chicane
Well-known member
I need a recommendation for a strut spring compressor for under $300. And if you could give me the pros and cons of different designs that would be great. Thanks.
Need strut spring compressors recommendations
- Thread starter chicane
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Guns R Tools
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I used clamshell type on Honda struts. Worked well. It is stable.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRHU6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
But it does have limitation. I couldn't clamp all the way on one case. the welded tab that holds cross bars gets in the way.
Two piece typical system will be more flexible on some cases.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRHU6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
But it does have limitation. I couldn't clamp all the way on one case. the welded tab that holds cross bars gets in the way.
Two piece typical system will be more flexible on some cases.
KPSquared
Well-known member
I just have cheap coil spring compressors from Princess Auto (canadian HF kinda) they've never let me down. Just clamp one on each side and tighten then evenly.
I got a set of those also, was quite surprised they were made in taiwan
Dont know about those, but here in Canada I have used the ones from partsource which are made by powerbuilt and they are good, looks exactly like the ones from autozone.
I used them on my trailblazer a few times with no worries
I have these. They feel solid and have not had any problems with them.
http://www.sears.com/schwaben-pro-s...p-00902993000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6
I got them when Sears was having a free shipping promotion. Sears probably lost money on that deal. These things weigh about 50 lbs.
http://www.sears.com/schwaben-pro-s...p-00902993000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6
I got them when Sears was having a free shipping promotion. Sears probably lost money on that deal. These things weigh about 50 lbs.
wafrederick
Well-known member
I would not trust the cheap rod versions.Lot of the struts,better off buying a loaded strut already to install in the vehicle in most applications.Save money instead of buying the spring,strut plate and strut seperatly.
Any one have the harborfreight 1 Ton Air Hydraulic Strut Spring Compressor? Is it any good?
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-air-hydraulic-strut-spring-compressor-65549.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-air-hydraulic-strut-spring-compressor-65549.html
I just stand it upright then run the top bolt down.
G1GRANDEUR
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most people don't realize how dangerous it is.
this isn't something you want to cheap out like jack stands.
this isn't something you want to cheap out like jack stands.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
$300 is tough unless you stumble on a used Branick or OTC strut tamer.
I don't like the types with plates because, many coils have different diameters and gaps and the plates don't fit well.. Cheap chinese hooks are hazardous. However there are some hreaded rod types from lisle and others that are fairly safe especially if you use 4 on a spring instead of two..
Some parts places will compress your spring for you in the store.Good luck in your quest.
I don't like the types with plates because, many coils have different diameters and gaps and the plates don't fit well.. Cheap chinese hooks are hazardous. However there are some hreaded rod types from lisle and others that are fairly safe especially if you use 4 on a spring instead of two..
Some parts places will compress your spring for you in the store.Good luck in your quest.
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
I have a lincoln clamshell
It works on escalade /suburban coilovers with ease
It works on escalade /suburban coilovers with ease
What do you mean stand it upright? you have some sort of vice to hold the thing. You can hold a strut with one hand and torque that tool with the other unless you are the incredible Hulk or something.
I also noticed that this tool says it has a compressor holder for a vice as an accessory but there is no part number anywhere.
muskaman67
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I've used the style spring compressor you rent at auto parts stores. I ended up buying mine from auto zone and they are branded oem. I have used them to do prob 20 sets of lowering springs for friends and they have always worked well for me. No issues.
xurusaibobx
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otc strut tamer is the best one on the market today there arent many struts this machine cant do and it cuts the the job time in half! i love mines
branicks is okay but for some reason they do not like very stiff springs such as toyotas (they tend to pop out) with the OTC design it fixes that problem by locking the springs to the machine as it compresses.
keep your eye out for a OTC strut tamer on ebay or craigslist but they dont go cheap either
branicks is okay but for some reason they do not like very stiff springs such as toyotas (they tend to pop out) with the OTC design it fixes that problem by locking the springs to the machine as it compresses.
keep your eye out for a OTC strut tamer on ebay or craigslist but they dont go cheap either
Murphy4570
Well-known member
If you're gonna be doing struts in any sort of regular fashion, just go buy one of these:
I use one, best thing out there IMO. Works very well, and is very safe.
I use one, best thing out there IMO. Works very well, and is very safe.
2JZGTESC300
Well-known member
Compressing Springs is a very dangerous job. I have the same one like the above picture. Every other shop comes and uses mines when they need to compressed their springs to put new shocks. Every time I use it, I'm always cautious about it. But the wall mounted Branick Spring Compressor works great.
jdcompman
Well-known member
2x4's will give little to no protection from a coil spring that gets away, or worse yet, the shock.
Dangerous? You know it is no more dangerous than lying under a 4000 lbs car with a set of $40 Chinese jackstands. I think the danger aspect has been WAAAYY overstated. Just use common sense like with any mechanical procedure including working under the car or using a welder, or a torch, etc.
I have to tell you guys I have gotten a lot less out of this thread than most others that I have seen on this board.
mllester
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Compressing springs on strut assemblies is not the same animal as dealing with open coil springs on traditional suspension systems. Laying on the floor, jacking a "lower control arm/coil spring" sandwich against the upper control arm high enough to get the bolts in it on a S-10 Blazer was scary. I won't do that again!
Re-working a strut off of the car in a much more controlable work environment has felt relatively safe.
Re-working a strut off of the car in a much more controlable work environment has felt relatively safe.
There is an element of "danger" to just about everything we do to our cars. I just don't know why guys INSIST on making strut springs into a DANGEROUS job.
Have you heard of anyone getting killed installing a strut spring? I haven't. I have heard of several people who were working under their car and got killed. Just saying.
Have you heard of anyone getting killed installing a strut spring? I haven't. I have heard of several people who were working under their car and got killed. Just saying.
UPDATE: Need strut spring compressors recommendations
UPDATE: Hey guys I bought these from HF:
http://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-3980.html
They worked like a champ. I think I was paying too much attention to those who said that it was such a "dangerous job". What a load of ****. it was the biggest non-event in all my years of working on cars. Very simple and easy. Thanks.
UPDATE: Hey guys I bought these from HF:
http://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-3980.html
They worked like a champ. I think I was paying too much attention to those who said that it was such a "dangerous job". What a load of ****. it was the biggest non-event in all my years of working on cars. Very simple and easy. Thanks.
Strouty
Well-known member
I know the OP found what he was looking for, but I have been researching this topic as well. My budget is $1000 so I have been looking at both the branick and the OTC strut tamer extreme. I have used the branick twice and found it ok to use, but it appeared that the spring could pop out if you had any issues. The strut tamer has clamps on the spring holder so that it can't let the coil loose until you release a threaded nut. My main question over the two is, on the branick we compressed the spring, changed the strut and released the tension of the spring. A comment on the strut tamer was you could not do that in one step, I did not understand why not, but I know some of you have used the machines in question. Also in that price range should I be looking at anything else?
signcrafter
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Re: UPDATE: Need strut spring compressors recommendations
I have a set of those, a little better than HF, and have used them many times and they do work. BUT, it is a dangerous job and to say "what a load of ****" can get you into trouble. If you don't realise the extreme force behind those compressed springs then there is a problem. Those sticks do work, but please keep in mind that no matter what you are using compressing a spring is a dangerous job and not something to laugh at. The one big issue I have seen with those clamps is they "slide" down the spring and if they go to far it can lead to big problems.
I have a set of those, a little better than HF, and have used them many times and they do work. BUT, it is a dangerous job and to say "what a load of ****" can get you into trouble. If you don't realise the extreme force behind those compressed springs then there is a problem. Those sticks do work, but please keep in mind that no matter what you are using compressing a spring is a dangerous job and not something to laugh at. The one big issue I have seen with those clamps is they "slide" down the spring and if they go to far it can lead to big problems.
Re: UPDATE: Need strut spring compressors recommendations
I used to have that trouble with my Probe until I realized that I could put the upper hooks on the upper spring seat, instead of on the spring itself; no tendancy to slide that way. Made for a much more relaxed job.
I used to have that trouble with my Probe until I realized that I could put the upper hooks on the upper spring seat, instead of on the spring itself; no tendancy to slide that way. Made for a much more relaxed job.
Dustin Echoes
Well-known member
I have this set from Canadian Tire. Never let me down, and a neat locking feature for safety and piece of mind. Easy and comfortable to use. $75.00 CDN
Dustin Echoes
Well-known member
Coloshaver
Well-known member
I've done shocks/struts on 4 different BMWs (two more when you include the loans to friends) with one of these:
http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=374
With the U-Bolts that hold the spring, it has a very high safety/price ratio.
http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=374
With the U-Bolts that hold the spring, it has a very high safety/price ratio.
Motofixxer
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- Oct 10, 2009
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I bought one of these for about $70 Seems to work great, good design seems strong enough. I don't really see any quality issues. I have used it for about 8 struts so far.
MACPHERSON STRUT SPRING CLAMSHELL COMPRESSOR TOOL DELUXE NEW
Sample Ebay seller: wegotparts
Link to Auction example
MACPHERSON STRUT SPRING CLAMSHELL COMPRESSOR TOOL DELUXE NEW
Sample Ebay seller: wegotparts
Link to Auction example
Attachments
Murphy4570
Well-known member
You need to understand that the job itself isn't inherently dangerous, but you are working with a large amount of stored energy. The amount of force in a compressed spring is quite a lot, and if it gives way, bad things happen.
Strut work is one of those jobs where you take your time.
kippieland
Well-known member
I was going to do the springs myself until I talked with my brother-in-law who is a tech. I told him about this thread and his response in an email was "Springs carry 1000 lbs of pressure when compressed ....can maim or kill." After that I decided on some quick struts!