using impact wrench on spring compressors?

[bimmerZ5]

used my IR W7150 on my spring compressors last weekend as part of a suspension overhaul project. in the past I always cranked them by hand which can take some time and gets tiresome fast. so, this time I used my W7150 and it went much, much faster. I did notice tiny metal chips coming off as I was impacting... so I guess doing it this way puts more wear and tear on the tools.... but it saved me so much time!

what do others do? use an impact and just get new spring compressors when they are worn down or do you insist on hand cranking?

 

[Loscaldazar]

I've always used an impact. I suppose it depends on the style and strength of the type you have. Never had a problem with a widow maker spring compressor.

 

[djcslice]

I've used small impact driver but I tend to go slow to avoid damage to the tools and for general safety considering the amount of potential energy in the spring. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[TwoInch]

i have used my air ratchet.

i tend to not use impacts on things like that, ball joint press, spring compressors.. etc...

 

[bimmerZ5]

the spring compressors I was using were the $50 craftsman one from 10yrs ago and $10 one from HFT I picked up on sale as a backup set.

 

[Zephyr]

The set I've got are pretty thick and I have used an impact in the past on it but I would much rather take my time and use a ratchet and wrench on it just to be safe. There is a guy at the shop that uses a tiny set with a thin rod and he always uses his impact in it so I stay far away when hes compressing springs.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

 

[2oolhound]

Make sure the threads and any friction points on the tool are all oiled well and should be fine.

 

[toolstools]

When I did the ones on my 98 xj (4.5" lift 22.5" springs) I had to compress them to about 14". I tried using an impact, but the compressors kept walking so i had to use a two ratchets. On one side i used two ratchet wrenches just to see what it was like. Nothing worse then tightening a spark plug. Smooth and very little force needed.

 

[lametec]

I use the air ratchet.

 

[Rezeppa]

I have the Macpherson Strutter 2 and I always use an impact sometimes a cordless.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Short answer: No!

 

[donthelegend]

Don't bother with the harbor freight compressors unless they changed their design, they're garbage and there is way too much energy involved to risk using them.

I've always used an impact when space allowed for it. I just make sure the threads are lubricated and don't get stupid with it.

Those of you saying no, why not? You can still see how much you're compressing the spring and while the control isn't quite as fine as using a ratchet, it's also not an out of control situation either.

 

[APEowner]

All the compressors I've used have explicitly said to not use an impact and the ones that I know people have used an impact on have kind of sketchy look threads. I compromise and use an air ratchet.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Don't bother with the harbor freight compressors unless they changed their design, they're garbage and there is way too much energy involved to risk using them.

I've always used an impact when space allowed for it. I just make sure the threads are lubricated and don't get stupid with it.

Those of you saying no, why not? You can still see how much you're compressing the spring and while the control isn't quite as fine as using a ratchet, it's also not an out of control situation either.

There is enough stress and tension without adding "impact" or "hammer" or "shockload" onto the tool components.... If the tool is designed for use with an impact, the instructions should state that..... Same with gear pullers... Most are intended for hand drive unless specifically stated in the instructions...... I do have a u-joint puller that IS designed and approved for use with an impact.. But the BIG Share of this equipment is not designed nor intended for use with an impact (longer answer)

 

[Rico.]

I have a 1/2" drive air ratchet which I use.... I think it's even quicker than
an Impact wrench, and definitely safer. Best of all worlds...

 

[JJThrasher]

If possible I used the wall mounted hand crank style compressor. When that's now available I use an impact.

 

[rlitman]

There is enough stress and tension without adding "impact" or "hammer" or "shockload" onto the tool components...the BIG Share of this equipment is not designed nor intended for use with an impact ...

Yeah, it isn't made for a full power impact, but I feel perfectly safe using my 3/8" butterfly impact with these.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

I just oil up the threads and use an impact...I definitely don't have chips or **** flying off the spring compressors, sometimes rust/paint off old springs though.

 

[e30bradley]

make sure you grease the threads on any compressors / pullers. I don't have an air compressor but at the shop I used to work at I used an impact on the compressor every time and never noticed any abnormal wear but I always smeared some grease on the threads first and made sure they where clean.

 

[RV77]

make sure the threads and any friction points on the tool are all oiled well and should be fine.

x10..........

 

[monster1]

Make sure the threads and any friction points on the tool are all oiled well and should be fine.

X's 2. I rent spring compressors from my local AutoZone. Spray em down real good and let the impact fly. Never had a problem. I always make sure I don't compress one side too far before I compress the other side.

 

[bimmerZ5]

the wear I was seeing wasn't so much on the threads of the rods, but the head where the impact socket attaches. little chips of metal were flying off...