Brake caliper wind back tool set opinions?

[90zcar]

This weekend I have to do brakes all around on a chrysler aspen. I have usually gotten away using the little cube tool but I want to finally break down and get an actual set that has all the discs and r and l handed thread cranks.
Astro pneumatic offers a set that looks nice for around 40. Sunex also has one that's close to $60 and has better reviews it seems.
Any opinions? What are you guys using that do these every day in the shops?

 

[m4rkz0r]

I've been using the Harbor Freight set at work for the past year.

 

[CobraRed]

The Astro 78618 kit is the same as Sunex 3930, and they must make Matco's BCW18 as well. All same pieces, with 45 grade steel and cromoly pins.
The black oxide finish isn't beautiful, but it works like a charm.

 

[MattPersman]

You don't need a wind back for an Aspen

 

[90zcar]

I see the Matco one looks exactly like the astro one as they share the same case layout and everything. Not sure about the sunex one unless they had a different case made for theirs


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[mrjaw14]

I've got the astro pneumatic one.

 

[mooman]

You can just "borrow" the set from your local Advanced or Auto Zone.

 

[ecotec]

I have the HF set (it was 29.99 with a 25% off coupon). It works perfect.

I hate the Redneck Rubik's Cube tool, but they work.

 

[90zcar]

You can just "borrow" the set from your local Advanced or Auto Zone.

I don't like to borrow stuff much. I'd rather buy it once and be done.

I checked out the hf one and it seems to get great reviews


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[66354dream]

I got the Astro pneumatic one, it's awesome go for it I bought the kit that includes the left hand threaded turning piece and have never looked back.

 

[cnk]

Was using the cube but it didn't fit my wife's Mazda3 hatch so I picked up the HF set and it works great.

 

[90zcar]

I'm hearing more and more good on the hf kit. I also seen online on hf'a website that it has all 5 star reviews


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[tjmonsen5]

I have the lisle kit, part number 25000. It works great!

 

[n8n]

I'll bet the Astro one that has both the LH and RH threaded pushers is the same as the HF tool. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Combine that with a Lang/Kastar ratcheting caliper press and you're set for 95% of your caliper piston retraction duties for the forseeable future.

 

[Frosthy]

I'm hearing more and more good on the hf kit. I also seen online on hf'a website that it has all 5 star reviews

That's because it is a great kit for the money. Even at the normal price of $40, it's a great set. I've had no problems using it, done atleast 10-15 brake jobs with it.

 

[justme-]

Cube doesn't work on my town and country. I just borrow the set from the local parts chain which is the same as astro and HF with a different label for another brand. How often do you need this tool? For me even with the terrible rear brake design on the t&c I only need it for 10 min about once every 12- 18 months

 

[92integra]

hf kit doesn't leave u asking for more.

 

[bobbycos]

i have the Mac tools set and the cube, looked at the HF set alot

 

[619DioFan]

I have the HF set as well. been using it for about 3 years with zero problems. very good investment.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the HF set as well. been using it for about 3 years with zero problems. very good investment.

Same here. Everyday, it makes me money.... going on 4 years now? It cost less than $40.

 

[kythri]

Thumbs-up to the Astro set (78618).

Works great!

 

[90zcar]

I'm gonna go out tomorro morning and pick up the hf set. I'll post some pics up then once I get it.
Thanks for the feedback fellas


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[OxJaw]

I'm gonna go out tomorro morning and pick up the hf set. I'll post some pics up then once I get it.
Thanks for the feedback fellas


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It's a great kit, I don't have any complaints with mine and I would buy it again.

 

[90zcar]

I visited snap on today to order something and get a 3/8" wobble. I then went out to harbor freight and picked up the kit. Came to 36 bucks with a 20% coupon. Man this set sure is nice! Can't wait to try it out. Stripped off the sticker on the front of the case and greased both adapters up real good.



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[90zcar]

Not sure what this disc is for or how it works. There are no pins

Here's the description




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[n8n]

that's for front calipers or ones without an integral parking brake. There's better tools for that application, but you can use the set you bought with that adapter. Was nice of them to include it I thought.

 

[rslaback]

Stupid question:

I have the HF set that only has the RH thread adapter. Do most cars with rear discs use LH on one side and RH on the other or is that an anomaly?

 

[n8n]

LH/RH is an anomaly, I bought the set with both but I think I've only used the LHT press once and I can't even remember on what.

 

[90zcar]

that's for front calipers or ones without an integral parking brake. There's better tools for that application, but you can use the set you bought with that adapter. Was nice of them to include it I thought.

Thanks. In that case I already have the ratcheting blue point spreader that does dual piston calipers.

I actually thought of cutting the bar off that u turn by hand and putting on a nut on the end and welding it on for quick ratcheting use


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[d4dawg]

I also have the HF set, but haven't have a chance to use it. Looks to be a quality set. I found the only made in Taiwan set at my store, all the other sets on the shelf were all China.

 

[90zcar]

Think I'm gonna cut the handle off and weld this nut on the end so I can use a ratchet


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[n8n]

Thanks. In that case I already have the ratcheting blue point spreader that does dual piston calipers.

I actually thought of cutting the bar off that u turn by hand and putting on a nut on the end and welding it on for quick ratcheting use


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I'm pretty sure the Blue Point one to which you're referring is the same as the Lang/Kastar one that I recommended earlier on in the thread. It is pretty neat isn't it? For multi-piston calipers it's the right tool for the job.

 

[90zcar]

Hell yeah I love it. So quick and don't have to bother with a big *** c clamp anymore. It is the exact one as the lang one


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[90zcar]

Punched the handle off and bored out a nut to fit on the end and welded it on. A lot easier to use now




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