I finally just bought my very first hydraulic press. I had talked about it forever, but for some reason never bought one.

I didn't want to spend a fortune as I was just buying it right now to do one particular job.....press my Sons wheel bearing races into his new hubs. So I bought Harbor Freights 12 ton one that was on sale for $ 109. The 20 ton was $175 or so, but I didn't want to lay out that much right now.

I've got to tell you, this thing is handy as h***. Not only did I do the job I bought it for, but I've used it several more times to bend some steel and press some Model T spring perch bolts out. I had been beating on those with a hammer and punch, with no luck. The press took me all of a minute and two different sized sockets and both were out.

Now that I know how handy these are, I may add the 20 ton, just because. I can see lots of uses, and even though this one has been up to the job, a bigger one probably will have even more uses.

I would recommend every shop should have one of these. Too bad I got smart so late.


Don