Spring compressors for home use: which design is better?

[qqzj]

Please focus on design first. Which design is more effective and safer? And for each design, which manufacturer makes the most compelling product? Thanks!

Besides the 'death sticks', I found these two designs common on Amazon. Don't have space for the big ones. Please don't waste time on that. Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DP2CDJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon.com: OTC Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor - 6494: Automotive

Buy OTC Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor - 6494: Air Conditioning Line Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Copymutt]

Depends on the vehicle. On tri-five Chevy the safest is just a 30” stick of all thread.

 

[M635_Guy]

Please focus on design first. Which design is more effective and safer? And for each design, which manufacturer makes the most compelling product? Thanks!

Besides the 'death sticks', I found these two designs common on Amazon. Don't have space for the big ones. Please don't waste time on that. Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DP2CDJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon.com: OTC Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor - 6494: Automotive

Buy OTC Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor - 6494: Air Conditioning Line Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Mine is very similar to the "8Mile" one:

I've used it on a number of cars and it has been great. Easy, predictable and safe. Have used all three plates over the years (have had it 8+ years) and hasn't flinched at anything. I haven't tried it on a heavy truck, and would be a little cautious about that.

The only thing I don't like about it is the molded hinge for the case, which is failing. The one you posted has a much nicer case.

I've considered putting this one on Craigslist and just getting the one 8mile one next time I'm going to do struts (which probably isn't soon), but I loan it to friends enough that I haven't done it. They've all had good things to say too.

 

[qqzj]

Thanks! I am surprised that you would rank yours below the 8mile set. I am not aware of this brand before. Is it something new and upcoming? What's the brand of yours?

Mine is very similar to the "8Mile" one:

I've used it on a number of cars and it has been great. Easy, predictable and safe. Have used all three plates over the years (have had it 8+ years) and hasn't flinched at anything. I haven't tried it on a heavy truck, and would be a little cautious about that.

The only thing I don't like about it is the molded hinge for the case, which is failing. The one you posted has a much nicer case.

I've considered putting this one on Craigslist and just getting the one 8mile one next time I'm going to do struts (which probably isn't soon), but I loan it to friends enough that I haven't done it. They've all had good things to say too.

 

[M635_Guy]

Thanks! I am surprised that you would rank yours below the 8mile set. I am not aware of this brand before. Is it something new and upcoming? What's the brand of yours?

I don't have any idea. The identical set was being sold by Bavarian Auto for ~$340 and I got this off ebay for $140 shipped. Over the years I've seen that kit sold under several "brands", but obv. were the completely identical thing bought at wholesale.

What you're looking at with the 8Mile is probably a direct descendent with an improved case and the spring plate covers. Those are nice touches, hence why I wouldn't mind having the updated version, but functionally I'd say there's no difference. The plate covers probably only last for so long, I'd guess. Assuming everything fit, I'd actually be happy to just buy the new case (the "hinges" on mine are splitting, which is a PITA.)

EDIT - The same one is still available on Amazon, down to the weak molded case hinges: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X5CXTR6/

 

[qqzj]

What's the torque you apply to the screws to secure the jaws to the main shaft? Kind of scary if it's too little. But it's also bad if we screw them in too hard.

 

[Uofime]

Both there have an issue on some cars that have springs that don’t have two full/free coils which is not on common on new stuff. The “death sticks” really aren’t that bad as long as you have good ones with strong heads and locking pins.
this really does depend on what you’re using them for though.

 

[f121]

To add more excitement to the disassembly, take the strut off, put a impact on the top nut, lay the whole lot on the floor and wedge the back of the impact against a wall with the strut pointed at something you don't care about. Stand on the impact, pray for your life, close your eyes and pull the trigger.

 

[qqzj]

Both there have an issue on some cars that have springs that don’t have two full/free coils which is not on common on new stuff. The “death sticks” really aren’t that bad as long as you have good ones with strong heads and locking pins.
this really does depend on what you’re using them for though.

What do you mean by 'full free' coils?

 

[ptabatcher]

I don't have any idea. The identical set was being sold by Bavarian Auto for ~$340 and I got this off ebay for $140 shipped. Over the years I've seen that kit sold under several "brands", but obv. were the completely identical thing bought at wholesale.

What you're looking at with the 8Mile is probably a direct descendent with an improved case and the spring plate covers. Those are nice touches, hence why I wouldn't mind having the updated version, but functionally I'd say there's no difference. The plate covers probably only last for so long, I'd guess. Assuming everything fit, I'd actually be happy to just buy the new case (the "hinges" on mine are splitting, which is a PITA.)

EDIT - The same one is still available on Amazon, down to the weak molded case hinges: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X5CXTR6/

Interesting that your set is simply branded “generic”. At least they are honest.

I’ve looked at the Schwaben set from ECS. It seems to fluctuate from about $190-ish to the current price of $230-ish. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/schwaben-strut-spring-compressor-set/013845sch01a~sch/

I’ve also looked at the same set from Eastwood. Currently $165. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-macpherson-strut-and-coil-spring-compressor.html

The Eastwood one seems like a good compromise on cost and a company to back it up. ECS is local to me. And there is an Eastwood fairly close as well… should I have any problems. You’re making me rethink my thought process. Maybe I should just get what’s cheapest.

 

[M635_Guy]

What's the torque you apply to the screws to secure the jaws to the main shaft? Kind of scary if it's too little. But it's also bad if we screw them in too hard.

If you're talking about the plates, they're held in by pretty simple low-torque bolts. The pressure presses in the direction of holding them in.

Interesting that your set is simply branded “generic”. At least they are honest.

I’ve looked at the Schwaben set from ECS. It seems to fluctuate from about $190-ish to the current price of $230-ish. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/schwaben-strut-spring-compressor-set/013845sch01a~sch/

I’ve also looked at the same set from Eastwood. Currently $165. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-macpherson-strut-and-coil-spring-compressor.html

The Eastwood one seems like a good compromise on cost and a company to back it up. ECS is local to me. And there is an Eastwood fairly close as well… should I have any problems. You’re making me rethink my thought process. Maybe I should just get what’s cheapest.

I have several Schwaben tools, and have been happy with them. ECS is a good company. Haven't dealt with Eastwood.

For me, I guess it boils down to this: This is a pretty simple device. It seems like if it's going to fail, it will probably do it right away. Mine has been used on ten or so cars, and done very well as I mentioned. I do have value for a company that would back it up, but at the time I bought mine economy was the driving consideration. I don't see a warranty statement for the Schwaben - I'd want to know about that if I'm paying extra money...

 

[Briancapecoral]

Are you purchasing for a specific vehicle or frequent use on different vehicles? i just bought and used death sticks for the 1st time. Really easy and didn’t feel unsafe, after getting over nervousness. The spring was almost cone shaped, wider on bottom than on top, so they seemed like the best choice.

 

[M635_Guy]

What do you mean by 'full free' coils?

I think he means coils "available" for the plates to go into. Having recently used mine to do struts around a Mini, I think there aren't many cars where that would be a problem unless you're talking about some seriously small/specialty springs.

 

[M635_Guy]

While I agree death sticks can be used safely (and routinely are), the investment here isn't so much that I'm ever going to touch a set. I've seen enough videos of those spring compressors doing bad things and a general hatred of them by skilled wrenches I know that I'm fine to invest a bit more to have a tool that makes me far more comfortable.

Make no mistake, I still respect the springs and the force they present.

 

[VolvoRyan]

It is worth pointing out that we all have the perception of safe because we haven't broken anything yet. Is a tool that operates on a single screw really better than a pair of "death sticks".

Read the 1-star reviews on Amazon for the tools the OP posted....



-Ryan

 

[Snapped-off]

I'm near positive the OTC style was in the 200s when I was looking at them. I ended up with the "death sticks". Every style has bad reviews and failures. Might as well pick up a brannick if you're considering the OTC.

 

[Mr_B]

death sticks that use 3 threaded rods rather than 2 can be quite safe on general passenger vehicles .
buying any design dirt cheap potentially could injure or kill you, so a good 3 threaded rod death stick over generic unknown chinese monkey metal device no longer sounds so dangerous .

 

[Mr_B]

To add more excitement to the disassembly, take the strut off, put a impact on the top nut, lay the whole lot on the floor and wedge the back of the impact against a wall with the strut pointed at something you don't care about. Stand on the impact, pray for your life, close your eyes and pull the trigger.

on lighter duty stuff I seen salvage yards and garages in asia lay them on floor, with a rubber mat over them if safety conscious , sit on floor with feet resting against top hat and hit the nut with impact wrench, strut only shoots out a few feet .
I done this in my yard as quick way dismantle when only retrieving parts off assembly .
Not saying it clever practise but it not that dangerous if done with some common sense .
Do need be sensible with these things as a spring in the face or even hand/wrist would be proper nasty so for assembly it essential you want decent tool and keep your body out of spring/tophat projectile path ...

 

[Alpine4x4]

I've only used the seath sticks. Mine have locking pins and are fairly safe. They cannot lock in the big springs on my 1 ton Ram though. I have yet to find a good solution for big springs like that.

 

[Mr_B]

It is worth pointing out that we all have the perception of safe because we haven't broken anything yet. Is a tool that operates on a single screw really better than a pair of "death sticks".

Read the 1-star reviews on Amazon for the tools the OP posted....



-Ryan

+1 on this, you likely fall into trap of thinking it safer than potentially is ... chinese monkey metal could be worse than good choice of quality death sticks and sensible technique/care using them ...


Paul Nelson
1.0 out of 5 stars Very dangerous due to poor quality metal
Reviewed in the United States on 27 October 2021
Verified Purchase
I used it to compress strut springs on a BMW X5. The retaining edge of the lower clamshell U-clamp sheered under pressure. It launched the fully compressed spring in an explosion of strut components. The sheered ledge nicked my head as it flew past. Believe me, I was amazed and grateful to have escaped serious injury. Compressing a heavy spring is dangerous enough without a complete product failure. A lip, or ledge across the back of each U-clamp takes the full load of the compressed spring. It literally sheared off in a clean break.


Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Trash product
Reviewed in the United States on 10 July 2020
Verified Purchase
Already an unsafe tool but to make it cheap is ridiculous! Washer that stops from disassembling keeps popping off. Can’t trust it. Broke first use and for my safety can’t use. Trash product thats a paperweight.



Brittney Mendez
1.0 out of 5 stars No safe.
Reviewed in the United States on 14 March 2021
Verified Purchase
Tried to compress one spring and it failed. Do not purchase. Not a safe product.




Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Snapped on 2nd spring
Reviewed in the United States on 13 November 2018
Verified Purchase
Used this for front springs on 63 tbird...snapped when trying to remove 2nd spring. Design seems solid but the support arm broke - now its trash.



Lilly Lilova
1.0 out of 5 stars Way too much flex
Reviewed in the United States on 22 October 2021
Verified Purchase
I tried to replace the springs on Dobinsons IMS coil overs but this thing flexes so much that the coil spring was not straight at all when compressed and I could not seat it properly. Very expensive for being ineffective.


roy dean
1.0 out of 5 stars FIRST SPRING JOB SPRING HOLDER FIXTURE BENT. HAD TO PUIRCHASE FROM SNAP ON TO REPLACE UN SAFE TOOL
Reviewed in the United States on 18 November 2021
Verified Purchase
UN SAFE CHEAP MADE

 

[VolvoRyan]

death sticks that use 3 threaded rods rather than 2 can be quite safe on general passenger vehicles .
buying any design dirt cheap potentially could injure or kill you, so a good 3 threaded rod death stick over generic unknown chinese monkey metal device no longer sounds so dangerous .

This brings up an interesting concept: buy two pairs of "death sticks"..... and then use 3-4 of them. Even if you just used the two to compress the spring, an extra one or two would be quick to install and run down before disassembling the strut. I may start doing just this.

-Ryan

 

[twouvakind]

Monroe Quick-Strut Complete Strut Assembly​

 

[Mr_B]

This brings up an interesting concept: buy two pairs of "death sticks"..... and then use 3-4 of them. Even if you just used the two to compress the spring, an extra one or two would be quick to install and run down before disassembling the strut. I may start doing just this.

-Ryan

generally biggest issue with the 2 rods is spring starts going one sided, 3 eliminates this plus reduces load on each rod.
if you get good ones they normally got acme or some other style square thread and if lube threads and rotating contact faces they can be quite smooth to use and safe affordable option for lighter duty stuff .
You'll probably find some spring won't have room or useful positions on coil to use more than 3 but spare one can be handy if spring goes to one side or clamp was to slip and need adjustment or as you suggest to install prior to rod nut removal .
Used well they not really that dangerous, issue is people buy cheapest garbage they find on amazon and mix that with minimal experience/knowledge gives a recipe for potential big problem .

People really need turn on the brain when buying spring compressor contraptions no name or known cheap china goods wanky brand as it carries serious risks .
something like a seal driver kit or wheel bearing forcing screw style removal kit not going injur you too easily but spring compressor contraption could and it be so quick you got no safety squint opportunity lol . next thing you know it be either a paramedics voice or a bright white tunnel perhaps !

 

[Vwpower]

I have the hf clamshell otc copy. I’ve used it many time and I’m still alive.

 

[Mr_B]

I have the hf clamshell otc copy. I’ve used it many time and I’m still alive.

Well I guess than one up from unbranded lowest search result price from amazon or other online platform for tool that should cost lot more if good ...
You really want some confidence in product being made of suitable materials and construction .
The OTC copy is at least is simple design and all steel fabrication although it won't be man enough do anything too heavy duty .

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

 

[M635_Guy]

Well I guess than one up from unbranded lowest search result price from amazon or other online platform for tool that should cost lot more if good ...
You really want some confidence in product being made of suitable materials and construction .
The OTC copy is at least is simple design and all steel fabrication although it won't be man enough do anything too heavy duty .

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

So you're going to pick a few reviews out of hundreds and make your argument that way eh? On a tool you've likely never even seen in person...

K


I'll leave the conversation with this: One of the friends I loaned mine to was a BMW master tech who had a sudden need and remembered I had this gizmo. He was highly complimentary when he returned it. Multiple experienced wrenches I know suggested alternatives. YouTube is replete with examples of death sticks being dangerous (they're almost all of the sticks when you search, none that I saw are the style I have). I am still cautious when I'm working with this thing, but trust it far more than the death sticks. I'm sure in experienced hands they're somewhat safer, but I wouldn't suggest them to anyone I know.

 

[Mr_B]

^
I not saying yours is no good but what you got realize is the exact same looking tool in exact same blow moulded case ain't always truly the same.
Quite simply buyer needs be cautious, I seen and used plenty of the online specialist tools to know quality variations can be massive even from same seller a newer batch could differ ...
I seen this style bent and with threads failing .
Price alone gives good indication the tool not likely that capable and if look at load capacity on some of the cheaper ones they lot lower than the known branded variants or they ridiculously high giving easy clue of likely garbage goods . Lot of the specialist kits are basically cheaped out copies of branded design, you see a lot of copies of patented equipment from taiwan odm manufacturers, even the Astro wheel bearing kit been redone in china fasion and on fleabay worldwide .

 

[rsanter]

The real answer is that it isn't based on the type of suspension you are working on.

I have the clamshell type and like it. It has worked well without me feeling in danger.
I am sure to lube the threads every time I use it

You don't show it but there is a third type of spring compressor for struts that is the two piece type where one goes on each side of the spring. Please don't use those as those are dangerous cheap ****

 

[qqzj]

The real answer is that it isn't based on the type of suspension you are working on.

I have the clamshell type and like it. It has worked well without me feeling in danger.
I am sure to lube the threads every time I use it

You don't show it but there is a third type of spring compressor for struts that is the two piece type where one goes on each side of the spring. Please don't use those as those are dangerous cheap ****

That's the death sticks we are talking about!

 

[M635_Guy]

I not saying yours is no good but what you got realize is the exact same looking tool in exact same blow moulded case ain't always truly the same.
Quite simply buyer needs be cautious, I seen and used plenty of the online specialist tools to know quality variations can be massive even from same seller a newer batch could differ ...
I seen this style bent and with threads failing .
Price alone gives good indication the tool not likely that capable and if look at load capacity on some of the cheaper ones they lot lower than the known branded variants or they ridiculously high giving easy clue of likely garbage goods . Lot of the specialist kits are basically cheaped out copies of branded design, you see a lot of copies of patented equipment from taiwan odm manufacturers, even the Astro wheel bearing kit been redone in china fasion and on fleabay worldwide .

So... it has to be expensive to be a good tool? Or use death sticks because they're inexpensive and some can be made safer?

I always take both ends of reviews on Amazon with a grain of salt. I'm sure some of the plates have cracked, but I wonder how many people are doing big truck springs, are using an impact on it, etc. that could bend the plates or strip the threads. It's not a complicated device, so it's not surprising that it's not $400. The fact that it's $120 doesn't mean it's "Chinese monkey metal"

I get that it might not be exactly the same tool, but there's at least some directional guidance that can be taken from the reviews.

 

[Mr_B]

So... it has to be expensive to be a good tool? Or use death sticks because they're inexpensive and some can be made safer?

I always take both ends of reviews on Amazon with a grain of salt. I'm sure some of the plates have cracked, but I wonder how many people are doing big truck springs, are using an impact on it, etc. that could bend the plates or strip the threads. It's not a complicated device, so it's not surprising that it's not $400. The fact that it's $120 doesn't mean it's "Chinese monkey metal"

I get that it might not be exactly the same tool, but there's at least some directional guidance that can be taken from the reviews.

Some of them are that cheap at retail the manufacture cost must be so low you know got be potential issues on equipment that require more expensive grade or thickness steel and heat treatment in manufacture .
The threaded rods in comparison are easy manufacture and not expensive to be made well .
The death sticks (threaded rods) as they called are not overly dangerous used with bit of competence and using 3 is far far safer plus they affordable to all in a trust worthy brand/retailer .
I seen a lot of the amazon/ebay spring, bearing, ball joint and bush kits and most cut corners and some go too far with cast metal over forged or machined steel and threads pins and general fitting wear or break easily .
Some can be good but unfortunately trend is downwards chasing profits so chances of buying garbage and potentially dangerous equipment is high .

 

[Mr_B]

what amazes me is people who think threaded rod method is too dangerous yet buying the cheapest copy spring compressor kit they can find online is considered safer option !

 

[M635_Guy]

what amazes me is people who think threaded rod method is too dangerous yet buying the cheapest copy spring compressor kit they can find online is considered safer option !

It's a better design

And a well-reviewed one

And not the cheapest one

Seriously - who put orange juice in your Grape Nuts this morning?

 

[Steve_P]

Dunno, I trust my life with nothing other than a Brannick. Which I don't have and is why I take my stuff to the shop and have them do it- and they use Brannick. It doesn't take up space, you can mount it to a bar and put it in a vise when you need it. I know a guy that had a spring break free with the HF "death sticks"; he woke up hours later on the floor in a pool of blood. Lucky it didn't kill him.

 

[Mr_B]

It's a better design

And a well-reviewed one

And not the cheapest one

Seriously - who put orange juice in your Grape Nuts this morning?

to me the design is only suitable for light duty applications, originated in europe for light passenger cars, the other concern is poor materials in critical areas makes design not great if made poorly .
From what I seen/used of the copy special tool kits from ebay and amazon is very hit and miss, while a bearing or bush kit or seal driver not going kill you very easily these could .
Another reason they can sell low prices is they do no product testing or use any real safety standard certs and in some instances changes they made to ease manufacture actually hinder way you use the tool but since they never try or test it they never know and they don't care about those details as they just want the easy money .
nothing wrong with my nuts this morning, just want people think twice and do good research on equipment that ideally needs be reliably well made .

 

[qqzj]

Dunno, I trust my life with nothing other than a Brannick. Which I don't have and is why I take my stuff to the shop and have them do it- and they use Brannick. It doesn't take up space, you can mount it to a bar and put it in a vise when you need it. I know a guy that had a spring break free with the HF "death sticks"; he woke up hours later on the floor in a pool of blood. Lucky it didn't kill him.

Did he sue HF?

 

[VolvoRyan]

Monroe Quick-Strut Complete Strut Assembly​

Never do this. Seriously. Struts will become an every weekend chore.

generally biggest issue with the 2 rods is spring starts going one sided, 3 eliminates this plus reduces load on each rod.
if you get good ones they normally got acme or some other style square thread and if lube threads and rotating contact faces they can be quite

On the cars that I work on (A Swedish brand from 1975-on), you really can't go too far one-sided, as the strut mount will hit the socket you're driving them with. I have a pretty decent pair that I've had forever. They stay well greased and are stored safely where the threads won't get swarf/grit/fallout on them. I personally never loan tools with forcing screws, as I trust no one to care for them.

Springs are dangerous once they're free from the vehicle.... seems to me that it's easy enough to add redundancy to the package before removing, say, the nut on a MacPherson assembly.

As I get older.... and older... I'm more conscious of safety. I'm just going to start doubling up on the spring compressors. All too easy to slap another pair on the spring and run them down before removing the parts from the car.

-Ryan

 

[Uofime]

What do you mean by 'full free' coils?

Coils that are relatively horizontal and not tight with other coils or the perches. 15 wrx front springs are impossible to remove with the clamshell type and probably hard with that other type too. They are the ones on the right keep in mind the top and bottom compress when on the strut. The rears on the left would work fine with either type.

 

[qqzj]

Coils that are relatively horizontal and not tight with other coils or the perches. 15 wrx front springs are impossible to remove with the clamshell type and probably hard with that other type too. They are the ones on the right keep in mind the top and bottom compress when on the strut. The rears on the left would work fine with either type.

I see. So for the two on the left, the top and bottom ring will be close to the hat/support of the struts. We can grab the 2nd bottom ring, but there is no good ring to grab on the top? Just want to make sure I completely understand. Where would a fancy one like Branick grab?

Watching this video, I am kind of surprised that the OTC clam shell type cannot deal with this spring. The clam shell type has four legs and the pair of upper (or lower) legs do not have to be on the same plane. That is the biggest advantage of that tool. Maybe once installed, the two legs on the left will be too stretched vs the two legs on the right, so that the whole thing is not balanced?

 

[Qualitytools]

Go for the one from Amazo, it's design makes it safer.