Easiest way to invert hydraulic jack upside down

[@zumbazumba1]

The reason why they tell you not to use it upside down is the holes on the bottom of reservoar for oil ,which is gravity fed-also if one way check valves dont have springs as usualy is the case with el cheapo grande they wont work properly.

Wrong! The reason why they tell you, not to use it upside down, is that there is air inside the oil chamfer. Without modification pump sucks air, instead of oil. You shouldn't believe everything you hear. " Valves " = steel balls, moves sideways, its the movement of the oil that opens or closes the valve. No need for springs. With this modification, you can use jack sideways too ( pump side up ), If gravity would matter, it would affect mostly when jack is used sideways. Try things by yourself, don't believe everything that you hear. There is too much " keyboard warriors "... Spreading stupid myths like: " I have heard that the rr-track is very soft " ( of course, if it needs to carry million tons of weight, we choose the softest steel we found to carry the weight ) 🤨

[@schanerdesigns]

Great video, thanks! I was building a press and ran into this issue. Saw a bunch of videos showing how to take the jack apart, add pump intake tubing, etc., but my jack is welded so that wasn't any help. I also saw several videos and comments saying the check valves wouldn't work upside down, so I thought I was just SOL until I saw this. Turns out that was total BS (at least in my case, with an 8 ton Pittsburgh/Harbor Freight press). I ended up drilling and tapping my plug hole to 1/8 BSPP and making a reservoir from welded steel that bolts onto the frame of my press. After purging air from the system, it worked perfectly!

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

The pliers in the vise is a nice hack for fine detail work. I'll be stealing this method.

[@pjhalchemy]

A Modular Variable tonnage bench press with All the toys!! Don't get much better than that. Terrific Tuomas, You never cease to amaze, Thank You.

pjsalchemy Thanks mate. For some reason i like if tools have many uses.. i tought i remake this someday, with steel container and piping. To get neater look to it.

[@pieterbotes8938]

Well done brother. You taught me something about another use of a bottle jack.

[@brucewilliams6292]

That was a great way of doing the inversion. Well done.

[@cableup1]

I enjoyed this build. that said, I need to debate that anything that requires that much time with a grinder in your hand qualifies as "easiest".

[@oiu7890]

Put a knob on the jack release! Nice job on the mod!

[@DudleyToolwright]

Well done. You sure are skilled with an angle grinder. I'm suitably impressed.

Thanks. I have used it a lot. Its a very handy tool.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Brilliant Tuomas!

Mikhandmaker Thanks buddy!

[@LuisLopez2]

On a side note: The bass track on the background music is pretty skilled.

[@dieterbuchner1214]

Watch and learn. Thank you for this informative video.

Dieter Büchner Thank you for watching it!

[@victorinborsciov6817]

Smart thing to do, versatility, good job.

Victorin Borsciov Thank you very much!

[@pawelk8179]

Well done 👍

[@glenmckelvey5952]

Great design and job Tuomas . Nicely done take care .

Glen mckelvey Thanks buddy!

[@jorgenlannock]

nice idea with the jack, mate. law of communicating barrels 👌. ...and you used the evolution drill liquid jar 😁 nice 👍👍

Jörgen Börg Yeah. I had no use for it anymore. I made a bigger container to the drill while ago, its good to have, if i need to drill outside shop.

[@o.cwithers3642]

You are becoming my favorite youtuber

O.c Withers Wow. That would be cool! Thanks buddy!

[@ricvis44]

Great way to jack upside down!

[@pepemoraromay]

Excellent idea 👍

Yo Soy Pepe Mora Thank you!

[@willywgb]

Never ever wear gloves when using a drill press. If one of the gloves gets snagged by the drill bit, it will twist the glove and your hand around the bit squeezing until your fingers break and eventually stall the drill. My brother in law had this misfortune and he was off work for a long time. The work should be clamped to the table and not held by a gloved hand. Good job on resealing the jack.

[@crazywelderthings6952]

Yeah or wear gloves while welding incase they will catch on fire and burn your hand

[@N269]

Yeah, but when grinding wear gloves - them discs/wire brushes can get to the bone real quick! (Experience!)

[@Spiritof_76]

@@crazywelderthings6952 That's not the same at all. The welder isn't spinning.

[@donsmith9081]

@@Spiritof_76 I read a comment a few days ago how a guy wearing gloves got hooked up on a drill press or something and it broke 3 fingers. I never wear gloves except for welding. I also like to learn from other peoples mistakes.

[@Spiritof_76]

@@donsmith9081 Same here, unless it's chem gloves for handling strong acidic or alkali products or nitrile gloves to keep 2k or rust proofing paint off my hands. No rings or watches while doing mechanic work either. Saw a picture of a guy who fell off an aircraft ladder, caught his ring on it, and left him with a skeleton finger.

[@sergiofernandomedeiros]

Great idea and nice work. Thank you for sharing

Sergio Fernando Medeiros You're welcome. Thanks for watching it!

[@atozcycleparts]

Thank for your video and very good set up ,

Thank you very much!

[@atozcycleparts]

Hope to see your new invention .

[@thornwarbler]

Lovely job .....thanks man

thornwarbler Thanks for watching it!

[@roberto.h.g.3591]

SÚPER video Master👊

Mr. H.G. Thank you very much!

[@luigihidraulica]

Muito bom meu amigo Eu tbm fiz uma prensa hidráulica ano passado e tbm utilizei um macaco hidráulico só que eu modifiquei ele internamente para trabalhar sem a necessidade de um reservatório externo mas o seu tbm ficou ótimo até mais um abraço

[@tobygathergood4990]

I always wonder why guys building or modifying a press, use jacks rather than a hydraulic ram mounted into the top cross plate. Doing it that way gives you way more space to operate and a larger selection of ram pressures, plus a gauge can also be mounted into ram cylinder.

[@N269]

Those with bottle jacks are inexpensive, whereas the purpose mount rams are specific to that purpose and are little more expensive. Both have their purposes - personally I have 2 ram-type presses, each with gauges, rather than bottle jack.

[@22kpar1xcyberdyne9]

I would assume that you being talented you would drill the fill hole towards to top (bottom) of the jack? Then I would assume that you would redesign the awkward jacking the handle up motion by extending the handle through the hole and opposite side would be the normal jack motion. Then I would also get crazy and use 2 jacks. One to actually pump the fluid into the second jack that is your upside down cylinder (as a portapower comes out of a box). Great job on smoothing those edges. I see so many hack jobs with no pride in their work.

I actually like that awkward jacking handle up, is a better option. Most persons can lift bigger weights than pull. Its lighter to use that way. For the other changes.. i don't need actual reason. Drilling hole to the bottom wouldn't remove need for the extra container, also locating right place for the hole is somewhat impossible, wrong guess would ruin the jack.. another jack as a pump is a good choice, specially when making bigger ( 20 ton or more ) press.

[@arseniosifontes5878]

Mis saludos amigo, excelente...dime si el gato no lleva mas dispositivos que la adaptación de la manguera de suministro de aceite que bajo del embase??

[@desalvo66]

is the resevoir plug 1/4 npt..?? can't u purchase a barbed tube fitting with 1/4 npt thread.. if it is unc thread they sell unc to npt adapators..

[@kagarararu]

With an oil pump and pressure release, it could be used as a little power hammer too.

[@iotayodi222]

GOOD STUFF!!

[@paulryan9826]

Hi great video how do you retract the piston back down. What are the springs for

[@N269]

Springs to retract the ram.

[@arseniosifontes5878]

bueno...creo que es sencillo de acuerdo a lo que he observado.. lo pondre en practica

[@trongo9394]

arsenio si😀😀😆😥🙄🙄😏🙄😐3. 3168 fontes 4.

[@trongo9394]

G30 1t 01

[@fazernaoficina]

nice job. greetings from Brazil

[@lewlinn7231]

I notice your jack was originally set up in the "normal" operating position (under the table). Have you settled on the overhead inverted position as being the better of the 2 options? One thought on the the non-inverted position (under the table) is it doesn't allow any table gap that is useable for pressing onto say a shaft etc whereas coming down from the top you can have an open table (no jack/plate in the way) The inverted jack also has the benefit of not requiring the additional parts that the overhead "normal" position jack requires particularly the sliding bar used that hold the working ram. I am looking for ideas to build one and really liked your designs and add-ons. Appreciate any thoughts..thanks.

Both are useful. In normal position, using / making different tooling for bending etc is simplier. Inverted works better when stamping or punching and stuff like that. For me, i think i would choose "normal" if i could only take one.

[@lewlinn7231]

@ Your bending jigs etc certainly lend themselves to the normal position. In my thinking I keep coming back to having an opening in the table to be able to let a shaft go through for pressing bearings etc but would love to add bending capabilities etc. I'm thinking maybe if the 2 plates on your table were removable (the plate the ram presses on and the plate acting as a table) when the jack is moved to the inverted position your table would now have an opening in it? BTW looks pretty cold at your place!

[@BruceSokol]

What is the music? I like it!

[@charlesmonroe4794]

I have a wood splitter powered by a bottle jack - too slow. Convert to air should be faster splitting the cost is what? Is it worthwhile?

[@MattSeals]

say thanks to a lot for your internet video it helps a great deal.

[@eloyworkshop541]

Very good idea friend, I am making another hydraulic press and I would love to use that great idea, no doubt it is much simpler than mine, I love the final detail of the pieces, good work and greetings (google translator)

Eloy Workshop Thanks buddy. My intention was to use your idea, but i bought a jack wich was too difficult to open, so i made this version. It would be great if i could give some inspiration to you too!

[@eloyworkshop541]

Thank you very much friend, because I think it's a great idea, a big hug, we are in touch.

[@pieterbotes8938]

Howzit brother, I looked at you video again this morning and realized something: to get pressure you have to actually push the handle upwards. When the jack is standing on it's base you get pressure when you pull the jack handle down. Doesn't this feel awkward or strange? I have been to your country (3 times - shortest period was 1 month). I was stationed in Hapajaarvi.

I like to use it that way, but it can be easily fixed to work otherway too.

[@MrDunk66]

Tuomas, thanks, nice work again. Can you tell me what you used to cut the large hole in the steel piece that goes over the bottle neck. Looks like a variable holesaw for wood but they don’t cut steel.

Dunk O Yes. Its variable cutter for wood. I made new blade to it from a hss drill. Was a littke tricky to shape and sharpen. But worked.

[@MrDunk66]

Could you show us how you made it?

[@PedroFlying]

How does it work after months of use? Still working, no issues? I just bought 32 ton jack to new press, and wanted to add extra pipe inside of it, but your way looks much better and easier to make. And what kind of oil did you use?

Works like new. I used regular hydraulic oil that i bought my local hw store.

[@PedroFlying]

@ thanks :-)

[@PedroFlying]

​@ and did you try to remove extension screw? I wanted to make some more screws like this with different attachments connected but have completely no idea how to dismantle this. And what kind of disc do you use for grinding? Sorry for so many questions :-)

[@JNHAISLEY03]

Why didn't you put the return spring inside the jack?

That jack was sealed with welds.

[@tylerhogg2241]

Simple question. Why turn it upside down? Does it function any differently then if it were in the upright position as in your other videos?

It makes overall build little smaller when using bigger jack. Otherwise there's no matter.

[@tylerhogg2241]

Oh ok. I've got a 20ton pneumatic jack that I'm going to use for a press so I've been watching videos for ideas and was just wondering if there was something I was missing when it comes to the orientation of the jack lol

[@DEHOYOS98]

You'll never be able to press bearings onto shafts or do any serious pushing with the jack on the bottom. Look at the design of a normal floor press.

[@patricknovakdepaula889]

Muito bom.

Patrick Novak de Paula Thank you!

[@davideast5598]

Just one question where did you get your hydraulic fluid reservoir?

That plastic one, came with my Evolution Magnetig drill. But, i made a new one from stainless stee couple days later. instagram.com/p/Bhs-3IHgY-r/?

[@edwardserrano4864]

Sir what other kind of reservoir did I can use and it is allow to be big reservoir or small? Thank you

You can use that hydraulic oil can where you bought needed extra oil. About 1dl ( 1/10 litre ) is enough. I made new from stainless steel, used this plastic one for stamping ends to it. You can see the result from this link: instagram.com/p/BhooWgZA-_C/?igshid=1ttetoisgqyx4

[@edwardserrano4864]

Thank you sir. Can i overhaul the jack when i threaded it? It can be use at long time?

[@ronnieg6358]

Why not use a vise instead of fingers?

When cutting? Its faster that way. No other reason.

For the ones who would like to hit "its not designed for to be used upside down" card to the table.. Jack on this position, sealings stay wet, and should last even longer. Lip seal actually works better when there is a small pressure inside jacks oil container wich presses it against cylinder axle. If there comes little leak, hydraulic oil is so thick that instead air leaking in ( wich wouldn't be problem because it can be removed in 10 seconds ) it pulls new oil inside the jack from the extra container. After little further thinking it should be obvious that there is no actual reason why sealings would break faster if jack is used upside down. If hydraulic jack would have been designed to be used "upside down", sealing would be made somewhat similar way. This was my conclusion when i planned this. Of course its good to keep on mind that low quality jack, has low quality sealings...

[@johnwilson6732]

seals are simplisticaly a wiper tostop oil clinging to the shaft or leaking outof th cyclinder. As a wiper it matters little whether jack is upside down, subject of course to the seals being fitted corretly.

[@t54760]

I'm missing the basic premise. Why use an upside hydraulic jack? For the novelty or . . .

Tom Open Its much easier to mount it to the frame.. i can mount punching dies directly to the cylinder, its more accurate to get pressure to the desired place, main reason is that it doesn't take so much space from the frame, its possible to build smaller press without need to limit the power... etc. imo.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Tom Open, I agree with everything Tuomas has already stated plus the biggest advantage I have found with the upside down jack is rigidity, meaning that because the jack is mounted to the frame it can't move about in it's mounting. With a jack mounted in a moving frame there is always some play in the pressing ram which can allow the ram to tilt slightly. This can be a problem when parts are difficult to align properly or as Tuomas said using punching dies. Simply, using this method the ram will always press perfectly vertically. I had a 12 ton press made the cheap way and several times the "wiggle" and the frame holding the jack getting in the way caused issues. I now have a 20 ton press with an upside down jack (modified by the manufacturer) and it is so much better to use. Definitly not a novelty for me. G'day from Australia.

[@t54760]

Good points Tuomas and Frank. I missed the "why" when watching the video. Thanks for answering.

[@ClownWhisper]

I didn't follow a damn thing you did in this video other than the physical mounting pieces which will be different with every Jack. How can you tell when a Jack is able to be mounted upside down from what I understand some just suck air if they're upside down

[@arseniosifontes5878]

Mis saludos desde venezuela...necesito saber el sistema interior para convertir el gato hidraulico...

[@jojomm8079]

good idea , why did y used extra oil container??

Originally jack takes oil from the bottom section. When turned upside down, it would suck air instead of oil. That's why original container needs to be filled with oil. And.. when its filled with oil, pumping the jack would make negative pressure inside the jack, jack wouldn't move more that inch or less. Extra container is to stabilise pressure. Extra container has a hole in the gap, this allows air to move inside it, and pressure stays stabile.

More info: www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Mount-Hydraulic-Jack-Upside-Down/

[@jojomm8079]

Tuomas Soikkeli thanx a lot for this explanation... I hope best wishes for u .

[@Sorodot]

Easiest way??

Yep. For the jacks that can not be opened.

[@MotoChassisByTonyFoale]

Tuomas, have you seen how I did the same thing on the homemade tools forum? This method was actually two systems in one, one of the two was identical to yours. www.homemadetools.net/forum/inverting-hydraulic-jack-workshop-press-55188 and a later more complex modification www.homemadetools.net/forum/more-improvements-bottle-jack-shop-press-64826

Hi Tony. I haven't seen it. Idea that you used looks same that Eloy Workshop used: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laTOl2lnbphofrM Idea is the same, remove air inside the jack. My version doesn't require opening the jack, that's why i used it. (Btw. If you add links to the comment. KZbin takes it as a spam, and it goes to spam folder. So, it might take time to answer )

Now i have readed both posts.. As i remember, we made similar sheet metal bending brakes at the same time.. and seems that we have thinked quite similarly with this mod too. :)

[@MotoChassisByTonyFoale]

That was my first ever post on the homemade tools forum. I incorporated two methods at the same time. Each should have worked on its own, so it was a case of belt and braces. For the one like yours I wouldn't have had to open the jack either, but that was very easy because mine wasn't welded like yours.

[@MotoChassisByTonyFoale]

It must be right then.

[@blanchae]

Nice write up. Thanks

[@Lazywatchsmith]

Nerokasta!

Lazy watchsmith Kiitos. Meni vaan taas tekstitys ihan miten sattuu...

[@TheReflexlive]

Not easy at all

Easiest..