Decent spring compressor that doesn't cost a fortune?

The E28 needs new strut mounts along with spring pads and hardware due to the PO being a cheap bastard (fancy new Bilstein Sport struts, but reusing the ancient strut mounts??? Really?) so I find myself staring down the use of a spring compressor once again.

I currently have the Hazard Fraught threaded rod-and-claw style. Only used once. I was super uneasy working with them the last time I used them, and since then I have also heard anecdotes about these failing during use. I am hesitant to use them again, as aside from safety concerns they were also just a pain in the ass to work with.

Is there a better/safer way to compress springs for strut work that doesn't cost a fortune?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000COA1F8

The U-bolts go around the coils, through the brackets, and there's a nut on each one. It takes longer to set up, but there's no way it can slip.

In reply to codrus: In need sort of too. Thanks.

point - there is a reason they call them widow makers and suicide sticks. I have used them, not the HF ones, scarey. I don't do many springs but I bought the single action spring compressor that HF has. It feels a lot safer than the sticks. I wouldn't use an impact wrench on it though. Just have a better feel of what's happening.

I've used my Harbor Freight one a dozen times without injury. They look super sketchy but it's not the most dangerous thing I have. It works much smoother with a bit of grease on the threaded rod.

I did mine for years with a cheap set of parts-store specials. I was always super-careful with them, but eventually I got tired of scaring myself and bought this set on Amazon. They are much nicer, but I still find myself using the old ones once in a while, depending on the shape and length of the spring.

Always stand on the side, so if something comes loose, you are not in the line of fire.

I have used the harbor freight threaded rod style many times and never had a problem or a scary moment. Works well with air or electric impact.

Harbor Freight compressors with safety knobthing

I've got a "schwaben" branded set of these, and they've done alright by me so far.

Alternatively do this. E28 springs aren't too stiff, you might be able to compress them with your body weight enough to put them back together. Alternatively, with sport shocks, you can get springs which are shorter, and will go on loose.

In reply to wae:

Eek! I've read more than a few stories of the HF widowmakers letting go when someone hit them with an impact

This is the set I got from HF a few years ago and they are scary as hell. It looks like you can't get them anymore, thankfully. The amount of slop in the jaws alone makes for some real butt-puckering moments.

Now they have a redesigned version of the above in addition to this kind which looks a lot safer and less sketchy.

Those slide pins that surround the springs really do a lot to ease your mind.

In reply to Cactus:

As far as I know it's the opposite - Bilstein Sport shocks are identical to the HD as far as valving, but have a shorter rod and stroke so that lowering springs (I have Eibachs FWIW) won't come loose at full droop.

Having read the various horror stories about spring compressors, I picked up this pair - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sps-40260/overview/ - and have been satisfied with them. A lot heavier duty than the HF ones discussed above.

I thought they just had a shorter stroke. That makes sense though. I've got HDs and full coilovers, I've never messed with sport springs or shocks.

I've used these several times with a regular ratchet or box end wrench, just went slow, a couple of turns per side, then only compressed the spring enough to get the top hat off.

pointofdeparture wrote: In reply to wae: Eek! I've read more than a few stories of the HF widowmakers letting go when someone hit them with an impact This is the set I got from HF a few years ago and they are scary as hell. It looks like you can't get them anymore, thankfully. The amount of slop in the jaws alone makes for some real butt-puckering moments. Now they have a redesigned version of the above in addition to this kind which looks a lot safer and less sketchy.

The top ones look terrible I have the bottom one and it's worked fine.

I have the old school HF units and they've been fine so far.

Certainly better than nothing.....this weekend some kid on a FB Miata page was asking about disassembling his shock/top hat assemblies without a spring compressor. I told him not to be an idiot and risk the injury, get something.

He listened to the other "advice" and just put his foot on the spring (wrapped in a towel!) aaaannndd broke his knuckle. Saved himself $30 not buying the right tool, I wonder how much a broken bone costs these days....