Presses

About Presses

Workshop presses are essential pieces of heavy-duty equipment designed to apply controlled force for a wide range of manufacturing, maintenance, and repair tasks. Whether you're pressing bearings onto shafts, straightening bent metal components, or removing seized parts, a quality press provides the power and precision needed to get the job done safely and efficiently. Tooled-Up.com stocks a comprehensive range of hydraulic presses, bench presses, floor presses, and arbor presses from trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, catering to professional workshops, garages, and industrial facilities across the UK.

The press selection spans from compact bench-mounted models ideal for smaller workshops with limited floor space, through to heavy-duty floor-standing hydraulic presses capable of generating substantial tonnage for demanding industrial applications. Hydraulic presses use fluid pressure to generate force, offering smooth, controlled operation and the ability to handle high-capacity jobs. Air hydraulic presses combine pneumatic and hydraulic power for faster operation, whilst manual arbor presses provide precise control for lighter pressing work. Each type has its place in the modern workshop, and choosing the right press depends on your specific requirements, available space, and the nature of your work.

Modern workshop presses come with various safety features and accessories to enhance their versatility. Adjustable safety guards, press pin sets, and specialised attachments like floating brake disc presses expand the functionality of your equipment, allowing you to tackle automotive repairs, bearing installation, bushing removal, and countless other pressing applications with confidence. Whether you're running a busy vehicle workshop, a manufacturing facility, or maintaining plant equipment, investing in a reliable press is essential for professional results.

Jargon Buster

• Tonnage: The maximum force a press can exert, measured in tonnes. Common workshop presses range from 6 tonnes for light-duty work up to 50 tonnes or more for heavy industrial applications. Always ensure the tonnage matches your typical workload requirements.
• Hydraulic Press: A press that uses hydraulic fluid under pressure to generate force. These presses offer smooth, controlled operation and can generate substantial force with relatively little effort, making them ideal for heavy-duty workshop tasks.
• Arbor Press: A manually-operated mechanical press with a lever mechanism, typically used for lighter pressing work requiring precision. Popular for installing bearings, bushings, and other interference-fit components where controlled force is essential.
• Daylight Opening: The maximum vertical space between the pressing bed and the ram when fully retracted. This determines the maximum height of workpiece you can accommodate in the press, which is crucial when working with larger components.
• Ram Stroke: The total distance the pressing ram can travel from fully retracted to fully extended position. A longer stroke provides greater flexibility for pressing operations at different heights within the frame.
• Air Hydraulic: A press that uses compressed air to power the hydraulic pump, combining the speed of pneumatic operation with the power of hydraulics. This provides faster operation than manual pumping whilst maintaining precise control over the pressing force.

Who Uses Presses?

Workshop presses are indispensable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Vehicle Mechanics and Garage Technicians: Removing and installing bearings, bushings, ball joints, and U-joints during automotive repairs and maintenance
• Agricultural Engineers: Maintaining farm machinery, pressing bearings on PTO shafts, and repairing implement components
• Plant Maintenance Engineers: Installing and removing bearings, gears, and pulleys on industrial machinery in manufacturing facilities
• HGV and Fleet Maintenance Workshops: Heavy-duty pressing work on commercial vehicle components including wheel bearings and suspension parts
• Manufacturing and Fabrication Shops: Assembly work, straightening metal components, and forming operations
• Engineering Workshops: General pressing, bearing installation, and component assembly across various industrial sectors
• Motorcycle and Bike Mechanics: Pressing wheel bearings, steering head bearings, and suspension bushings
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Workshop Users: Occasional pressing tasks for vehicle maintenance and general repair projects

How to Choose the Right Presses

Selecting the appropriate press for your workshop requires careful consideration of several key factors:

Tonnage Requirement: Match the press capacity to your typical workload. A 10-12 tonne press suits most general garage work, whilst 20-30 tonne models handle heavier automotive and light industrial tasks. Specialist workshops may require 50 tonne or greater capacity for heavy plant machinery components. Always leave a safety margin - don't routinely operate at maximum capacity.

Floor or Bench Mounting: Floor-standing presses offer higher tonnage ratings and greater stability for heavy-duty work but require dedicated floor space. Bench presses are more compact, ideal for workshops with limited space, and perfectly adequate for lighter pressing operations. Consider your workshop layout and typical job requirements when deciding.

Power Source: Manual hydraulic presses are economical and reliable, requiring only hand-pumping to build pressure. Air hydraulic models significantly speed up operation if you have a suitable compressed air supply (typically requiring 6-8 CFM at 90-120 PSI). Consider cycle time and operator fatigue if you're doing frequent pressing work throughout the day.

Frame Dimensions: Check the daylight opening, throat depth, and bed size to ensure the press can accommodate your typical workpieces. A larger frame provides greater versatility but occupies more workshop space. Measure your most common components before purchasing to avoid frustration later.

Safety Features: Look for presses with robust construction, stable bases, and the option to fit safety guards. Adjustable guards are particularly valuable, protecting operators from flying debris or component failure during pressing operations, which is essential for HSE compliance in professional workshops.

Accessories and Attachments: Consider what's included and what you'll need to purchase separately. Press pin sets, V-blocks, and specific attachments like brake disc presses significantly expand functionality. Some manufacturers offer comprehensive accessory ranges that make their presses more versatile.

Popular Accessories

• Press Pin Sets: Various diameter pins and adapters for pressing different sized bearings, bushings, and components safely without damage
• Adjustable Safety Guards: Model-specific protective screens that shield operators from debris whilst allowing clear visibility of the work
• V-Blocks and Supports: Provide stable support for cylindrical components during pressing operations
• Press Beds and Plates: Additional work surfaces and support plates for different pressing configurations
• Bearing Separator Sets: Used in conjunction with presses to remove bearings from shafts without damage
• Hydraulic Pressure Gauges: Monitor applied force accurately, preventing component damage from excessive pressure
• Brake Disc Press Attachments: Specialised tools for floating brake disc work, essential for modern vehicle maintenance
• Workshop Crane or Engine Hoist: Complementary equipment for positioning heavy components onto floor presses

Safety Information

Workshop presses generate enormous force and must be operated with proper safety precautions to prevent serious injury. Always wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses or a face shield to protect against flying debris, and steel-toe-capped boots in case of dropped components. Keep hands and fingers clear of the pressing area at all times, and never place any body part beneath the ram.

Ensure workpieces are correctly positioned and adequately supported before applying pressure. Use appropriate pressing tools and adapters - never use makeshift items that could shatter or slip under load. Install safety guards where available, as they provide crucial protection if components fail catastrophically during pressing. Always maintain a stable stance to one side of the press, never directly in front, in case a component or tool is ejected.

Regular maintenance is essential for safe operation. Inspect hydraulic seals, rams, and frames for damage or leakage before use. Check that all controls operate smoothly and that relief valves are functioning correctly. In professional workshop environments, ensure your press usage complies with HSE guidelines and that operators receive proper training. Never exceed the rated tonnage of your press, as this risks damaging the equipment and creating a dangerous situation. When working with potentially brittle materials or corroded components, take extra precautions as these may fracture unpredictably under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tonnage press do I need for general automotive work?

For most garage and vehicle maintenance tasks, a 10-12 tonne press is perfectly adequate for pressing bearings, bushings, and ball joints on cars and light commercial vehicles. If you regularly work on larger vehicles, agricultural equipment, or plant machinery, consider a 20-30 tonne model for the additional capacity and versatility.

Can I use a bench press for heavy-duty work?

Bench presses are generally available in lower tonnage ratings (typically up to 20 tonnes) and are best suited for lighter workshop tasks. For regular heavy-duty pressing, a floor-standing model provides greater stability, higher tonnage options, and better ergonomics when working with larger components. The robust frame construction of floor presses makes them safer for demanding applications.

Do I need an air supply for a hydraulic press?

Standard hydraulic presses operate manually through hand-pumping and don't require any external power source. Air hydraulic models available at Tooled-Up do require a compressed air supply (typically 6-8 CFM at 90-120 PSI) but offer much faster operation. If you already have a suitable workshop compressor and do frequent pressing work, the speed advantage of air hydraulic operation can significantly improve productivity.

How do I know if I'm applying too much force?

Many quality presses include pressure gauges that show the force being applied. Listen and watch for signs that the component is seating properly - once a bearing or bushing is fully seated, resistance increases dramatically. Continuing to apply force beyond this point risks damaging components. If something doesn't press easily, stop and check your setup rather than forcing it. Using appropriate pressing tools and ensuring correct alignment prevents most issues.

What maintenance does a hydraulic press require?

Regularly check hydraulic fluid levels and top up with the manufacturer's recommended fluid when necessary. Inspect all hydraulic seals and connections for leaks, and examine the ram for signs of damage or corrosion. Keep the press clean, particularly the ram and cylinder, to prevent contamination of the hydraulic system. Lubricate any moving parts according to the manufacturer's guidelines, and store the press in a dry environment to prevent rust formation on critical surfaces.