something to consider when choosing spring compressors

[jerry]

i just got finished reassembling my front struts after rehab this afternoon. recently, i acquired a set of used spring compressors with a group of parts i bought. that allowed me to return the 'borrowed' set from a coworker.

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.

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i wish i hadn't returned the borrowed set so soon.

When choosing spring compressors for the 02 check for size of clamp arm. my new set were so small that they interfered with the spring supports on the strut. i've tried to convey the problem with the attached photos. what i've shown is only one permutation of how i tried to position these compressors.

as for my coworker's set: they were cheap, 'made in china' set that were infinitely easier to deal with. i'm gonna look for a new set soon.

working on these cars should be as painless as possible. choose your tools carefully.

hope this spares at least one person from the aggravation i just went through.

[TobyB]

Yeah, mine have a bit of that problem, too-

if anyone finds one that DOESN'T- please share!

And an air- driven rattlegun (or electric, I guess) is the only way to use those things...

t

[AlCanuck]

This may be a bit much for the average DIYer, but I bought one for the shop earlier this year. Greatest tool ever.

Al

OTC Strut Tamer

[tjones02]

I just bought this one last month. A little pricey for the DIY'er but then again no one's called me a DIY'er for a while now.

Ebay Item number: 120050789454

Ebay Store ID ...

http://stores.ebay.com/EL-PASO-TOOL_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

They have them drop shipped from...

http://www.baumtools.com/

Another high $$$ is..

http://www.klanntools.co.uk/

http://www.klann-online.de/englisch/USA_E.htm

These usually are in the 1100 to 2k depending on accessories.

I did a search on eBay for MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor and came up with many different options. The "clamshell" types are in the DIY'er price range and are relatively safe.

Never use an air tool (especially an impact wrench) on threaded type tools. The impact action harms the threads and can AND will eventually strip them, sometimes beyond repair. Even the heat generated by using an air ratchet will damage them threads. The last thing you want is that spring compressor to strip its threads and lock up or worse, come apart. I've seen many broken expensive factory tools and injured mechanics who damaged and used damaged tools! Even in the heat of the battle at work I will always defer to using hand tools on special tools.

Woah, sorry for the rant but safety and broken special tools are pet peeves of mine, especially when I happen to be the next person to need to use said tool only to find it damaged beyond use and the coustomer needs their car that night! AARGH!

[colorobo2002]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MACPHERSON-STRUT-COIL-SPRING-CLAMSHELL-COMPRESSOR-TOOL_W0QQitemZ160059175444QQihZ006QQcategoryZ35625QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MacPherson-Strut-Clamshell-Type-Spring-Compressor-NEW_W0QQitemZ180055938502QQihZ008QQcategoryZ63700QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem