The 30-second answer
For most general purpose work, the Orion Motor Tech 38-piece kit is the pick: it combines a bearing press set with a 5-ton separator and 2 inch and 3 inch jaws, so one case covers hub bearings and pressed bushings. Tight spaces suit the AB Tools thin two-jaw puller, blind bearings need the DXGTOZA 21-in-1 kit, and a simple external pull suits the BELOMI 3-jaw puller. Match jaw spread and reach to the bearing before you buy, and never hammer a bearing off a shaft if a puller will do the job.
How we researched this guide
We compared 4 general purpose bearing pullers, checked 4 maker listings and specification blocks plus the OTC puller catalogue pages for spread and reach definitions, and reviewed owner reports across 4 sources including maker and retailer pages. Every spread, reach and capacity figure below comes from those listings; where a listing does not publish a figure, we say so instead of filling the gap.
One warning runs through the whole guide because the makers themselves state it: a puller must grip squarely and pull straight, or it will cock the bearing and score the shaft. Centre the forcing screw, tighten gradually, and stop if the jaws start to slip rather than forcing them.
Best overall
Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit
The one-case answer for hub bearings, bushings and pressed parts, with a 5-ton separator and press sleeves. Best if you want a single kit for most bearing jobs.
Best for tight spaces
AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm
A thin-jaw puller for bearings jammed against shoulders and housings, covering 30 mm to 90 mm. Best if standard jaws cannot get behind your bearing.
Best blind bearing kit
DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set
A 21-piece internal puller set for bearings stuck in housings with no rear access. Best if your bearing is blind and an external puller has nothing to grip.
Best single puller
BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch
A simple 6 inch three-jaw puller with reversible jaws for external bearings on cars, SUVs and motorcycles. Best if you want one puller, not a kit.
| Product | Type | Spread / reach | Best for | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orion 38-piece | Press + separator | 2 in / 3 in jaws | Hub bearings | |
| AB Tools thin jaw | Two-jaw, thin | 30-90 mm, 100 mm depth | Tight spaces | |
| DXGTOZA 21-in-1 | Blind internal | 21 pieces | Housings | |
| BELOMI 3-jaw | Three-jaw | 6 inch | Single jobs |
Bearing puller finder: match the kit to your bearing diameter
Enter the bearing outside diameter, in mm or inches. Under 55 mm routes to the thin two-jaw puller for tight spaces, 55 to under 90 mm routes to the 38-piece press and separator kit whose bushings cover about 55 to 88 mm, and 90 mm and over routes to the 6 inch three-jaw puller. Always confirm jaw spread and reach against the actual bearing before ordering. For blind bearings in housings where jaws cannot reach, check the DXGTOZA 21-in-1 blind set in this guide instead.
Enter a bearing diameter to see which pick fits your bearing.
How to choose a general purpose bearing puller
Jaw spread and reach first
Spread is the diameter the jaws can grip, and reach is how deep they can go. Both must exceed the bearing dimensions, or the puller cannot grip at all. Measure the bearing outside diameter and the distance from the shaft end to the bearing seat before ordering, and buy the kit whose spread and reach both clear those numbers with room to spare.
Two-jaw, three-jaw or separator
Two-jaw pullers suit tight spaces and light pulls, three-jaw pullers grip more evenly and suit larger bearings, and a separator grips behind a bearing that has no lip for jaws to catch. The Orion kit in this guide includes a separator, which is why it covers jobs the single pullers cannot. Blind bearings, with no through access, need an expanding internal puller instead.
Capacity and forcing screw
Capacity is printed in tons for most kits, and it must exceed the press fit resistance, not just the bearing weight. A 5-ton separator handles most hub and wheel bearings, while heavier truck bearings need more. A live-centre forcing screw, as on the OTC GripLock design, keeps pressure centred and reduces the chance of the screw walking off the shaft.
Thin jaws for tight spaces
Where a bearing sits close to a shoulder or a housing, standard jaws are too thick to get behind it. Thin jaws, at about 1.5 mm on the AB Tools puller here, slide into gaps a normal jaw cannot reach. If your bearing has less than a few millimetres of clearance behind it, thin jaws are not optional.
Blind bearings need a different tool
A blind bearing sits in a housing with no access from behind, so an external puller has nothing to grip. Internal expanding pullers, like the DXGTOZA kit here, grip the inner race from inside and pull outward. Buying an external puller for a blind bearing wastes the purchase, so identify the bearing type first.
Build quality and case
Forged steel jaws hold their shape under load, while cast jaws can spread or crack. A case matters more than it sounds: a 38-piece kit that lives loose in a drawer loses its small adapters, and the next job starts with a missing part. Check that the kit includes a case and that every adapter has a marked slot.
Bearing pullers by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Single puller | One 3-jaw puller for external bearings | BELOMI 3-jaw 6 inch |
| Tight-space pick | Thin two-jaw puller for confined bearings | AB Tools thin two jaw |
| Blind bearing kit | 21-piece internal puller set for housings | DXGTOZA 21-in-1 |
| Full workshop kit | 38-piece press, separator and puller set | Orion Motor Tech 38-piece |
Spending more here buys coverage, not just size. A single puller is cheaper, but it cannot do a blind bearing or a pressed hub bearing, and the second purchase then costs more than the kit would have. Buy the kit for the hardest bearing you expect to face, not the easiest.
Types of bearing pullers
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-jaw puller | Fits tight spaces, simple to set up | Less even grip than three jaws | Light external bearings |
| Three-jaw puller | Even grip, stable pull | Needs room for three jaws | Larger external bearings |
| Bearing separator | Grips bearings with no lip | Needs a puller or press to finish | Hub and pressed bearings |
| Blind internal puller | Removes bearings from housings | One size range per collet set | Blind bearings in housings |
Most home garages need a three-jaw puller and a separator, and the Orion kit covers both. Add a blind kit only if you work on housings, gearboxes or small engines where blind bearings are common. See our bearing puller supplier guide for sourcing the less common sizes.
Detailed reviews of general purpose bearing pullers
Four pullers, each with a verified listing, its own button and its own limits printed plainly. Specs come from the listings in our research notes; anything a listing does not publish is marked Not published.
Best overall: Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit
Best overall
Why the Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit is our pick
This is our overall pick because it is really two kits in one case: a bearing press set with sleeves and bushings for installing and removing hub bearings, plus a 5-ton separator puller set with 2 inch and 3 inch jaws. The listing prints the steel grade as AISI 1045 and lists bushing sizes from about 55 mm to 88 mm, which covers most car and light truck hub bearings. For a general purpose buyer, that coverage is the point.
Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit key specs
- Pieces: 38, in two cases
- Separator capacity: 5 tons, as listed
- Separator jaws: 2 inch and 3 inch
- Steel: AISI 1045, as listed
- Bushing sizes: about 55 mm to 88 mm
- Sleeve sizes: 3, 3.25, 3.63 and 4 inch
- Model: ATL-2414-00
- Use: wheel bearing press and pull
- Compatibility: cars and light trucks
- Case: two carrying cases included
Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit: fits and best for
Fits car and light truck wheel bearings, pressed bushings and hub assemblies where a press set is needed. It is best for home garages that do their own hub bearings and for workshops that want one case for both removal and installation.
Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit pros and watch-outs
- Press set plus separator in one kit
- 5-ton separator for hub bearings
- Wide bushing size range
- AISI 1045 steel, as listed
- Two cases keep parts organised
- Heavy and bulky for a single job
- Overkill if you only pull one bearing type
- Needs a press or puller technique to use well
- Small parts can be lost if the case is not used
Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit: what owners report
Owner reports on the listing describe hub bearing jobs completed without a shop press, and praise the sleeve range for fitting different hubs (see the Orion Motor Tech 38-piece listing).
Other owner reports note the kit is heavy and that the instructions are brief, so first-time users should study the layout before starting.
Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit: who should not buy
Do not buy this for a single blind bearing in a housing; the DXGTOZA internal kit is the right tool there. Drivers who only ever pull one external bearing will do fine with the BELOMI single puller.
Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit: pair it with
Pair it with a torque wrench for refitting hub nuts to the maker’s specification, and a bearing separator guide for the removal technique.
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Tip: lay out every sleeve and bushing before you start, and match the sleeve to the bearing outer race so pressure never lands on the seals. See also bearing puller suppliers.
Best for tight spaces: AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm
Best for tight spaces
Why the AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm is our pick
This is the tight-space pick because its jaws are only 1.5 mm thick, as listed, which lets them slide behind bearings that a standard jaw cannot reach. The listing gives a 30 mm to 90 mm diameter range and a 100 mm working depth, with reversible legs for internal or external pulling. For a bearing tight against a shoulder, that thin jaw is the whole purchase.
AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm key specs
- Diameter range: 30 mm to 90 mm
- Jaw thickness: 1.5 mm
- Working depth: 100 mm
- Jaws: two, reversible
- Model: AT091
- Use: internal or external pulling
- Compatibility: cars, motorcycles and machinery
- Capacity: Not published on the listing
- Weight: Not published on the listing
- Case: Not published on the listing
AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm: fits and best for
Fits bearings in tight spaces on cars, motorcycles and machinery, especially where a shoulder leaves almost no gap behind the bearing. It is best for mechanics who have already found that a standard puller cannot grip their bearing.
AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm pros and watch-outs
- 1.5 mm thin jaws reach tight gaps
- 30 to 90 mm range covers many bearings
- Reversible legs for internal or external use
- 100 mm working depth
- Simple, single-tool design
- Thin jaws are weaker than thick jaws
- Two-jaw grip is less even than three-jaw
- Capacity not printed on the listing
- No case or separator included
AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm: what owners report
Owner reports on the listing describe use in tight spaces where other pullers failed, and praise the adjustable jaws for fitting odd sizes (see the AB Tools thin two jaw listing).
Other owner reports note that thin jaws must be kept square to the bearing, or they can bend under heavy load.
AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm: who should not buy
Do not buy this for a heavy truck hub bearing or a blind bearing; it is an external puller with thin jaws, and heavy loads need the Orion kit or a separator. It is also not a press set.
AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm: pair it with
Pair it with a penetrating oil application and patience: soak a rusted bearing seat before pulling, and work the screw gradually.
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Tip: centre the forcing screw on the shaft and tighten in small steps, checking that both jaws stay seated after each step. See also battery diagnostic scanners.
Best blind bearing kit: DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set
Best blind bearing kit
Why the DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set is our pick
This is the blind bearing pick because it is built for the job external pullers cannot do: expanding collets grip the inner race from inside the housing and pull the bearing out. The listing describes a 21-piece set with a plastic box, designed for removing bearings, gears and components from shafts or recesses. For gearbox, small engine and housing work, that is the only honest option here.
DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set key specs
- Pieces: 21, in a plastic box
- Type: blind internal puller, 3-jaw style
- Use: bearings, gears and recessed components
- Model: 19187
- Compatibility: cars, motorcycles and machinery
- Jaw count: 3, as listed
- Capacity: Not published on the listing
- Size range: Not published on the listing
- Steel grade: Not published on the listing
- Case: plastic box included
DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set: fits and best for
Fits blind bearings in housings, gearboxes and small engines where no rear access exists. It is best for mechanics who work on transmissions, differentials and small engines, and for anyone who has already discovered that an external puller cannot grip their bearing.
DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set pros and watch-outs
- Removes blind bearings external pullers cannot
- 21 pieces cover many sizes
- Plastic box keeps collets together
- Works on gears and recessed parts too
- No hammering needed
- Size range not printed on the listing
- Capacity not printed on the listing
- Needs care to expand the collet squarely
- Not a press or separator set
DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set: what owners report
Owner reports on the listing describe blind bearing removals from housings that resisted other methods, and praise the range of pieces in the box (see the DXGTOZA 21-in-1 listing).
Other owner reports note that matching the collet to the bearing bore takes trial, so measure the bore before choosing a piece.
DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set: who should not buy
Do not buy this for a normal external bearing with a lip; a jaw puller is faster and simpler there. It is also not a hub press set, so hub bearings still need the Orion kit.
DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set: pair it with
Pair it with a digital caliper for measuring the bearing bore, so the right collet is chosen first time rather than by trial.
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Tip: expand the collet firmly behind the inner race and pull straight; a cocked pull can score the housing bore. See also car vacuum cleaners.
Best single puller: BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch
Best single puller
Why the BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch is our pick
This is the single-puller pick because a three-jaw design grips evenly and the reversible jaws suit both internal and external jobs, as listed. The 6 inch size covers the common car and motorcycle bearings, and the listing offers 3 inch, 4 inch and 6 inch sizes. For a driver who faces one bearing job, this is the cheapest honest route to a straight pull.
BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch key specs
- Jaws: 3, reversible
- Size: 6 inch, as listed
- Other sizes: 3 inch and 4 inch, as listed
- Use: flywheel, wheel and pump bearings
- Compatibility: cars, SUVs, motorcycles and bicycles
- Capacity: Not published on the listing
- Reach: Not published on the listing
- Steel grade: Not published on the listing
- Case: Not published on the listing
- Model: Inner Bearing Puller
BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch: fits and best for
Fits external bearings on cars, SUVs, motorcycles and pumps where three jaws can grip the outer race. It is best for occasional use: one bearing job, one puller, no kit to store afterwards.
BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch pros and watch-outs
- Three-jaw grip is even and stable
- Reversible jaws for internal or external use
- Simple to set up and use
- 6 inch size covers common bearings
- Lowest complexity here
- One size only, no separator
- Capacity not printed on the listing
- Needs room for three jaws
- Cannot remove blind bearings
BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch: what owners report
Owner reports on the listing describe flywheel and wheel bearing pulls with the three-jaw grip praised for staying centred (see the BELOMI 3-jaw listing).
Other owner reports note that the puller needs clearance for all three jaws, so tight housings still need the thin-jaw or blind kits.
BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch: who should not buy
Do not buy this for a blind bearing or a pressed hub bearing; it has no internal collets and no press sleeves. Heavy truck bearings also need a larger, higher-capacity kit.
BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch: pair it with
Pair it with a penetrating oil soak for rusted bearings, and a soft-faced hammer only for seating, never for forcing a bearing off.
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Tip: grease the forcing screw thread lightly before use so it turns smoothly under load and does not gall. See also bearing puller suppliers.
Spec comparison
| Attribute | Orion 38-piece | AB Tools thin jaw | DXGTOZA 21-in-1 | BELOMI 3-jaw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaw / type | separator and press, 2 in / 3 in jaws | two, reversible, thin | blind internal, 3-jaw style | 3, reversible |
| Diameter / size range | bushing sizes about 55 mm to 88 mm | 30 mm to 90 mm | Not published | 6 inch, also 3 inch and 4 inch |
| Working depth / reach | Not published | 100 mm | Not published | Not published |
| Jaw thickness | Not published | 1.5 mm | Not published | Not published |
| Capacity | 5 tons, separator | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Pieces / case | 38, in two cases | Not published | 21, in a plastic box | Not published |
| Steel | AISI 1045 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Model | ATL-2414-00 | AT091 | 19187 | Inner Bearing Puller |
| Use | wheel bearing press and pull | internal or external pulling | bearings, gears and recessed components | flywheel, wheel and pump bearings |
| Compatibility | cars and light trucks | cars, motorcycles and machinery | cars, motorcycles and machinery | cars, SUVs, motorcycles and bicycles |
| Check Price |
Editorial judgement, not test results: the overall pick wins on coverage, combining a press set and a separator in one case, while the other picks win only their own job type. No puller here was load-tested by us; capacities are the makers’ printed figures.
Fitment and installation
Fitment starts with measurement. Measure the bearing outside diameter, the shaft diameter and the distance from the shaft end to the bearing seat, then check spread and reach against the kit. Clean the shaft and the bearing seat, apply penetrating oil to a rusted seat and allow dwell time, and centre the forcing screw on the shaft. Tighten gradually, checking that the jaws stay seated, and stop if the puller cocks or slips. For hub bearings, use the press sleeves matched to the outer race so pressure never lands on the seals. See our guides to bearing puller suppliers and to diagnostic scanners for the checks that often accompany a bearing job.
Safety essentials
Six rules: wear eye protection, because a slipping jaw can release suddenly. Keep hands clear of the puller jaws under load. Centre the forcing screw every time. Never exceed the kit’s printed capacity. Support the workpiece so it cannot fall when the bearing releases. Retire bent or cracked jaws instead of reusing them.
Safety pick: Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit — The one-case answer for hub bearings, bushings and pressed parts, with a 5-ton separator and press sleeves. Best if you want a single kit for most bearing jobs.
Safety pick: AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm — A thin-jaw puller for bearings jammed against shoulders and housings, covering 30 mm to 90 mm. Best if standard jaws cannot get behind your bearing.
Safety pick: DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set — A 21-piece internal puller set for bearings stuck in housings with no rear access. Best if your bearing is blind and an external puller has nothing to grip.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Jaws slip off the bearing | Jaws not seated squarely or spread too small | Re-seat the jaws squarely and check spread against the bearing |
| Puller cocks to one side | Forcing screw off-centre | Stop, re-centre the screw and restart gradually |
| Bearing will not move | Rust or heavy press fit | Apply penetrating oil, allow dwell, and check capacity |
| Jaw bends under load | Thin jaw overloaded or cocked | Stop and switch to a thicker jaw or separator kit |
| Bearing inner race stays on shaft | Outer race pulled but inner race stuck | Use a separator behind the inner race |
| Housing bore scored | Blind puller cocked during removal | Pull straight and inspect the bore before fitting the new bearing |
Who should NOT buy these
Anyone who only needs a bearing pressed in: a puller removes bearings; installation needs a press set or the Orion kit’s sleeves. A puller alone will not seat a new bearing squarely.
Heavy truck and equipment bearings: the kits here are general purpose car and light truck tools. Larger bearings need a higher-capacity separator and press, sourced through a specialist supplier.
Blind bearings bought as an external puller: if the bearing sits in a housing with no rear access, an external puller cannot grip it. Buy the DXGTOZA internal kit instead.
Anyone tempted to hammer a bearing off: hammering scores shafts and housings and can crack the bearing. A puller is slower and cheaper than the damage a hammer causes.
Final verdict
Best overall — Orion Motor Tech 38-Piece Bearing Press and Puller Kit:
Best for tight spaces — AB Tools Thin Two Jaw Bearing Puller 30 to 90 mm:
Best blind bearing kit — DXGTOZA 21-in-1 Blind Bearing Puller Set:
Best single puller — BELOMI 3 Jaw Inner Bearing Puller 6 inch:
FAQ
What size bearing puller do I need?
Measure the bearing outside diameter and the distance from the shaft end to the bearing seat, then buy a puller whose spread and reach both exceed those numbers. The kits here range from 30 mm to 90 mm on the thin-jaw puller to 2 inch and 3 inch separator jaws on the Orion kit.
What is the difference between a two-jaw and a three-jaw puller?
A two-jaw puller fits tighter spaces and sets up faster, while a three-jaw puller grips more evenly and stays centred better under load. For a large or tight bearing, three jaws are the safer choice; for a confined bearing, thin two jaws may be the only fit.
What is a bearing separator?
A separator is a split plate that grips behind a bearing with no lip for jaws to catch, such as a hub bearing. It is used with a puller or a press to finish the removal. The Orion kit here includes a 5-ton separator for that job.
How do I remove a blind bearing?
Use an internal expanding puller, like the DXGTOZA kit here, which grips the inner race from inside the housing and pulls outward. An external puller cannot grip a blind bearing, because there is no rear access.
Can I use a bearing puller on a hub bearing?
Yes, with a separator and press sleeves, as in the Orion kit. Pressure must land on the outer race, never on the seals, and the new bearing must be seated squarely. A single jaw puller alone is not the right tool for a pressed hub bearing.
Why does my puller keep slipping?
Usually because the jaws are not seated squarely, the spread is too small for the bearing, or the forcing screw is off-centre. Stop, re-seat the jaws, re-centre the screw and tighten gradually, checking the seating after each step.
Do I need to grease the forcing screw?
A light grease on the thread helps the screw turn smoothly under load and reduces galling. Wipe it clean after use so grit does not stay on the thread for the next job.
Can a puller damage the shaft?
Yes, if it cocks, if the screw point is not centred, or if a jaw slips and scores the shaft. Centre the screw, protect the shaft end with a cap or a sacrificial plate where the kit provides one, and stop at the first sign of slipping.
Which puller should a home garage buy first?
For most home garages, the Orion 38-piece kit, because it covers hub bearings, pressed bushings and separator jobs in one case. If you only face one external bearing, the BELOMI single puller is the cheaper honest choice.
Sources
Maker and listing sources: Orion Motor Tech 38-piece listing; AB Tools thin two jaw listing; DXGTOZA 21-in-1 listing; BELOMI 3-jaw listing; OTC puller catalogue pages; OTC 465 GripLock retailer page. Owner sources are the listing pages linked above, paraphrased in our own words.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo covers vehicle recovery, garage tools and automotive gear, writing from maker manuals, specification sheets and owner reports rather than from test-bench claims. He focuses on the numbers that decide a purchase: ratings, fitment and limits printed by the maker.
Browse the full category: bearing pullers and the parent mechanic hand tools archive.
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