Strut spring compressor $$

[Tundraz]

How much should i expect to pay for a decent quality strut spring tool? I will be working alone so it must be a one man tool/use.

I have a air compressor so a air powered one shouldnt be a problem.
I have never bought one before so i dont know what to expect or where to shop for one.

Thanks, Tundraz

 

[TurboLuver]

I have This tool, works good. I've done like 16 struts with it.

 

[Jason2007]

I bought the one that Harbor Freight sells for less than $20.00 and it worked just fine.

 

[Tundraz]

Thanks guys , how does that one operate? , is it done with a wrench or air power?

Thanks, tundraz

 

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: Tundraz
Thanks guys , how does that one operate? , is it done with a wrench or air power?

Thanks, tundraz


Would be a pain in the rumpus without an air impact gun. I've always been spoiled and have had one of these:

http://www.etoolcart.com/mobilecartforbranick7400strutspringcompressor.aspx

If I was going to do shadetree work in my garage, I'd probably get something like this:

http://www.etoolcart.com/macphersonstrutspringcompressoratd-3054.aspx

Keep in mind that a compressed strut spring is dangerous...very dangerous. I've seen one "get away" from one of those clamshell compressors and hit a metal garage door hard enough to put a large dent (think 1/3 of a volleyball) in it.

Be careful.

 

[94supraonchrome]

I have the Blue Point as well, works fine.

 

[paulo57509]

Originally Posted By: Familyguy
Originally Posted By: Tundraz
Thanks guys , how does that one operate? , is it done with a wrench or air power?

Thanks, tundraz


Would be a pain in the rumpus without an air impact gun. I've always been spoiled and have had one of these:

http://www.etoolcart.com/mobilecartforbranick7400strutspringcompressor.aspx

If I was going to do shadetree work in my garage, I'd probably get something like this:

http://www.etoolcart.com/macphersonstrutspringcompressoratd-3054.aspx

Keep in mind that a compressed strut spring is dangerous...very dangerous. I've seen one "get away" from one of those clamshell compressors and hit a metal garage door hard enough to put a large dent (think 1/3 of a volleyball) in it.

Be careful.


Those threaded rod type compressors will work fine. Look for Acme threaded rods like the one in the link. They're easier to work with than "regular" threaded rod compressors because the thread form is better suited to take the spring force.

I fought with some cheap Harbor Freight compressors with regular threaded rods. Once the spring started to compress, tightening the compressors would have a tendency to wrap themselves around to the same side of the spring. I pitched them after struggling with one strut and found a set with Acme threaded rods. What a difference in ease of use.

 

[benjamming]

So, do you just lay the strut on the ground/bench or does it have to be mounted when using the strut compressor?

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: Familyguy
Originally Posted By: Tundraz
Thanks guys , how does that one operate? , is it done with a wrench or air power?

Thanks, tundraz


Would be a pain in the rumpus without an air impact gun. I've always been spoiled and have had one of these:

http://www.etoolcart.com/mobilecartforbranick7400strutspringcompressor.aspx

If I was going to do shadetree work in my garage, I'd probably get something like this:

http://www.etoolcart.com/macphersonstrutspringcompressoratd-3054.aspx

Keep in mind that a compressed strut spring is dangerous...very dangerous. I've seen one "get away" from one of those clamshell compressors and hit a metal garage door hard enough to put a large dent (think 1/3 of a volleyball) in it.

Be careful.


I saw a cheap clamshell from HF twist itself almost sideways on a Honda mini van strut,dangerous as it gets.
The original design that it was knocked off from like the OTC 6494 is a totally different animal,its very high quality and can be used with an impact.I did the other strut on the same van with the OTC and no twisting or strain.

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc6494.html

 

[TurboLuver]

Originally Posted By: Tundraz
is it done with a wrench or air power?


I use an air impact. You could do it with a wrench or ratchet, but it would take forever.


Originally Posted By: benjamming
So, do you just lay the strut on the ground/bench or does it have to be mounted when using the strut compressor?


I mount the strut in a vise, but you could do it on the floor.

 

[Tundraz]

Thanks guys, Yes i have an impact wrench set and good air. I see that the clam type ones can be iffy? Years ago my cousin had one at his Body shop, one day he were working on a Nissan 200sx turbo, before he were done all the bolts on the clam rod were stripped , it could have come flying off, ever since i'm scared of those .

Thanks, i think i'll get the one for sixty bucks from Snapo-on

 

[Nick_Escalante]

mechanic friends have told me you are taking your life into your own hands using the china-freightmart compressors for $10-15. And they said if you do use them, do it ONLY 1 TIME, then throw it away.

Be safe, and rent the quality compressors from any major auto parts stores. It cost nothing after you return it. $50 deposit.

 

[Tundraz]

Thanks Nick, i wouldnt cheap out on something that could be potentially dangerous, i will be buying a quqlity one that will last' a snap-on or something like that.