Need a shop press

[stroked383z28]

I'm in the market for a shop press and not sure what I should get. I would use it mainly for automotive work (ball joints, wheel bearings, etc) so I'm thinking 20 ton. I want to make sure I get one with a press bed that has enough space between the rails to accomodate steering knuckles when doing wheel bearings on a front wheel drive vehicle. Is the harbor freight 20 ton wide enough for this?

 

[Cope]

4 5/16" between the rails.

 

[zkling]

Look for a 20 ton min. The HF unit is an extreme value for the money in that size range. Never had an issue with the rails being too close, just have to block up the work. I've switched to a on the car unit for wheel bearings. Something you may want to consider if you do a good number of them.

 

[stroked383z28]

Just a weekend warrior here. I've looked at the on the car wheel bearing tools and I don't do enough of them to justify the cost of the dedicated tool.

Any other good alternatives without breaking the bank? I don't mind spending say up to $500 on one if it is an upgrade over the harbor freight unit.

 

[drivesitfar]

Stroked: where are you located? you might want to put that in your profile in case one of our members is retiring and wanting to sell you and old school one that might be made better.

 

[stroked383z28]

You're absolutely right. I didn't realize that I hadn't done that.