Input On Kastar Ratcheting Brake Caliper Spreader

[Pumpman1968]

I've been using big "C" clamps to compress caliper pistons for years and thought there must be a better way. Came across this. Kastar/Lang 279 4 in 1 brake caliper spreader. Says its US made. Anyone ever use one of these? Is it just a novelty or something that looks great but will fall apart after 1 or 2 uses? I do most of the work on my families vehicles and we have quite a fleet ........but not something I do every day. Apparently, it ratchets and expands to compress the piston(s)........probably have to have the pads in place. About $50 shipped. Just looking for some input. Thanks.

 

[metaleltr]

i seems to me the metal pieces would take the place of the pads, Ive never used one, but have considered getting one for 4 piston calipers.

 

[monster1]

Cornwell sells the same one.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Looks identcal to the unit sold by Blue Point/Snap-On.

They are worth the cost, especially if doing 2 pot & 4 pot brakes.

No pads need to be in place.

Just cant do "ratcheting" press in REAR calipers with it (many euro cars) nor the modern ECU accessed self-retract and then reset piston systems that require OBDII access plug.

 

[u118224]

I bought one and used it for the first time last week. It was fantastic, I love this thing. I did the brakes on an '07 Impala. The rear calipers are too small to utilize this tool, as is probably the case on most passenger cars. Nonetheless, it worked great on the fronts. I am a weekend warrier so this tool is a luxury for me. Brake techs will want this tool.

 

[ricleh]

I got one a couple years ago. It works great on front disc brakes.

 

[Deafautotech]

I had been use few different brake press tools, when I got that, it make whole easier and less stress on my hands or pliers... Cornwell sell it for like 56 dollars while snap on, Matco sell at 70 dollars..

 

[90zcar]

Old post but does anyone have one of these that has had it for over a year or so and has any input on it?


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[Loscaldazar]

Old post but does anyone have one of these that has had it for over a year or so and has any input on it?


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I have and I love it. Takes a few seconds to press pistons back in. Can't beat it!

 

[MattPersman]

Nice tool simple design should last just about forever

 

[Pumpman1968]

I did end up buying this last year and I still don't understand how I made it this far without one. What I have found is that, regardless of how the rear caliper retracts, this tool is physically too large to be used on most cars rears...............which is ok in my area......mostly trucks and suv's up here in the weeds.

This tool earned a place in my box after the first use.

 

[MLB0611]

I have had mine for a little over a year, as others said it is too large for some rear calipers, and on some large trucks it is too small, just have to add a pad in but other than that it is great I love it and it is one tool if lost, stolen or broken I would replace immediately. I am seriously thinking about getting a second one

HTH

 

[DodgeMech]

They will change your life...but it and never look back

 

[W0rLDWaR4]

I just bought one and used it two days ago. Buy it and never look back unless you're doing the caliper keys. Way better than a c-clamp.

 

[90zcar]

Awesome I'm gonna be seeing my snap on driver today. I know u can get the lang one almost $20 cheaper but I'm ok w that. Thanks guys


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[90zcar]

Got it



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[BK13]

Well, now that I've finished the front and rear brakes on my truck, and fronts on the GF's Expedition, I should pick one of these up! I guess I'll need to do her back brakes at some point, and the fronts on my CJ...

So the Cornwell/Blue Point are just rebadged Kastar, right?

 

[90zcar]

Correct. The kastar/lang one is a lot cheaper also. But for 15 bux on something like that I'd rather support a local person like my snap on man instead of the big amazon corporation

Plus if it ever breaks....I can get it warrantied


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[AndrewV]

They work great. Speeder spreader is a back up, and c-clap is a 2x back up.never know what will happen at the shop.

The matco one costs more, but its a kaster/lang clone like the blue point.
There usa if it matters too.

 

[rmsg0040]

Excellent tool, had mine for 2 years, only problem I had was when I did my dad's chevy venture, spread so far apart the one side fell out, remedy use one brake pad with the tool

 

[BK13]

But for 15 bux on something like that I'd rather support a local person like my snap on man instead of the big amazon corporation

I would agree... if I had a Snap On driver.