Shop Press And Otc Hub Grappler

Been using the grappler for years. works great. need to replace screw & nut often, not a big deal. but like you said some need a press. Mueller-Kueps make a universal jig part #432650. only had to use it a couple times but it was worth it.

Agreed. You may …t to consider the Mueller-Keups jig. mueller-kueps​.​com/wp-content/upl…​.​pdf

I've been using the OTC grappler for years and have never had a problem with the screw or the nut. I lubricate the screw with anti-seize before every use. It makes a huge difference as to how much torque I can apply.

It works great for me and has done for several years. I did learn the hard way though to get the bearing moving in the hub before installing the spacer cup. I have scrapped a sleeve/spacer with a stuck bearing. Using the puller backing behind the bearing and putting an oversize puller/backing plate on the outside of the hub gives support enough to get the bearing out to the surface of the…

yea, I ruined a Honda Odessey knuckle using the press

I have been using the grappler and it is a hit or miss situation, sometimes it works great and sometimes it just strips the pressure screws threads, I have that mueller krups tool and it has saved us a lot of time on the press, wont do it any other way now, just have to remember car configuration for the tool and it can be configured to fit any knuckle more or less, I have aso opted to get some…

hub grappler is great…due to the pressure you are using i would only use a genuine OTC brand….i have a cheap universal press adapter (thick plate with a bunch of threaded holes and threaded pins) works well…i use a slide hammer with an adapter to remove the hub if i can remove it…also the next time you have a large truck that needs rotors…save the old rotors and you can put it on your press bed…

Havent needed to do a press in bearing since I got the grappler attachment (isnt that how it always works?) but have had the original tamer for years. The nice thing with the setup is that if you have one that is too stubborn to move with the forcing screw, the adapters will still work with a shop press and help avoid damaging a knuckle

Hi, Look into tools made by Wallmek tools, They are made in Sweden a real time saver and great quality.

Stephen I will admit I purchased a knock off of the Mueller-Kueps jig some years ago for the shop we don't use it often but it's a life saver when you do need it…. The grappler is nice and so is the SIR Tool kit but you just can't beat the force of a press!

Bill I bought a knock off too and have not yet needed it, was kinda scared if I had too…good to know its not that bad.

We have had some serious pressure on ours doing Subaru wheel bearings nothing seems to stick together better than a Subaru in Michigan…. So far so good

I use the grappler to pull the hub mainly. I am in the rust belt. Its so often have to use the press or would have to cut into the outer race to remove with a puller. I use a knock of of the the Mueller Kupps tool in the press plus have some other adapters.

I've used a bearing at the jack screw from almost the beginning. In doing so I've never had to replace the screw (clean and lubricated should be a given). I have the part number at work but was easy to buy based on diameters. I think this is a must and should be included in the set…maybe 1 day. For tougher bearings, applying tension then striking with a hammer has never failed to get things…

That should be standard in every kit! That's a great idea. Did you end up using a Torrington style bearing

Agreed! The key for me is applying tension and then giving it a few hits to get it moving. I’ve had the tamer for years and bought the grappler add on recently. Haven’t got to use the grappler part yet! I’ve been meaning to buy one of those press plates….. it’s on the list.

We are also fans of the hub grappler. Must not have used it enough yet, as we have yet to strip a pressure screw, but i am sure we will. In conjunction with pushing/pulling types of tools, we have found vibration to be very handy in minimizing damage and required service time. We use Ingersoll Rand AVC27 9x industrial riveters to create the vibration. They have a feather trigger and you can get…

We have the OTC grappler and yes we have stripped the screw(though after several dozen uses) and of course we lubricate it before every use, doesn't seem to matter. We are also looking into the Mueller-Kepps piece for stubborn bearings, its a little pricey (around $400 I think), but probably worth it.

Another vote for the Grappler. I haven't used a press for a wheel bearing in years. Haters will tell you they can press the bearing in and out faster. I'd take that bet any day.

I won't put money on that bet, I spent more time setting up the press bed when I could have likely used a grappler

I use the Astro version of the same tool. It can be awkward to set up at times but I hear there is a newer version of the OTC that holds all its pieces together so you don’t need 7 hands at once. Either way they are great tools. Just be smart about where you stick your body parts.

Hub tools are good but the torch comes out sometimes. heat Up outer race in one spot just enough to shrink it will save more threads on hub tool.