Shop Press
A look at the Harbor Freight 20 ton shop press, and easy modifications.
Background:
I was recently going down the YouTube rabbit hole of tools in workshops when I came across a few videos of the Harbor Freight 20 ton shop press. Shortly after finding those review videos, I found people making modifications to them to make them easier to use, and more efficient. We all know time is money, and efficiency is key in the workshop. Here is the shop press, and the modifications I have made to it (so far).
I have posted a video to YouTube that covers all this information. That is located here:
The Press:
The Harbor Freight 20 ton shop press is SKU 70603. It can be found here. Now, the press comes with a manual 20 ton hydraulic jack. If you look at the picture above, you will notice that I have the 20 ton air/hydraulic jack installed on my press (pictured here). When I purchased this jack, the price for Inside Track members was $89.99. The regular price on it is $149.99, so keep an eye out for coupons. That jack can be found here.
Modifications:
You will notice on my jack that there is a silver knob on the pressure release valve. This makes it to where I do not need the bar that comes with it in order to release the pressure. I can now do this by hand. I purchased a 5/16in. sillcock key from my local hardware store, drilled out the center 25/64in. just so it will slide over the threads. Horizontally, I drilled another hole large enough for the keeper pin to go through it. If you’d like to purchase a similar sillcock key off Amazon, it can be found here:
(These are all Amazon affiliate links that help support my content)
I also added casters to my shop press. These can be purchased at Home Depot, or the link here. They are Everbilt 2in. casters, and use 3/8in hardware to mount. The shop press has holes in the frame already on all four corners, and these fit in perfectly. If you prefer to purchase from Amazon, some similar ones can be found here:
The last modification I have made for now (and my favorite by far) is the foot pedal. At the time of writing, this foot pedal was $16.98 on Amazon. This is a 2 position, 3 way pedal according to the description. In order to assemble this, you will need some air fittings, and air hose in order to hook everything up. I will go over assembly of this, but here are the links to what you will need:
Foot Pedal: https://amzn.to/44vAusb
You will need the following air fittings all found in this kit:
1x 1/4in. air plug, 1/4in. NPT male
1x 1/4in. air plug, 1/4in. NPT female
1x 1/4in. air coupler
2x 3/8in. barb, 1/4in. NPT (this is a four pack): https://amzn.to/3ycHo9Q
I highly recommend wrapping threads with some type of thread tape or sealant paste. PTFE tape: https://amzn.to/4dy6zns
The pedal will come without any fittings installed. With the pedal positioned like the picture to the right (below on mobile), you will install the 1/4in. air plug, 1/4in. NPT male fitting into the left port.
One of the 3/8in. barb fittings will be installed on the right port. You can then press on some 3/8in. air hose, then secure it with a hose clamp. On the other end of the hose, you can do it one of two ways: install the other barb and hose clamp, then screw on the 1/4in. air coupler. Or you can screw the barb into the air coupler, then press it into the hose and secure it with another hose clamp. Whichever is easiest for you.
Remove the handle that came on the Harbor Freight air/hydraulic jack, and install a 1/4in. air plug with the 1/4in. NPT female end. That is pretty much it. You will then be able to run air into the pedal from whichever air hose source you have, hook up the air hose coming out of the pedal to the black hose on the air/hydraulic jack, and your all set! If you have any questions about the assembly of this, please feel free to reach out on Instagram (@reapermfg).
Thank you for stopping by, and supporting the work I do!
Conclusion:
The foot pedal has to be my favorite modification to this shop press so far. I am continuing to upgrade tools in my shop. I am currently starting with the air lines. You will notice that bright green air line going into the pedal. That is Flexzilla brand air lines, and they are the best. I have worked in heavy equipment repair shops, and that is all we used. They are fairly affordable. This 50ft. hose I purchased at the time or writing was $36.97 (regularly $58.77). If you are interested in it, it can be found here:
Flexzilla 3/8in. air hose, 50ft.: https://amzn.to/3UTQxge
