OTC Strut Tamer II vs Branick 7600?

[Specracer]

As the title suggests, Im trying to choose one over the other. Both seem to be the best in the class of strut spring compressors.

I have searched here, and across the open Internet and have not found a lot of direct comparisons especially these current newest models.

They both seem excellent for the task. The only negative I have seen, so far, is that with the Branick, you need to use an impact swivel to get at the top strut nut.

Thoughts from the experts here??

I hoping I have used "death sticks" for the last time.....

 

[leadfoot415]

I use an old 7200 series Branick at work on the wall in my bay and like it because it is faster to setup and use than the OTC. The OTC is safer for a less experienced user and will change nearly every strut/spring combo out there; Branick will do it too, just have to be more careful how you chuck up the spring in the compressor.

I have also used the 7600 as the shop bought one for the new building and it is much better than an older model, but not as quick to setup.

 

[Specracer]

Really appreciate the response.

 

[noahwins]

 

[redlinedbuckeye]

I just bought a Branick 7600 several weeks ago for my shop. I've used the cheap ones for years too & finally decided to do it right and pulled the trigger on it. I looked at the various options available too but I liked the design of the Branick the best. I've only used it several times so far but it's amazing how much less stressful it makes strut work

 

[Specracer]

^^^ Thank you for your insight. Its is a harder choice than I expected.

Good thing changing a strut didn't interrupt his cigarette!

 

[Specracer]

Just wanted to give this a bump, see if there might be any more input.

 

[bans25]

What did you decide? I am going through this same decision process now..

 

[ovilla]

I bought a Branick 7400 when a shop upgraded to a 7600 unit. Honestly I’ve yet to find ANYTHING that I can’t compress. Set up is so easy and the use of a swivel socket is no biggie. You’re going to be using your impact gun anyway along with an extension so who cares which socket gets the job done. It literally takes less than five min to get a strut set up and swapped out. Anyway a lot of shops are upgrading so you can find these for a decent price. I paid $350 for mine and it looked brand new still. I think a lot of shops mostly swap out whole strut assemblies nowadays as it cuts down on labor charges and also gives the customer a new spring, along with their new shocks. Anyway I was like you and was tired of using dynamite sticks that would always bend or break off. I need my hands and fingers for work (IT) and just didn’t feel safe with those anymore. Yes it’s overkill for a home garage but so what. I’ve now swapped out more struts than I can count (mine and friends). Sorry, no experience with the OTC one but I’ll just leave you with this. Every single shop that you visit will typically have a red Branick mounted on the wall.