[Shotimes] OT: Spring Compression tool

[George Fourchy]

On Wed, 31 Mar 2004 11:45:55 EST, Rbade12@aol.com wrote:

>I've got compressors [2 pieces] that are very stout, a simple 
>design and were about $75 many years ago. Check out other tools [Sears, 
>Autozone, etc.] before settling on a particular tool.

I agree.  It is almost mandatory to have compressed air to work on springs and
struts, and if you do, you should have the two piece screw type compressors that can
be tightened and released by using a 1/2 inch socket drive.  Then it just takes a
few seconds to safely remove and replace a spring.  A very important fact to
consider is that with two separate compressors on each side of the spring, you can
keep it even....that is, compressed the same amount on one side as the other.  The
ones I use I got from Post Tool, a long time ago....it's another discount tool
chain.  I think I paid 20 or so for them.  They've certainly paid me back
handsomely.  If a cheapo type compressor were to slip or break, that spring could
bound up and hit you in the head.  That'd be all there'd be.

I have used the type in this ad, and don't prefer it.  It's too bulky and unwieldy. 
If you get the spring cocked in this one, by selecting the wrong coil to grab at one
of the 4 corners, you can run into the problem mentioned above...more compression on
one side than the other, and you may not be able to get it off the spring....or it
may pop off when you aren't prepared. 

George