The Harbor Freight 20-ton press is an important tool for every gunsmith (home builder and professional). The press itself is constructed out of welded steel i-beams and channels; thus allowing the press to take tremendous pressure. The heart of the press is a 20-ton bottle jack which is manually extended with the use of a bar. A set of two springs returns the ram into position once the air pressure is release from a bleeder valve. The press comes with two cast pressure plates intended to serve as a base when pressing. The press can be purchased from any local Harbor freight or online for about $239.00. However, generally 20% off coupons and sidewalk sales are available thus reducing the price. The press comes unassembled and in powdered coated orange.
The HF 20-ton press has two main disadvantages. The first is that it is manually driven; it gets real old racking the bar repeatedly. Additionally, due to the manual operation pressing items takes longer. The second is the absence of a gauge registering the total tons exerted. When pressing the operator has no idea how many tons are being applied; except that it is less than twenty.
Common Applications:
Pressing barrels
Pressing barrel pins
Crushing rivets
- Working distance: min: 0" - max 32"
- Width between channels: 22-1/4''
- Overall dimensions: 60" H x 26" D x 26-1/2'' W
- Shipping weight: 200 lbs.
