Spring compressor opinions

Post by **FireFox31** » 09 Jul 2022, 15:51

I'm terrified to replace my spring because of the dangers of spring compression. Thus, I want the best spring compressors I can reasonably afford.

What do you think of this Eastwood spring compressor for $190? It looks very strong and avoids having to tighten two rods equally. Yet, it doesn't clamp on to both sides of the spring like a pair of cheap compressors.

Might there be any issues fitting this large compressor onto our front and rear springs? Thanks for your input.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 09 Jul 2022, 16:12

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-6494-Clamshe ... B0002SRHU6
Two years ago I wanted to do strut replacement and I found this tool. It is well made, worked well, and I felt safe using it. OTC is a well known US company. I paid about $180 at the time. Maybe there as a better price out there for the same tool.
volvolugnut

Post by **scot850** » 09 Jul 2022, 16:33

Wow, solid looking piece of kit. But, wow, also what a price. For me hard to justify that price for a tool I seldom use. I will pay my local garage to do the swap for me and drop off the struts and parts.

Neil.

Post by **FireFox31** » 09 Jul 2022, 17:54

Thanks, I had wondered about the "clamshell compressor". Do you remember if it has a "slip rod" (or whatever that's called) which lets the rod disengage and move freely from what it's threaded in to? I really don't trust that weak spot (which the simple black clamps do have).

Looks like it might be tough getting all four OTC connection points on the rear springs. Has anyone tried it?

I like how the OTC 6494 has four connection points, pairs 180 degrees apart. Also, its spring holding pins seem safer than the ridges in the Eastwood.

Seems like there are maximum/minimum diameters and lengths sizes which the OTC can accommodate whereas the Eastwood has adapters for various sizes. Not a huge deal for me, but I might recommend that my Makerspace get the Eastwood for everyone to use.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 09 Jul 2022, 18:39

FireFox31 wrote: ↑09 Jul 2022, 17:54 Thanks, I had wondered about the "clamshell compressor". Do you remember if it has a "slip rod" (or whatever that's called) which lets the rod disengage and move freely from what it's threaded in to? I really don't trust that weak spot (which the simple black clamps do have).

Looks like it might be tough getting all four OTC connection points on the rear springs. Has anyone tried it?

I like how the OTC 6494 has four connection points, pairs 180 degrees apart. Also, its spring holding pins seem safer than the ridges in the Eastwood.

Seems like there are maximum/minimum diameters and lengths sizes which the OTC can accommodate whereas the Eastwood has adapters for various sizes. Not a huge deal for me, but I might recommend that my Makerspace get the Eastwood for everyone to use.

I am not clear on what you mean by 'slip rod'. Is this the female threaded cross rod portion that the long male thread goes through in the center? The end with the drive nut will slip freely out of the cross rod on the drive end.
volvolugnut

Post by **Chuck W** » 09 Jul 2022, 19:07

*shrug*
I've never had an issue using the two-rod tool. Not really worth any extra expense for a limited-use tool, IMO.

Post by **scot850** » 09 Jul 2022, 19:22

I like the units that have the locking pin to prevent or at least reduce the chance of the spring jumping out while being compressed.

2nd issue I have had is that most spring compressors don't have enough travel to de-compress a spring fully to remove it from the clamps when replacing especially a front strut spring. I have a 2nd pair for those occasions.

Other than access I have not had any issues with rear springs on either FWD or AWD P80's.

Neil.

Post by **FireFox31** » 09 Jul 2022, 19:49

volvolugnut wrote: ↑09 Jul 2022, 18:39 I am not clear on what you mean by 'slip rod'.

I watched a video of someone using the basic spring compressor. They depressed a lever in the arm nearest the hex head to disengage it from the threads. This allowed the arm to move up and down the threads freely. Seems like a weak spot which I'd rather avoid.

Paying an extra $170 for a tool feels like decent life insurance. I don't want that spring sticking out of my chest.

Post by **matthew1** » 09 Jul 2022, 23:18

Spring go in car, not chest.

Post by **abscate** » 10 Jul 2022, 04:30

Spring after winter, or after a good meal with people you like.

Drop off struts and parts in Waterbury…..pick up return.

This one works well , has safeties, and only costs $54

These tools are less about the type, more about the implementation.
Start by cleaning and oiling the threads , after removing it from it nice orange box where the threads have been kept pristine.

Take it slow. Arms 180 degrees apart and slow. Make sure they stay straight as you compress. Heavy gloves. Do the de/compression on the ground. You can even chain them to a tire to prevent them from flying away too far.

On the videos….‘I used an impact”.

Every tool I’ve ever seen says “ no impacts “