After a pretty intense hour dismantling some suspension stuff with my Harbor Freight spring compressor, I find myself thinking of a more deluxe approach. What I have look like this:
I do need external types so as to build coil over type stuff (currently Miata).
The HF threads galled up pretty bad, and that compressor was very reluctant to come off. My first thought was to file the threads so they'd work again. Then I thought of loosing my face to an errant tophat. Note: I had the coil chained to a 1/2" table, so it "couldn't" get me, but I was pretty nervous, and this isn't the first time.
What spring compressor is as near to idiot-proof as we can get?
I like the Lisle one. U-bolts with nuts around the coils, there's no way this can slip off.
https://www.amazon.com//dp/B000COA1F8/
I use one like this but I'm not super fond of any spring compressor that I've ever used.
As an automotive tech instructor I used the wall mounted compressors most of the time because of safety. However, that was not always possible. I also used an assortment of others with very close supervision if students were using them.
Ratchet straps
(I'm kidding, please don't, they're not palm trees)
I bought Shanklys and was really happy as the Chevrolet Silverado springs are beefy. I didn't lose any teeth using it.
I paid $59 off of Amazon - instructions sucked.
In recent times I've been using these. I got them at Amazon. Works good. No terror involved. Less than 100 bucks.
In reply to wheelsmithy (Joe-with-an-L) :
The spring pan on Jaguars is bolted in place. Remove one bolt at a time and replace it with all thread rod about 10" long and a nut holding the pan up. Once they are all replaced back off each nut one turn at a time. Easy peasy.
I really appreciate the feedback. It is good to know the safety I'm seeking isn't even that expensive. Thanks, keep em coming.
codrus (Forum Supporter) said:
I like the Lisle one. U-bolts with nuts around the coils, there's no way this can slip off.
https://www.amazon.com//dp/B000COA1F8/
I've been using a pair of those for years, never had any major issues. I wish I could find a set 15" long or so for taller springs, but that's my only complaint.
The Harbor Freight version is awful. I've had one of them crack about halfway through a job. It was terrifying.
The set Anthony posted replaced them. They have been pretty good through several jobs. The quality is about 500% better than the HF version. I have no complaints.
Cousin_Eddie (Forum Supporter) said:
In recent times I've been using these. I got them at Amazon. Works good. No terror involved. Less than 100 bucks.
My dad just gave me this kit. We had just used it to compress the springs on his 2wd dodge 3500 diesel and that sold me on it's efficacy.
iansane said:
Cousin_Eddie (Forum Supporter) said:
In recent times I've been using these. I got them at Amazon. Works good. No terror involved. Less than 100 bucks.
My dad just gave me this kit. We had just used it to compress the springs on his 2wd dodge 3500 and that sold me on it's efficacy.
I also have one of these. It seems to work pretty well, although I still find my OTC Strut-Tamer better for some coil-over strut types. Unfortunately, it's huge and a PITA to store/set up. I dream of some day having the space to leave it permanently wall or cart mounted.
I don't have one of those, but my neighbor does! It works well. Ratchet straps? Used one once to fill a tire that wouldn't seal at the bead, NO. I like my teeth right where they are.
I do NOT recommend this Harbor Fright unit.
I still use it, just scary as hell. Only one side pivots. It binds up. I would not buy again.
Again, I do not recommend.
ShawnG
UltimaDork
8/24/21 8:11 p.m.
I have the ones that HF copied to make theirs.
I think they're KD or Lisle.
They're cast iron not chineseium.
The hooks are gimbaled on the nuts a little so they fit the angles of the spring properly.
The threads are acme so there's no galling, even if you forget to grease them (hint).
Used them tons of times with no issues, not scared of them in the least. The go on and off with an impact gun plenty quick.
The funny thing is I was overly cautious using mine 3 weeks ago and nothing happened as I did the first one three times missing the shock alignment.
Pushing in the shock my hand slipped and took some meat off my pinky and cracked my fingernail. It hurt and had nothing to do with the compressor.
