Harbor Freights ball joint tool

[deziped]

isn't worth a damn. Got through the drivers side okay, but, when I started the pass side it deflected out of shape under moderate pressure. In other words the screw no longer centered thru the hole at other end. Not even close. No way it would put even pressure on the joints, just kept tracking off to one side or the other. Chucked it across the back yard & over the fence. FWIW, spend the extra money for good quality tools and save a lot of wasted time & frustation. Yeah I read the other unfavorable comments about it on here, but, I thought what the hell it can at least get thru 4 joints. Wrong.

[SuperWade2]

isn't worth a damn. Got through the drivers side okay, but, when I started the pass side it deflected out of shape under moderate pressure. In other words the screw no longer centered thru the hole at other end. Not even close. No way it would put even pressure on the joints, just kept tracking off to one side or the other. Chucked it across the back yard & over the fence. FWIW, spend the extra money for good quality tools and save a lot of wasted time & frustation. Yeah I read the other unfavorable comments about it on here, but, I thought what the hell it can at least get thru 4 joints. Wrong.

 

I read the same stuff and skipped the HF Tool and picked up the OTC 7249 + 7894 from Amazon.Com...kind of pricey, but still less than my local shop wanted to charge me in labor to do the 4 joints...

[Geonovast]

I used one when I did mine and I never had a problem with it. I dunno how much longer it'll last though.

[CWLONGSHOT]

YUP, you are correct...IT SUX FOR BALL JOINTS.

I used mine about 5-6 times for U Joints and LOVED IT!! Then I used it for a couple CA bushings, it worked pretty well there as well. BUT then i had a Ball joint job...WHAT A JOB, this thing just stretches, it lacks the strength to push. When I removed the tool it was twisted and stretched.....

 

I got SUPER LUCKY... A buddie who frequents "Tag/Lawn" sales. Picked up a SNAP-ON ball joint tool and most of the adapters. He GAVE IT TO ME!!!! :brows:

 

CW

[Pete M]

You lucky dog!

 

My HF one has proven quite capable of U-joints and other random stuff (like punching the rusted bolts out of my leaf springs), but I don't dare use it on balljoints.

[Andy in Pa]

Multiple sets of ball joints and u-joints on my cheapie HF tool, still going strong!!! I consider it one of my best investments so far. I have had mine for a few years though, maybe they cheapened it out even more since I bought mine.

[jared]

hf tools are hit or miss. personally i would just rent one from autozone for free (well a deposit that you get back)

 

or use a torch to get them out

[deziped]

And you press them back in by hand after torching them. :D

Three auto parts in this town and none rent tools. Maybe they never got returned so they quit. As a matter of fact, they don't even sell a ball joint tool.

[pingpong]

I actuall y bought mine from advance.. it has a life time warranty.. and was right at 100 bucks... no issues to date with it.

[dragonrider477]

the otc tool is indestructable.worth every penny.i have been able to score a few of these tools at auto swap meets over the years.they go pretty cheap and always work fine no matter how beat up they look.i resell them on ebay and make a few bucks doing it.