HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I have yet to find a strut spring compressor that I am happy with. I bought the Harbor Freight Cheap set with the cast endpieces (first pic), and had to use a hammer to get the dual end pieces in between the coils. I then bought the Harbor Freight clamshell compressor (second pic), and the thing is so huge, I can't even get the clamps in place to use it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...3999/03980.gif

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...3799/43753.gif


Am looking at this style now, single claw on each end...
http://www.etoolcart.com/ProductImages/atd/ATD7585.jpg

This style would surely have no trouble fitting, but looks like a PITA to get set up.
http://www.etoolcart.com/ProductImag...LIS62300-L.gif

I saw somebody somewhere that used a spring compressor that looked like a strap, they made a loop of it around a few coils, and used a air wrench to spin it down.

Which compressors have you guys had easy reliable experience with for Honda springs? Links are appreciated and under $100 please.

Craig

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

i usually pick these up at the local autozone/kragen as a loaner tool. ;D

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Old Bearing press, wood blocks, and a prayer. :X


JP

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I use these too

http://www.etoolcart.com/ProductImages/atd/ATD7585.jpg

Rented them from Checker for free. I think they are the type that the Honda service manual calls for.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Straight up ghetto, right there. Way to live on the edge JP!

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I have a set of the 2 single claw type. Works pretty damn good for every spring/strut setup I've ever done.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...3999/03980.gif

I had one of these fail on me before...

The rod snapped while loosening one side and part of it whipped by my face at 100mph or so. Will never use again...

Find one that clamps into a big heavy vice or a wall mounted one if you have to do any on the regular...

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

ratchet straps work

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Holy ---- that's a great idea. Simple to test out too.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

i cant believe noone said this? i've watched trained technicians use ratchet straps...

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I use the wall mounted one at work

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I don't I just let it fly.


lol j/k. I bought a pair of the simple bolt/claw type at advance auto.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I thinking it must be the ones that loop back into themselves, not the ones with hooks.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

http://www.gripsure.com/images/Tiedo...chet_strap.jpg

semi style, will fit over the coils. i've got a few layin around

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I use the Lisle-brand one... it looks just like the fourth pic with those little U-bolts. It takes a minute or so to set up, but it's well built and there's no chance of a hook popping off the coil. Safety FTW. :y

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

+1
just make sure your not wrenching by hand b/c it will take forever

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Put on your motorcycle helmet, and let her go baby

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/cc63000.jpg
MATCO MACPHERSON STRUT COIL TOOL

Quickly and easily work on the MacPherson Struts
Use with impact wrench or hand tool ON or OFF the car.
Contains complete instructions and safety kit.
Not for use on any unusually large MacPherson Strut springs which have a coil outside diameter of over 6" or a wire diameter larger than 5/8". Do not use on General Motors "A", "C", "J" or "X" Body cars.

Part#: CC63000 Price: $43.00

this is what i use......you buy cheapie....u get cheapie...remember that

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I bought direct from my Matco guy and this is the EXACT model that snapped on me :1

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

i dont use one... i "decompressed" them in the car last two times :-X

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Just leave the car on the ground and undo the top nut then jack the car up slowly or if already out of car i put on my safety gear and stand on top of it pointing towards a wall and reach down with the impact letting it rip :1

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...3799/43753.gif

This works but will need modification. I own some china branded one, I'm sure it was in the $30-50 range (shipped) off ebay. You will need to cut two of the spring guides off and re-angle (weld) them if you want to make it a permanent honda-only spring compressor. Throw your impact on the single bolt and away you go.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

that is the exact same one i bought from harbor freight for like 5 bucks, it works ok but i wouldnt use it for like a spring off a 1 ton pickup or some super strong spring like that

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

I've never used one, but I can think of a few times where it would have been nice. :l
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

http://www.etoolcart.com/ProductImages/atd/ATD7585.jpg
I have these and i hate them, it seems like the beefy ends never want to fit between the coils and are always in the way. Nowadays I just use the weight of the car and a jack to compress/decompress the springs.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Do you take the compressor apart to attach it to the spring, or try to get it engaged with the threaded rod still in it?

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Was going to try that, but pap didn't have any. I think I saw it on TV before, but theirs was tightened by a air rachet (not hand clamp; like a tightening bolt or something). Works out well, huh? Figured cranking it down too much and trying to release it would be mighty hard to do.


Craig, it wasn't so much "ghetto" as it was dumb and resourceful, haha. I stood back and was like, "Yea Dad, it looks safe."


JP

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

---- those dangerous piles of ----. We have an OTC strut compressor at my shop, and we bought the optional rolling stand with it. It's the ------ balls, easy to use, and it locks up nicely so the spring doesn't go flying if you mess it up.

http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/p.../6581_2394.jpg

spend some money and do it right, it's fast, easy, and safe.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Place the assembly on soft ground, preferably grass. Put a 15"+ wheel/tires over it. Put your weight on the tire and start loosening the nut.

It will pop off, but into the ground.

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

when i did the ones on my Integra i took the assy out and put it on the ground...pointed the shock towards the yard (and neighbors house;)) put my foot on the hat and hit the nut with the IR Ti... shot the shock/spring into the yard 10-15 feet ;)

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

-socket
-ratchet
-garbage can

Attachment 21456

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Hahahahah, nice...


JP

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

:l

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Attachment 21453
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

http://www.etoolcart.com/ProductImages/atd/ATD7585.jpg


Bought a set of these today, along with some baller 1/2 drive sockets.

I'll let you know how they work. The OTC is def sweet, but about$500 no?

Craig

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

Hahaha, I'm diggin' the paint pictures. Atleast he was installing Eibach springs, or wait...could be Dropzones. :X


JP

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

i gave up, you get the idea though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...otrexstrut.jpg

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

How did I know that once the MSPaints started, that HotRex would show up. I'm honored, I guess, not really. :)

The spring compressors I bought did the job just fine. Had to take them apart and assemble them on the spring, but once together they cranked down easily with the impact, and made quick work of the swap.

Craig

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

yeah the otc setup is kind of baller, i think it's about 500 or so, but if you do enough struts, its worth it, but for personal use, ratchet straps sound like a good idea to me

Re: HMT! WHat spring compressor do you use?
 

haha i use the ground and the air compresser. :6