How did this happen considering they're used in pairs on one spring? I don't care for this style and want to get
something like this or
like this.
If you dont use what I
think darkk is talking about the spring compressors will move. (I
think darkk is talking about little hardware that attaches to the spring compressor so they dont slip.) Ive heard of guys wrapping a chain around part of the coil and attaching the other part of the chain to something secure so that IF it does pop it wont go far. That may work on some cars but when you're dealing with something small like a Civic I doubt you could get chain that you feel comfortable with. When I had used the spring compressor I used it on two coil springs. First coil was already under tension so all I had to do was compress it a little more and then loosen and take the nut off the strut.. swap in the new strut tighten the nut and call it day. (Still need an alignment but thats besides the point) Second coil I did was somewhat uncompressed because the strut was broken WHILE on the car. It was a chore to get it out safely! With a friend of mine we compressed the UNCOMPRESSED coil WITH HAND TOOLS. We did it in his basement... I blinked and the next thing I know the spring compressors are touching each other and the coil is bowing out! Pretty ******* scary! (They litterally can move from opposite sides of the coil to touching each other in the blink of an eye.) Took three trys to get the coil compressed. I swear after the third attempt I was in tears because I "thought I new it all" and promised that I could do the job and get it back to my coworker on a certain day. WTF was I gonna say to my coworker... yeah I fucked up.. your car is on stands and Im working on finding someone to compress a coil for me. On a side note the guy that sold me the spring compressor tried to steer me away from buying that tool and said he'd charge me I forget how much to swap coils over. I was "green" back then and swore I knew better. My friend and I split the difference for the spring compressor. After we were done with the job he gave me what I paid for my half of the tool and he kept it. I never wanted to touch that tool again! Later on in life I called him because I wanted to borrow it for something else! He couldnt find it in his toolbox. Personally I think that was a blessing in disguise!!!!
Personally I prefer the first one VWandDodge posted in his post. BUT at the same time even that Ive seen coils pop on! Ive never liked doing anything with stock coil springs. Seen too much **** go wrong. Lowering springs are better because they're not as stiff and easier to replace.
Im not sure which one you're talking about Moose....
Dan
After seeing coils pop I just spaz out when I see cheaper ones. At the end of the day if I had to pick one to use I'd opt for the first one VWand Dodge posted. Last I checked the first one posted is probably about $600 or $700. The second one he posted is maybe $125 or $250?? I dont know... The "bottom of the barrel" one that the OP posted I think I paid about $50 back 13 years ago. That'll give you guys an idea of how old I am!