Floor Shop Press

I have both the 12 and 20 ton harbor freight presses. I bought the 20 ton to replace the 12 ton. The 12 ton works pretty well for most stuff, but the frame of the press itself is a little flexible so you lose some effectiveness. I had parts I was pressing bind up a couple times, seemed like things got a little out of square when the press was starting to work hard. So I bought the 20 ton. The frame is much more stout, and the whole press is more stable. And I’ve never had a part bind up in it. Inspires a lot more confidence than the 12 ton.

So, my recommendation would be to buy the 20 ton press if you have the money and the space. The 12 ton will work for most stuff ok, but the 20 ton is a better tool.

The harbor freight ratings seem a little light for the performance I expect anyway, I think that goes for all their rated stuff -engine stands, jacks, presses, jack stands etc. I mean, I don’t think the 12 ton press will explode or anything if you have to press 12 tons with it, but the whole thing will be flexing and straining when it does. It’ll do it, but it won’t look good and it’ll probably raise your blood pressure a bit. So I usually buy the tool rated close to twice as high as I think I’ll actually need if I’m buying harbor freight. Need a 1/2 ton engine stand, buy the 1 ton. Need a 3 ton jack stand, buy the 6 ton. Need a 12 ton press, buy the 20. You get the idea. The lower rated stuff there can be a little flimsy.