressed in rear bearings failing in the Impreza. The recommendation was a modified procedure (using the hub tamer), and to use the rear bearings from a Legacy (changing from ball to tapered roller).
rlitman
Well-known member
Hydraulic, hummm, interesting. Is that basically a Portapower pump, that uses the hub tamer like an electrical knockout punch?