Brake Pad Spreader

[tyyost]

For years I have used a large c-clamp for pushing brake pistons back in when doing brake work. I often see folks here buying different tools made to do this job. I see the caulking gun style and the ratchet between two pads often here. Our current fleet at home doesn’t have anything requiring the tools to screw pistons back, so either style will work.

I usually don‘t think about this tool until I’m fumbling with my c- clamp. It’s annoying as I have added tools over the years to make these jobs easier, including cordless tools, ratchet wrenches, grinders to clean up the slides, good lubes, and it seems my clamp is the only thing I’m still doing old school.

So where should I spend my money?

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

depends on what vehicle you are working on.

single, dual, fixed 4 piston calipers.

 

[signcrafter]

I have the lisle caulk gun spreaders and also the ratcheting pads. I grab the ratcheting pads every time. It is quick and works on all single and double piston calipers I run into.

 

[anndel]

Lisle caulk gun spreader, Lisle ratcheting, c-clamp and large pry or large screwdriver and Channellocks. The Caulk gun spreader is useless on Toyotas so now I always grab the ratcheting spreader and large screwdriver or pry bar.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Lisle caulk gun spreader, Lisle ratcheting, c-clamp and large pry or large screwdriver and Channellocks. The Caulk gun spreader is useless on Toyotas so now I always grab the ratcheting spreader and large screwdriver or pry bar.

All Toyotas or just specific models? I was gonna make a post similar to this since I’m having to do the rears on the wife’s Prius this next weekend. I’m thinking of ordering the Lang ratcheting ones along with the pads etc.

 

[Jogyver62]

For the front calipers If it’s not a composite piston, I usually grab my large channel lock pliers and squeeze the pistons back in place. Duel pistons you work intermittently on each.
Rear calipers screw type , I made a pinned socket that fits my air rachet.

 

[MJK]

I have a Lang Tools 279-5420 279.

It certainly makes things easier on fixed calipers. It seems there are numerous similar options on Amazon for $20 or so. I'd probably try one of those. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TV71GZ1/

 

[FredWanaker]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQU9K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[minke]

When I worked on elderly Volvos I'd compress the brake pistons with a very large pair of slip-joint pliers, always watching the reservoir. I know that I'm a relic from the past, but this discussion makes me wonder if I know what we're talking about.

 

[anndel]

All Toyotas or just specific models? I was gonna make a post similar to this since I’m having to do the rears on the wife’s Prius this next weekend. I’m thinking of ordering the Lang ratcheting ones along with the pads etc.

single piston 2005 Avalon, 4 piston 1993 4x4 pickup and 2014 Tacoma Prerunner.

 

[AJHD]

If you don't need anything to service the screw in style pistons (or "electronically controlled brakes"), then I suggest these tools by Lang.
I have both. I've been using the bigger one for years on everything. The smaller works well for smaller calipers.

Easy straight forward simple tools made in USA by a reputable company at a good price and available on Amazon.
I cringe every time I see someone using a c-clamp or Channellock pliers. Use the correct tools for the job, please. Replacing a caliper because you broke the piston cup is just stupid.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079GQKDE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon.com

 

[shawhite]

Not sure about the persons experience above but I have used the lisle caulk gun type on every thing from my Toyota Tacoma to a Kia sorrento without an issue. Quick and easily.

29100 Quick Quad Pad Spreader

A Quick Way to Spread Brake Pads and Compress Disc Brake Pistons for Pad Replacement on Single, Double & Quad Piston Calipers.

www.lislecorp.com

 

[AJHD]

Not sure about the persons experience above but I have used the lisle caulk gun type on every thing from my Toyota Tacoma to a Kia sore to without an issue. Quick and easily.

Actually, I have one of those too... Or at least one of their other versions of it. It works well for single piston calipers that move freely.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009OR8V6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[nafterclifen]

I used to be a C-clamp user too but got tired of fighting with positioning, wood blocks for multi-piston calipers, etc.

I bought the Lang tool and will never go back.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079GQKDE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[VolvoRyan]

I've an OTC screw thingy. Way more capable than what I need. I'm a "crack a bleed ****** while you compress" guy, so this works well.

I do have a ratcheting pad spreader, but it's waaay too fiddly to use. Until you get some pressure on the "pads" the ratchet won't ratchet.

I used to use big channel locks... until they slipped and tore a dust boot.

-Ryan

 

[Renegade1LI]

The harbor freight kit works pretty good and it’s40 bucks

 

[dstblj52]

If you don't need anything to service the screw in style pistons (or "electronically controlled brakes"), then I suggest these tools by Lang.
I have both. I've been using the bigger one for years on everything. The smaller works well for smaller calipers.

Easy straight forward simple tools made in USA by a reputable company at a good price and available on Amazon.
I cringe every time I see someone using a c-clamp or Channellock pliers. Use the correct tools for the job, please. Replacing a caliper because you broke the piston cup is just stupid.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079GQKDE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon.com

that lang is also rebadged as carlyle by napa which is about the same money and a better warranty

 

[RoninB4]

When I worked on elderly Volvos I'd compress the brake pistons with a very large pair of slip-joint pliers, always watching the reservoir. I know that I'm a relic from the past, but this discussion makes me wonder if I know what we're talking about.

OT thread hijack; I've had several 122's and P1800's of 60's vintage. At least one of them used the brake wheel cylinder from Studebaker and perhaps other braking components as well. Just an FYI, sorry for the thread hijack. Back to the discussion.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Either style will work good. I like both. Personally I’d own both too. I don’t own either one yet but I need too cause I have to keep borrowing them lol . I’d get the Lang ratcheting one and then the Lisle gun type one.

 

[Steve_P]

I have two "generic" screw types that I think I bought from Amazon. One has thinner "jaws" than the other, but I've never needed it. The days of using a c-clamp, channellock.... are over if you are working on painted calipers. And same if you have 2-4 pistons.
my thinner one looks like this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ25DHN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

edit- my thicker jaw one looks like this, and this is the one I always use. I like this one better as it has two guide pins with the screw in the middle

Amazon.com: Sutekus Disc Brake Piston Separator Caliper Piston Spreader Tool Heavy Duty Disc Brake Pad Installation Spreader T-bar Hand Tool : Automotive

Buy Sutekus Disc Brake Piston Separator Caliper Piston Spreader Tool Heavy Duty Disc Brake Pad Installation Spreader T-bar Hand Tool: Caliper Pistons - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[kbeefy]

I use the lang ratcheting one every chance I get. Works very well. There are a few calipers that are too small that I use channel locks or C-clamps for, the lisle screw or caulking gun style would probably work well in those instances.
I did get another ratcheting one that goes slimmer than the lang, but it has also been too wide for some applications.

 

[ChefRex]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUHW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have one of these that has been thinned as I'm a motorcycle mechanic and I have a homemade one similar to this, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TMG33A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Use depends on what I'm working on.

 

[Jagmandave]

I have replaced thousands of brake pads in calipers over my lifetime and have never broken a piston using either a c- clamp or a large set of slip joint pliers - I guess they've all been made out of better stuff


The point about painted calipers is a good one tho.

 

[redragoon]

I use a c-clamp with the used pads for most calipers. For my STI which has Brembo calipers with pistons on each side, I used the $20 ratcheting version. Far from high quality, but it worked great. There just isn't a good way to reach the pistons with my other methods.

 

[kelpaso1]

Never had a problem using slip joint pliers or a c-clamp in the last 30 years.

 

[setfocus]

I've got 2 of the lisle caulk gun style, one for single piston calipers and the one for duel piston sliding calipers.

Also have ratcheting one from matco (probably rebadged lang) for brembo style fixed calipers. They were bearly large enough for a 6 piston Landover brake job I once did.

Also have a big c clamp I use for quickly checking calipers and to make it easier to remove/install them for whatever work I'm doing

 

[Jagmandave]

do those ratcheting style fit around the disc ok? or do you have to remove the caliper?

 

[MJK]

For fixed calipers or when I am replacing rotors then I remove them. For sliding, you can flip it up but I remove the slider pins so I can clean and grease things.

 

[plinker]

Lang 279 for pretty much everything except smaller single piston jobs, have a Lisle caulk gun style for those, not my favorite, but it works.

 

[Schirmer]

Stick with the LANG TOOLS 279 Brake Caliper Press Spreader. I would avoid all of the various asian made knock-off spreaders that are being peddled on Amazon, ebay, etc., that are visually similar to the LANG USA made tools, they are of a much lesser quality, when compared to the original LANG tools. The tool should work on twin & quad piston calipers, along with single & twin floating calipers.

 

[tyyost]

Awesome info, I should have made this a poll. I have a $50 Amazon gift card from the holidays that will cover the Lang spreader, thanks for all the great info, knew the collective wouldn’t let me down.

 

[Marvin Berry]

I've done the brakes on more than one prius (we owned 2 over the past 10 years or so).

The ratcheting spreader (pretty sure it's a Lisle) would not close small enough to fit in the caliper to open it. Besides that, it seemed like a really clunky design (at least for use on passenger car sized calipers. )

 

[Old Donn]

Being a DYI'er, used a C-clamp and a small piece of an old hockey stick handle to reseat pistons. Wood between the clamp and piston. Picked up an Astro wind back kit for some later model vehicles I had. These days, my truck and Mrs' SUV are both leases, so good, bad, or otherwise, maintenance is left to the respective dealerships. The old Chevy? Different story. I will be getting my hands dirty on it in the Spring.

 

[Bmxkelowna]

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I think I'm going to go with the KTC one, it's pricey for sure but the Lang and other brand names are 80+ in Canada already and this will give the option of small dual piston calipers all the way up to six piston ones which is perfect for me working on 350z's and Subarus also the small 4 piston Wilwoods on my Miata.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

For single piston calipers I prefer either the Lisle "pistol grip" style, 24300. OR a nice trusty pair of vise grip 11Rs. 11Rs are a bit easier on the hand, however they take slightly longer. Not much longer, but on smaller pistons like rear calipers the lisle is faster. 11Rs are better for big single piston front calipers, much better leverage for the squeezing.

For dual pistons, Lisle 25750, AND a GM brake pad. The Lisle doesn't have the depth to 100% compress all dual piston calipers. So when a caliper locks up on a full size truck, grab a full thickness pad from the other side and save it.

For quad pistons, skip lisle, it *****. No leverage, it just flexes and bends. My preference for most 4 pot caliper, is a pair of 12" pry bars. Hammer the pins with the air hammer, then knock them out with a brass punch. Or just cut them. Hammer the pads up and out, and place the pry bars tip facing the rotor, and just pull the pistons back. A little wiggling goes a long way, and if one piston is stuck, use the other piston moving inwards to help jar it free. It'll pop out a bit and then can go in. Ideally you can just take the caliper off the brake line, and do it all on the bench, that's the easiest way to throughly clean it. Not always possible though.

I don't like the ratcheting type, seems hard to wrangle the caliper and keep it all stationary.

 

[Bobioz1]

I use a large c clamp or 2 pair of Visegrip 11Rs. They are useful for other jobs too.

 

[89MustangGX]

I've used a large C-clamp for years. I did have one occasion where I had a piston go back in crooked and get all wonky, but it's worked well for me overall. But, why not try better?

I decided to give the Lang 279 a try - just ordered it. Best price I found was Zoro with a discount code. It's $50.99 so qualifies for free shipping and if you can get a 20% code that gets you to about $41+tax shipped. I did have trouble finding it, but it is Zoro # G602650853 if you're looking.

I see they have a smaller version as well (277), but I'm going to see how the 279 does before going there. It seems to be close in price. Not sure if the only difference is the plates or there is more to it.

 

[Pontiac787]

For folks that have both sizes of the Lang, is one more versatile than the other?

 

[tyyost]

Wow, at first we were shewed hard to the Lang/Bluepoint ratchet type. Now we are back to the Lisle caulking gun style. I have some 11Rs, but it never occured to me to use them (or channel locks). I live in the rust belt, and it often takes a bit to move the piston initially, so my go to was a c-clamp.

If it matters most of the dd’s here are Ford SUVs, Subarus, or my 15 Silverado. Just straightforward single and dual piston calipers.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Try the 11Rs, stick them in the base of the caliper piston, and find a spot on the rear of the caliper itself. Works pretty good. For dual pistons you really want a specialized tool IMO.