Spring Compressor Recs??

[gottarollwithit]

Looks like i'm replacing struts on all 4 corners soon. I've read the DIY tutorial on it, but don't have a spring compressor.

Anybody know of a good spring compressor that's not going to break, stretch, or result in horrifically injuring me? Any advice on which type/brand to buy? Snap on offers one made by bluepoint, but i don't trust cheap Chinese tools to not injure me, especially with this application. I'd like to use an impact gun on the spring compressor as well to speed things up.

The DIY Strut replacement shows the use of two individual spring compressors. Is this optimal?
DIY: Gen 3 front struts

Thanks!!

[bigbird]

id go with ones like ASG has in his thread. they clamp onto the spring to prevent the compressor from flying off, resulting in rapid decompression aka...bad day.

[n3rdifed]

yes, those spring compressors were almost exactly the same ones i used to take off my springs.

maybe if you know somebody else that does work on their car then you can borrow them...

[95PimpingCamry]

I've always used the $13 ones from Harbor Freight. Just use a ratchet, not an impact wrench, and don't be an idiot and you're fine. Also, they come with hardware to clamp onto the springs so that they can't fly off.

[JohnGD]

You can use the Autozone Free Loaner tool #OEM27036.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ino...gAndSuspension

If you don't want to buy the Sears 90500 type. The AZ one appears to be a copy of it.
www.sears.com

The TN DIY uses something similar to KDS3387.
Look up on www.sears.com

Because I dont' think you would need anything like the Strut Tamer:
http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/p.../6580_2391.jpg

[gottarollwithit]

OK, let's take this a different route. Clearly, the two individual spring compressors is the way to go. However, which spring compressors of this type do you guys own, enjoy, and feel safe using?

I've seen reports of poorly made spring compressors stretching and getting locked in place, requiring the use of another method of compression just to free the broken spring compressors.

What do you guys think of OTC tools? I've never even heard of them, are they any good?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070921x00003a

I'm between the model above, the Sears stuff mentioned earlier, and maybe a used Strut tamer if i can magically get a killer deal on it.

[abew330]

+1. im a cheap a** ... just take your time.

Originally Posted by 95PimpingCamry

I've always used the $13 ones from Harbor Freight. Just use a ratchet, not an impact wrench, and don't be an idiot and you're fine. Also, they come with hardware to clamp onto the springs so that they can't fly off.

[haux]

Just within the last two weeks, I used the one available for rent (free, pay/return) through Advance Auto Parts. Similar to the ones in the write-up, as they are two separate units.

We used an impact gun with them. Just be careful not to get the socket stuck against the spring (as it compresses). It's a bit annoying.

[gottarollwithit]

Oh, don't get me wrong, i'm one cheap mofo as well. Why do you think i'm wrenching in the first place? However, i know that i'm not the greatest wrench around and because of this i tend to be very hard on my tools.

I also know that if i run a cheapass spring compressor and it jams or lets loose and damages stuff (including me) in the process, doing all of this work myself will have basically become a lost cause. I'd like to buy one good spring compressor once. I go cheap on a lot of tools, but i'm not gonna cheap out on something that can potentially cause big time damage.

Being able to use the impact gun on it is a big plus b/c i'm going to be doing this job on limited time.

Any thoughts on the OTC, Sears, or KD tools compressors??

[chronoti]

autozone ftw!!!! spring compressors aren't used too often, so i normally just spend my money on some other project that i'll never finish

[flyeri]

Get them form Advance Auto or Auto Zone as previously described. I have used them twice and had no problems. It The air ratchet or impact driver will speed things up but don't expect to set world records. It still takes a little time and I think hand wrenches are actually easier because of the socket binding on the spring.

Just be sure that the ones you get have a latch that secures them on the spring in some fashion.

[JohnGD]

Sears or KD first. Then Free Loaner or OTC. OTC buys a lot of tools from the lowest bidder around the world. Many are imports. Some are US made/assembled. You can get fleaBay deals that look identical, even the blow-mold case.

The parts store free loaner tool program I'm sure will work too. In fact, I think the OTC one looks exactly like the Autozone free loaner. My guess is both of these (OTC/Free Loaner) are made off-shores. The one disadvantage with free loaner is that some tools look kinda beat up.

Craftsman has ACME threads easier to turn (not sure about Free Loaner/OTC). Lube the threads with oil before starting. You may need to arrange the individual compressors to minimize interference with the nuts (but always opposite sides of each other). It works, so no need to get a Strut Tamer for the occasional job or on light weight sedans. Of course until you get into heavy duty truck/SUV springs, then just pay a shop to assemble.

Originally Posted by gottarollwithit

Any thoughts on the OTC, Sears, or KD tools compressors??

[gottarollwithit]

Ah, i had no idea OTC might be the same as the other mfg's. Their 2 piece spring compressors look identical to other brands... Man, i almost bought an OTC earlier today.

I'll see what else i can find. Is KD a reputable mfg?

[JohnGD]

I'll say get the Craftsman one, if you're not willing to use Autozone's free loaner.

Yes, KD is a reputable brand. Like Craftsman, Kobalt and others, it's made by Danaher.
http://www.danaher.com/business/stra...ail.asp?key=12

Stanley Works and Snap-on are two others that make up the top three in the US. I personally prefer old-time Stanley-made Craftsman over today's Danaher-made Craftsman. Too bad I guess. But those who got old-time Snap-On made Kobalts at Lowe's are lucky. Snap-on tools are great, but beyond what I'm willing to pay.

Some of Danahers other major brands are:
Allen
Armstrong Tools
DTG Government
DTG International
DTG OEM
Gear Wrench
Holo-Krome
Iseli
KD Tools
Matco Tools
Sata
Spline Gauges

Originally Posted by gottarollwithit

I'll see what else i can find. Is KD a reputable mfg?

[gottarollwithit]

John, thx for the info.

I think this is what i'm gonna use:

http://www.foxruntools.com/coilsprin...-kdt-3387.aspx

KD tools spring compressor - pretty much looks like the one used in the tutorial.