Trouble with Harbor Freight Shop Press

[mycrstuff]

I bought a Harbor Freight 12 ton press and there is gap between the top cross member and the vertical posts. Is this normal? I have another brand press and everything is flush. If this is not normal how do I fix it. I tried tightening down the bolts and it still does not close.

Attached is a photo before I tightened the bolts down.

[IMG][/IMG]

[kcstott]

I won't say it's normal but mine is the same way.

The only fix is add washers between or cut up the top bean and reweld.

[mycrstuff]

Thanks Kcstott. I least I know I don't have to return it. It took a few weeks of going from store to store to get this one. Apparently they are hot items right now.

[SJgunguy24]

Loosen up the other side then tighten both side at the same rate. Do that with the top and bottom bolts and it'll help square it up.

[xpbprox]

Yeah and its harbor freight, it may not be perfect but in my experience their stuff gets the job done.
if you cant line it up then I would go the washer route too

[ENTHUSIAST]

Mine is the same way I put some washers in to fill the gap.

It has cranked out plenty of AKs with no issue but you can always take it back... but odds are you probably will get another one with the same issue. Damn HF!!! ~Shakes Fist.~

[mud99]

It is purposely undersized. The press is not rigid, it is supposed to move into position when you are using it.

Don't worry about it.

[rromeo]

I also heard a rumor that their $7 78 piece socket sets were of shoddy quality. Somebody should look into this and see where HF is getting products from, I think it may be cheap Chinese junk.

[boar308]

I also heard a rumor that their $7 78 piece socket sets were of shoddy quality. Somebody should look into this and see where HF is getting products from, I think it may be cheap Chinese junk.

[Ak707]

Mine is the same way. I didn't even bother using washers on mine. Seems to work fine

[buellster]

12 ton shop press

Mine had so much flex that, when there was pressure, nothing would press straight. I threw away the bolts and welded 4" angle iron gussets into the legs and cross beam. Much more rigid and presses straight

[mycrstuff]

Mine had so much flex that, when there was pressure, nothing would press straight. I threw away the bolts and welded 4" angle iron gussets into the legs and cross beam. Much more rigid and presses straight

I thought about doing that to my old one but it looked the the ram was welded on crooked and that was causing everything to twist out of place. I decided to replace it instead.

It will be about two weeks before I get the new one together. I am having to take work home and don't have time for fun stuff.

[ChuckD]

I also heard a rumor that their $7 78 piece socket sets were of shoddy quality. Somebody should look into this and see where HF is getting products from, I think it may be cheap Chinese junk.

We need a "Like" button on CalGuns!

[SERIAL SNIPER]

you mean quite possibly the the 1" -2 1/2" (8 piece) wrench set i bought for $33 was made in china? no way next thing your going to tell me that the easter bunny is fake. thats it im taking it back

[kcstott]

Hey hey hey now You guy are not following the moderators rules here.

If you are going to make a completely sarcastic remark that has little to no input value then the posts have to be posted in Pink font color so that those with no sense of humor will understand.