OTC ball joint press?

[Jason280]

I'm looking to replace my Harbor Freight ball joint press with something of a little better quality, and have come across a local shop with an OTC 7249. I've been told that OTC sources some of the parts for Snap On, but have not been able to verify this information.

What's the opinion on the 7249, and would it be a good addition to the tool kit? I've found a used version for around $50, and can't decide if I should make the purchase. Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGXY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Hiball]

I'm looking to replace my Harbor Freight ball joint press with something of a little better quality, and have come across a local shop with an OTC 7249. I've been told that OTC sources some of the parts for Snap On, but have not been able to verify this information.

What's the opinion on the 7249, and would it be a good addition to the tool kit? I've found a used version for around $50, and can't decide if I should make the purchase. Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGXY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The OTC has nothing in common with the Snap on Ball joint press... With that said I have that OTC kit and have used it a half dozen times with good success. It is imported, (Now) If that stuff bothers you, your only option is the snap on version.. But it's $$$$$$$$ and aimed more towards the guy who is doing ball joints 5 days a week.

The basic set has covered everything I've ever done, some have bought the HF adapter set for odd ball vehicles.

 

[PhantomEB]

I highly recommend the OTC kit. Dodge Rams with the 5.9 inline have some fo the hardest ones to get out and the OTC does not even blink under the pressure necessary.

 

[Jason280]

Can you use the OTC kit with an impact? I know OTC does not recommend using the 8150 Pitman Arm tool with an impact, so I'm curious if the same recommendation applies with the 7249.

 

[Hiball]

Can you use the OTC kit with an impact? I know OTC does not recommend using the 8150 Pitman Arm tool with an impact, so I'm curious if the same recommendation applies with the 7249.

I have, not sure if it was recommended... I always make sure the threads are liberally greased. The majority of the time I just use a ratchet/breaker a big hammer after its tight Rinse/Repeat.

 

[TwoInch]

i dont think any of them are recommended for impact use. but its pretty common for people to do.

i dont.

 

[Skin]

i dont think any of them are recommended for impact use. but its pretty common for people to do.

i dont.

Snap-On's promo video for their press shows them using an impact on it so they apparently don't care one way or another. I wouldn't worry too much about using an impact on the OTC one either just make sure the threads are always kept greased. If USA matters just pick up an older OTC kit off ebay. There are a lot of them floating around out there. They have been rebranded and sold through the other 3 truck brands as well so there are plenty of avenues to find said older USA version. I believe initially the press frame was stamped USA, then they went to a sticker, then finally to the imported version available today.

 

[Hiball]

i dont think any of them are recommended for impact use. but its pretty common for people to do.

i dont.

The Snap on video shows a impact being used on there press.. It's a monster though.

 

[Jason280]

If USA matters just pick up an older OTC kit off ebay. There are a lot of them floating around out there. They have been rebranded and sold through the other 3 truck brands as well so there are plenty of avenues to find said older USA version.

Luckily for me, this is an older "USA" manufactured OTC press.

 

[fatboy99]

The Snap on video shows a impact being used on there press.. It's a monster though.

And there is a grease fitting for lubing the threads.
I use an impact on my OTC ball joint press.I also put anti seize on the threads for lube But i'm not using it daily either.

 

[ken w.]

I have used the OTC press for years without a problem. I have used an impact wrench on it most of the time.I spray the threads with Zep 45 lube.I now have a new Snap On press that is awesome.I use an impact wrench on this one as well. After you know how to use the pres,using the impact just comes naturally. I'll lend out the OTC to a few friends and always tell them not to use an impact because I feel that they may damage it from lack of experience.

 

[DandDMachine]

I have the OTC as well. Also had one in the last shop I worked at. Both were older USA made models. Been using them for almost 20 years, maybe once every week or two. Both were used 90% of the time with an impact. I have broken a chrome socket while impacting it but never had a problem with the press. Like has been said already keep the threads clean and greased and it will last. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Love your Avatar by the way.

 

[braol]

I use an impact on my OTC press and SO balljoint press. Sometimes I use a hammer on them to. Impact in 1 hand and swinging hammer with the other. Also use an impact on my OTC pitman arm puller.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Yeah, hammering the frame really helps to pop the bj loose & make it begin to move.

 

[braol]

Helps going back in to.

ETA-My Dad has an OTC balljoint press that he has used a impact and hammer on for, I would guess, 20yrs or more and it still works like its supposed to. I would have to ask him to know for sure how long he has had it.

 

[ken w.]

I think that lubing the threads is the most important thing to keeping it working well. I have worked in shops where they had a box with about 4 presses in it. All were so beat and the threads were wore out from lack of lube. When you own your own , you seem to take care of it better.

 

[Alta_Racer]

I am on my second OTC in 30 years, have done many hundreds of ball joints and U joints. The treads were worn on mine (always use impact) so I replaced it just because, the old one is at my home shop, and still gets impact use when I need it there. I have Many adapters, that far exceed the original cost of the "3 in 1" set. I also have a Princess Auto C press that I use just for U joints, it has bent.

I also have the OTC Dodge ball joint service set, it has a much larger C press, and a great supply of adapters, it is seldom used, but it gets me out of tight spots the smaller set wont do.

It seems every year there is a new adapter I need to buy. I could just use the crappy stuff from the tool room, but I want to have all my fingers etc the next day. It is some off shore ****, and I have seen the other guys break just about every piece in the kit, it ***** to be them! The3 company is good at replacing the broken stuff, but I would hate to be half way into a job and have the tool break, and it is faster to have my own.

 

[MG44]

Any reason to upgrade from the HF in particular? I only ask because I bought one HF Ball Joint Press kit about 7 years ago and it is the only ball joint press kit in the shop used everyday. I wonder if they changed manufactures a while back?

 

[Hiball]

Any reason to upgrade from the HF in particular? I only ask because I bought one HF Ball Joint Press kit about 7 years ago and it is the only ball joint press kit in the shop used everyday. I wonder if they changed manufactures a while back?

If its worked everyday for 7 years, Why Change? That's the beauty of HF, they do change suppliers from time to time and its not always for the best.

 

[ken w.]

The sad parts about the newer OTC tool is its made in Taiwan. Now - whats the difference between the OTC and HF ?

 

[Hiball]

The sad parts about the newer OTC tool is its made in Taiwan. Now - whats the difference between the OTC and HF ?

Are you trying to portray that all tools from China/Taiwan are made to the same standards?

/smacks forehead..

 

[Loscaldazar]

The sad parts about the newer OTC tool is its made in Taiwan. Now - whats the difference between the OTC and HF ?

Quality control. Still not hearing positive things about the HF version. OTC still gets good reviews even being imported. OTC/KD tools one is even cheaper than the HF model in some cases...

 

[Jason280]

I was able to pick up the OTC today, and took a few pics:





Need to be cleaned up a bit, but overall it is in pretty good shape. Threads are nice and sharp, and adapters are all there.

Anyone have any ideas what the extra threaded "pusher" is in the middle? It has a single hole drilled in the end, which I guess is for a rod to use by hand. I'm not sure the purpose of that, though, as you wouldn't be able to develop much pressure hand turning.

 

[wise]

I never really paid attention to which adapters I used most when I was in Automotive, but I'm pretty sure I used quite a few more than three. I usually just borrow a set from an auto parts store when I need to do mine or friends/familys, but I would like a set of my own... Since I don't use it at work or to make more out of a job then a case of beer, is the OTC set a really well rounded kit with extremely common sizes?

 

[Jason280]

Since I don't use it at work or to make more out of a job then a case of beer, is the OTC set a really well rounded kit with extremely common sizes?

Honestly, I really couldn't say. I picked up the 14pc HF adapter set a couple of months ago, and haven't used it as of yet. I've been told the included adapters are fairly useful with most applications, but really couldn't say how useful with normal applications. I mainly picked up the set to use on Jeeps, so I may not even need the HF adapter set.

 

[wise]

Fair Enough, I'm going to put it on my short list... I guess in a bind I can always get a SO adapter if it's the only way out...

 

[zmotorsports]

I'm looking to replace my Harbor Freight ball joint press with something of a little better quality, and have come across a local shop with an OTC 7249. I've been told that OTC sources some of the parts for Snap On, but have not been able to verify this information.

What's the opinion on the 7249, and would it be a good addition to the tool kit? I've found a used version for around $50, and can't decide if I should make the purchase. Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGXY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I purchased this same exact set around 1992 and have used it extensively without an issue.

I just purchased the OTC 6530 Master Set about 6 years ago as I had run across a couple of situations where I didn't have the correct adapters so I just bit the bullet and bought the master set. I purchased it from my local NAPA dealer who can get OTC products quite easily. I use it alot and have not had any issues.

http://www.otctools.com/products/ball_joint_super_set

Now that said, I am **** about my tools. I cannot recall whether or not OTC specifies the use of pneumatic tools on this press or not but I squirt some oil on the threads prior to using and I also don't use my impact gun on it. I use a long 1/2" ratchet and once the pressure gets extreme if there is no movement, I just smack the side of the knuckle and it usually lets go almost instantly. Once done with the job, I disassemble the press and clean the oil off of the threads and the adapters in the solvent tank prior to storing.

I have seen and/or heard of a couple people damaging their OTC ball joint presses and it is usually do to either using an impact and continuing to "hammer" on the thread when it is not moving, it actually will bend the threads over, or having one of the dies/adapters off center and catching the sides of the ball joint. This not only damages the adapters but also the ball joint. Not a big deal if removing but I have seen people damage new ones when installing and not paying attention to the placement of the adapters.

Mike.

 

[l_bilyk]

Are you trying to portray that all tools from China/Taiwan are made to the same standards?

/smacks forehead..

I wouldn't be too surprised if all the ball joint presses and similar types of tools with the Taiwan sticker on them came from the same factory. It doesn't make any sense for OTC or KD or whoever to set up their own factories in Taiwan if there is already an incumbent firm manufacturing these, and if they were to do that it would not be in Taiwan.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I wouldn't be too surprised if all the ball joint presses and similar types of tools with the Taiwan sticker on them came from the same factory. It doesn't make any sense for OTC or KD or whoever to set up their own factories in Taiwan if there is already an incumbent firm manufacturing these, and if they were to do that it would not be in Taiwan.

Actually, the HF version is different if you look at in person. Could they come from the same factory-yes. But from the same production line and from the same QC? Nope.

The Front end service kits (which many claim are the same between OTC/HF) also are different. All but 1 piece look the same (via online pictures, the difference is evident in person). That one piece (a pitman puller) is designed and shaped slightly different. And as I said, the difference in person is obvious. HF Warranty is only 90 days on this stuff too and only slightly cheaper!

 

[Jason280]

If I don't forget, I'll post a few comparison pics of the OTC and HF presses.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I picked up thier jeep/truck balljoint kit and it was nothing like anything HF sells.

Here is a video of it in action:

The instructions didn't say anything about not using an impact.
Here is the factory OTC video showing to use an impact wrench on their tool!

I lubed the threads on mine with red mobile 1 grease.

Chris

 

[ex-x-fire]

I've been using an impact on them for 20 yrs. No issues.

 

[zmotorsports]

Personally I think there is a difference between the HF and the OTC. A guy in our Jeep club was changing ball joints in his Jeep and was having a hard time. He called me to come and help, said he had just bought a HF press so he had the right tool. I threw mine in the Jeep before heading over just in case. Upon arrival we just used his because it was there and already dirty and actually beat on. I could watch the "C" spread as I was applying the load to the screw. I made several attempts until I finally smacked the side of the knuckle and it released the tension. I have had my OTC presses tight before but I have never witnessed either of them flex or spread like that.

Mike.

 

[theamcaddict]

That OTC was a great score.
I decided to get a used Snap on CJ108B
brake anchor/u joint press and use adapters from other brands. I have been very happy.

 

[DirtRoad]

I got the HF ball joint press and expander set about 6 months ago. Ive used it alot since, i have yet to see any reason to buy anything else.

The HF inner tie rod tool on the other hand........

 

[l_bilyk]

Actually, the HF version is different if you look at in person. Could they come from the same factory-yes. But from the same production line and from the same QC? Nope.

The Front end service kits (which many claim are the same between OTC/HF) also are different. All but 1 piece look the same (via online pictures, the difference is evident in person). That one piece (a pitman puller) is designed and shaped slightly different. And as I said, the difference in person is obvious. HF Warranty is only 90 days on this stuff too and only slightly cheaper!

Yeah I don't know about the HF one specifically, as we don't have HF in canada. Mine is the old US-made OTC so I have nothing to compare to. But in general, I think if two tools look identical and come from Taiwan, then it's probably more likely than not that they are made by the same people. The market for these things is too small and the capital requirements are too high to justify setting up multiple plants on one small island state.

 

[Jason280]

Here are a few comparison pics of the OTC (USA made) and the Chinese Harbor Freight ball joint presses:







The overall dimensions of the presses are almost identical, with the same thread pattern. Weight feels the same, although the finish on the OTC is a little better. It appears that the HF is simply an exact clone of the OTC, which seems to be the norm.

 

[PhantomEB]

One thing I know my buddy likes to do is use the OTC cups etc but the HF spine and thread, just to not have to worry about bending his if it comes to be.

 

[zmotorsports]

I don't want to start a pissin contest but I stand by my original comment about the flex in the HF one. If the energy is being used to flex the "C", that energy is not being used to move the ball joint as well as it will not be pressing straight in line with the oposing side of the press. I have never seen either of my OTC presses open like the HF one did. I also noticed that the threads started to roll a little on my buddies HF. I am sure it was because of the pressure being exerted on it, but it was it's first time being used.

Mike.