Spring compressor poll

[Jay Sco]

I need to do two vehicles. One has struts, one has coils over springs, both light passanger vehicles (no 1 ton trucks and such). What would you get? And I'm sure one of those $600 pro models would be best, but it's not an option.
Clamshell or single action, option 1:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DC...088743&smid=A10QFO4IXVZNRN&tag=pgmp-73-100-20
U-bolt style, option 2:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015...qid=1409144328&sr=8-37&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

 

[malibu101]

What you show in option 2 are often referred to as death sticks.
I personally would use almost anything before them.

The few times I have to replace struts I am lucky enough to know a guy with a wall mounted compressor and I can just visit him.

Not to sound like the safety cop, but, be careful as compressed springs hold alot of stored energy that can be released very quickly.

 

[Jay Sco]

What you show in option 2 are often referred to as death sticks.
I personally would use almost anything before them.


Not to sound like the safety cop, but, be careful as compressed springs hold alot of stored energy that can be released very quickly.

I've heard the stories about the stored energy in the springs, I'd rather not experience it first hand.
I've got "death sticks" like these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000M...218925&smid=A2DZ2V7B8TRIYM&tag=pgmp-73-100-20 , brand new, never used them.
I've read those U-bolt ones are better because they are less likely to slip.

 

[MRunabout]

I've done several strut jobs with the "death sticks" and haven't had an issue. *knocks on wood* That being said, since I don't have the space for a wall mounted unit, I plan on buying an OTC made clam shell spring compressor.

 

[justme-]

I have a set of a different kind of "death sticks" and have never had any issue - HF from about 10 years ago they have twin hooks on each end coated in vinyl. No slipping. The center bolt style often don't work with struts so if you're buying your own the twins of one style or another are the best option. FWIW, wall mounted "mega" brand units can slip too. A shop in town has one that's a death trap (name brand but I don't remember what brand) regularly shooting out springs.

 

[fury9]

I know I've seen some really nice ones on the forum before I just don't remember where...

 

[davenj80]

I use those "death sticks" from craftsman all the time and never had any issues. Just make sure the safely pin is in.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have the ATD set. It's excellent.

http://atdtools.com/3054

 

[metalhead212121]

Jay Sco- as much as I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE paying somebody to do ANYTHING on my car I'd pay to have the coils swapped over. I don't care if you use the cheapest POS or a wall mounted spring compressor.... coil springs can and will let go in ANY application. I had a teacher in tech school who was the biggest safety Nazi I've ever seen. Despite him being a safety Nazi he really knew his way around a car when it came to steering and suspension. Anyway I remember him compressing a coil spring and IT LETTING GO! **** happens and it happens fast. I've had at least one or two let go on me.

I've had guys tell me that "back in the day" I had a wall mounted one and I ALWAYS used a chain around a coil "just in case." Good luck with that on a Honda/Toyota from the 90's and up. You're gonna end up using a small link chain so whats the point IMO? You think a small link chain is gonna hold that coil if it gets free. Maybe... maybe not. You wanna take the gamble?

 

[Shadowdog500]

I had a set of those death sticks get away from me about 30 years ago. I will never use them again!

Chris

 

[crazytrain]

I would pull the entire strut assemblies out and take them to a shop with a good compressor and have them swap the new springs over. You may just end up saving money and you won't have to deal with the risk. I personally hate doing springs, they scare the **** out of me and I do a lot of them. Our compressor looks like this one http://www.directindustry.com/prod/...hydraulic-spring-compressors-14058-40199.html

I saw a spring fly about 15 feet into the air with enough force to smash a light all to hell and dent the roof in a shop. Them come back down and chip the concrete floor and still make its way across the shop. I have no idea how the kid did it or how he was not killed.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Get some suicide sticks, apply even pressure, and treat the compressed spring like a bomb, because it literally is one. Aside from certain struts where the spring has very few coil-loops (newer Subaru front springs come to mind), you can do basically anything with them.


I've had sticks slip on me once, still didn't get the full wrath from the spring, there was still plenty of tension to keep it from exploding. But the spring did get a hell of an angle on it. I've had the shop spring compressor slip dozens of times, although it's only launched a spring once. All the more reason to use quick-struts, when available.

I'm still waiting for snap-on to come out with a suicide stick kit, just with really high quality forged components, multiple heads for different angles of coil slope, etc. I would buy it.

 

[Wamsutta]

The ATD set has slide out pins that lock around the coil rungs.

 

[Stooge]

ive been using the Mountain brand "Master spring compressor" for a few years and havent had any issues. feels nice and sturdy, has the locking pins and the attachments to do struts and regular coils. same one that matco sells, even the same part # and picture for half of what the matco sells for.
Mountain brand
http://www.tooltopia.com/mountain-90200.aspx

Matco
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MSC90200/MASTER-SPRING-COMPRESSOR-SET/

 

[kingnba6]

option 2. ive used at least 3 different brands and never had a problem so far. used them on Suv and also sedan springs.

 

[rsanter]

Option 1 all the way
I have one and have used it with no problems.
Why would you want to have to tighten 2 screws back and forth keeping them even or trying other than those are cheaper.

Bob