Thoughts on Clamshell-Style Strut Spring Compressor from Harbor Freight

[GON]

Replacing the struts on my Wife's 2014 Acura RDX. I though the coil was part of the assembly, discovered that the coil is not. Need to compress the coil, came across Clamshell-Style Strut Spring Compressor at Harbor Freight.

Safety is my number one concern. Anyone use one of these type spring compressors?

https://www.harborfreight.com/clamshell-style-strut-spring-compressor-59467.html

 

[supton]

It's Harbor Freight, what could go wrong? If it breaks, whatever is left of you can take it back for a refund.

Any chance you are friends with a local garage? Someplace where you can take the old assemblies to and they can break it down for you, for like $50 or whatever? I've decided to never mess with these, but I understand many find decent tools for the job; I'll just ask the question of, are you against letting a shop do this bit of the job?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Doesn’t look like it would compress enough of the spring in many applications.

If your really worried spring ( pun intended) for the wall mount type.

 

[eljefino]

Doesn’t look like it would compress enough of the spring in many applications.

If your really worried spring ( pun intended) for the wall mount type.

Yeah the biggest issue with these style spring compressors is finding a place (two places 180 apart) to put the hooks under (around) the spring at both the relative top and bottom without the springs bottoming out. So one compromises and puts the hook around "one coil up" and just compresses the middle so the ends "unpack" as you compress. This style doesn't look like it gives the flexibility to do that, but, obviously works somehow or they wouldn't sell it.

I use this style: https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html

 

[dubber09]

If you need it for one job only, check your local auto parts stores whether they loan tools.
We have this Canadian Tire chain here and they loan tools with a deposit, you bring tools back and get money back.
Last time I used one was this style (not brand), borrowed it from my pro auto mechanic buddy:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/schwaben-strut-spring-compressor-set/013845sch01a~sch/

 

[rstcso]

Are the struts you bought OEM? I ask because I'm going to replace the four corners of our daughter's CR-V and going with complete strut/coil assemblies from KYB. I've changed struts out before using a spring compressor, but now at an age where safety is much more important than the budget.

 

[rstcso]

If you need it for one job only, check your local auto parts stores whether they loan tools

In the Austin area, there are a small handful of DIY garages where you can work inside, have access to lifts and most tools you'd need. It's good having others around who might lend a hand if needed. Might be worth checking your area.

Maybe there's only this one remaining.

 

[Audiman]

Can you buy something like this in the USA?

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/sealey-re231-1500kg-coil-spring-hydraulic-comp/

 

[bdcardinal]

I value my life too much to use that style.

 

[Nukeman7]

Yeah the biggest issue with these style spring compressors is finding a place (two places 180 apart) to put the hooks under (around) the spring at both the relative top and bottom without the springs bottoming out. So one compromises and puts the hook around "one coil up" and just compresses the middle so the ends "unpack" as you compress. This style doesn't look like it gives the flexibility to do that, but, obviously works somehow or they wouldn't sell it.

I completely agree with eljefino's statement above in regards to keeping the compressors aligned 180 degrees apart.

I use this style: https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html

Although I have used this style of spring compressor numerous times, I always struggle with them on Honda coil springs. Honda/Acura coils typically don't have a lot of spirals which makes the hooks attach at a more extreme angle relative to the strut's vertical centerline. As such, the more you tighten the jackscrew, the more acute the angle becomes. Also, the cross-sectional thickness of many Honda spring coils cause it to bind with the large cast hook block on these compressors.
While I don't currently own them (yet), I believe this style of tool would work better with Honda coil springs: WINVAR Coil Spring Compressor Tool.

Note: Always grease the jackscrew before using the spring compressor and go slow if using an impact wrench to tighten/release the tool. If this is your first time changing a strut insert, it would be beneficial to use a paint marker to index alignment points between both ends of the spring coil relative to the rubber seat cushions/upper strut mount/lower strut spring perch. You can transfer the marks to the new strut and upper strut mount, as applicable.

 

[wlk]

Why not rent one from Autozone? I have in the past and they are adequate and no need to buy it for the occasional use.

 

[IndyIan]

I've got the two post style, but with u-bolts clamping the spring in. So its unlikely to slip on the spring at all, but you may want to shoot some paint onto the scratches on the spring. Also lube the threads on whatever compressor you use as they don't tend to come with decent grease on them.

 

[D60]

I value my life too much to use that style.

Funny, the wife read they might be unsafe and was suddenly encouraging me to use one.....????????

In all seriousness @GON, I hear such mixed reviews. It's probably worth trying but don't expect miracles. I have the OTC but have never used it.

Honestly with your recent forays into a/c machines I'm surprised you're not shopping for legit compressors like Branick or the Strut Tamer.

IME any Branick is solid for the home gamer and beyond. I've got an old MST580 and it's still great. Branick actually fell off their chair laughing when I called looking for parts because it's so old

 

[Urshurak776]

I used the cheapo ones similar to what's linked above in post #4. I think I paid like $12-$15 several years ago on Amazon. Used them 3 times now. Seems fine, but be careful....

If I had to do it all again, I would just rent them at AutoZone. It's free.

 

[Astro14]

It's Harbor Freight, what could go wrong? If it breaks, whatever is left of you can take it back for a refund.

Any chance you are friends with a local garage? Someplace where you can take the old assemblies to and they can break it down for you, for like $50 or whatever? I've decided to never mess with these, but I understand many find decent tools for the job; I'll just ask the question of, are you against letting a shop do this bit of the job?

If it breaks, and you survive the release of tens of thousands of foot pounds of energy from a compressed spring, sure, you can return it for a refund. But spring compressor failures can be lethal. For that reason, I am super cautious about the compressor and how I handle a compressed strut/spring. I have no experience with the Harbor Freight, but I think this design is superior to the screws that are sold as spring compressors.

 

[jghall00]

I've used the clamp style in the past, but it was very difficult to control the angle as the spring compresses. I switched to the hook style. I've never had one break and I've done struts between five and ten times over the years. I think it's probably more of an issue if the tool is abused or damaged. But I'm careful to aim the spring where it won't do any damage if it launches.

 

[Carmudgeon]

I ordered one of these from HF years ago, but couldn't get it to work for my job, so I returned it. Back then they sold an orange version, and being a heavy piece of kit, I'm glad they covered the return shipping!

The A-frame design gives it a solidity that the rod/hook type lack, but despite some having level of adjustments, it was still constrained in terms of what it could fit, and be best suited for.

It might work fine if the spring is within its dimensional adjustment range, but that's a constraint that needs to be considered. Great in concept, but limited in practicality.

Ultimately, I ended up renting the rod type from a parts store. In fact, having two sets on hand makes it easier, because the additional rods can be used as helpers if the original two aren't enough to grab and retract the spring enough. More points secured, and higher degree of adjustability.

 

[Passport1]

I'd take the units to a shop and let them handle it on a professional machine. Safer and maybe cheaper. How often would you use this tool? BTW, I've used the primative screw type several times myself when I was younger and immortal.

 

[SC Maintenance]

If it breaks, and you survive the release of tens of thousands of foot pounds of energy from a compressed spring, sure, you can return it for a refund. But spring compressor failures can be lethal. For that reason, I am super cautious about the compressor and how I handle a compressed strut/spring. I have no experience with the Harbor Freight, but I think this design is superior to the screws that are sold as spring compressors.

I agree with you on the danger part but fail to see how this one is any safer. It’s still grabbing the spring with fingers rather than capturing them completely top and bottom like a pro one. Possibly I am wrong.

 

[D60]

The cheap death sticks won't fit tightly wound springs. I've run into this on Tacomas although I believe they were OME (not OEM) springs.