Strut spring compressor tool

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Can somebody point me in the right direction of a "safer" strut spring compressor for home use? Maybe something that will have a harder time rocketing off and impaling my face?

 

[STEVENC]

a unit with locks or a u bolt is safer.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I kind of figured that. I didn't know if anybody had any they would recommend over another?

 

[malibu101]

Just throwing some things out there.......

Buy a loaded strut. Example- http://www.monroe.com/en-US/products/Quick-Strut

Similar to a shop setup at a lesser cost- http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/230996122581?lpid=82

Or ask a local shop if they will remove and replace the springs on the strut for you. This is what I do for the few times I need to do it.
There is a cost of course but I am not going to die although that money could have been put toward a good compressor.

I used strut compressor "death sticks" once and will never do it again. Nothing happened but it was scary.

 

[dankicksass]

I like the kind with one side, first used it at Audi. The Schwaben one is okay but there are others with more cups. They're a lot more costly than the two-sticks compressors you'll find at local parts stores, but less expensive than a wall mounted unit.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Yes, the last one listed is something i would definitely be interested in! That looks plenty safe

 

[kenfain]

I've got the schwaben. It's a little pricey, otherwise no complaints. But if your set on rebuilding your own struts, check Craigslist. I've seen those wall mount models for around three bills.

 

[MTRD3]

I like the kind with one side, first used it at Audi. The Schwaben one is okay but there are others with more cups. They're a lot more costly than the two-sticks compressors you'll find at local parts stores, but less expensive than a wall mounted unit.

It amazes me that this type isn't more often recommended or considered in spring compressor discussions. I've probably searched and read between 5-10 spring compressor threads on GJ in the past week and it seems like the discussion always takes place on extreme ends of the spectrum... by that I mean either cheap "death stick" (stick, hook / hook+pin) style compressors or very expensive Branick units for anywhere between $400-$800 used/new.

While I agree that the somewhat "cumbersome" U-Lock type sticks seem much safer than the < $50 hook or hook+pin sets, it seems that right in the middle, facilitating a happy medium between safety first, quality and price point for the home mechanic are these pro-style portable, plate accessorized spring compressors. They rarely seem to come up in these discussions but with the Schwaben set costing about $250 and other good ones in the range of $150, I can't figure out why the wouldn't be more recommended as a stellar choice. From everything I've read on them they seem to be incredibly safe, robust and convenient without breaking the bank (spring compressors ought to be the kind of thing you spend good money on without thinking twice). I recently posted about them in this great spring compressor thread also on GJ:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185055&page=3

I saw a cool video on YT from BavarianAuto the other day where they were using this style (because they retail them) but needless to say I was very impressed and decided that these would most likely be the compressors for me/my home hobbyist-DIYer garage.

Set I've got my eye on, costs about $110.

 

[u118224]

It amazes me that this type isn't more often recommended or considered in spring compressor discussions. I've probably searched and read between 5-10 spring compressor threads on GJ in the past week and it seems like the discussion always takes place on extreme ends of the spectrum... by that I mean either cheap "death stick" (stick, hook / hook+pin) style compressors or very expensive Branick units for anywhere between $400-$800 used/new.

While I agree that the somewhat "cumbersome" U-Lock type sticks seem much safer than the < $50 hook or hook+pin sets, it seems that right in the middle, facilitating a happy medium between safety first, quality and price point for the home mechanic are these pro-style portable, plate accessorized spring compressors. They rarely seem to come up in these discussions but with the Schwaben set costing about $250 and other good ones in the range of $150, I can't figure out why the wouldn't be more recommended as a stellar choice. From everything I've read on them they seem to be incredibly safe, robust and convenient without breaking the bank (spring compressors ought to be the kind of thing you spend good money on without thinking twice). I recently posted about them in this great spring compressor thread also on GJ:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185055&page=3

I saw a cool video on YT from BavarianAuto the other day where they were using this style (because they retail them) but needless to say I was very impressed and decided that these would most likely be the compressors for me/my home hobbyist-DIYer garage.

Set I've got my eye on, costs about $110.

Who makes it?

 

[lakota]

OTC 6494 Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor

 

[refried]

I have the OTC 6494 spring compressor and it slipped off when I had to tighten it " just a little more ", it sent the spring flying across the shop. I don't think I've used it since.

 

[Sebastien]

What do you think about this model?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/370638363559?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[exmaxima1]

What do you think about this model?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/370638363559?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

That's the same model that Harbour Freight sells for $60

 

[dankicksass]

What do you think about this model?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/370638363559?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I don't think those are any safer, easier or better than the $10 two-sticks type.

 

[MTRD3]

Who makes it?

A company called YATO Tools here in Europe. I'm still looking at other options as far as manufacturers go (because I think YATO just imports/retails them meaning I won't know who/where they're manufactured) but this plate accessorized style set is the type of compressor I've decided on.