Spring Compressor advice

[Gaz mr-s]

I have springs to fit to struts.  I've never owned any. What type is best, single hook, twin-claw.?

[tets]

Mine (which incidentally I have no idea where they are now) are single claw and they work fine. I have noticed a lot of the cheaper ones don't have a particularly good claw - more like a bent bit of metal which don't look great.

A good claw that actually mirrors the coil would be my advice

[thetyrant]

I have a couple of sets of the Laser ones from Halfords which ive had for years,  they have stood me well over dozens of spring changes even long units like BMW fronts which require 2 sets due to length of springs when uncompressed!, they are double claw which can make them a bit tricky on smaller diameter springs but generally work very well and very strong, my advice would do not skimp on these they are under huge stress when in use and you really dont want them snapping or slipping off, ive seen some very flimsy cheap ones out there!

These are what i have - https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/automotive-tools/laser-coil-spring-compressor-696385.html

I keep meaning to pick up some good single claw set for tighter access jobs but havent yet, something like these should work well and have secondary latch which while not fail safe offers a little extra security to slipping -  https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cht224-3piece-coil-spring-compressor/

If i had space i would love a proper floor mount setup like following link, make it million times easier on tricky units like the BMW ones! - https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-ssc1000g-1-tonne-strut-spring-compresso/

[shnazzle]

Big claws. Deep claws.
Mine have crappy little claws and they terrify me as when you tighten it they turn a bit. Also as you can't tighten both sides at the same time the spring collapses a bit more on one side. With shallow claws it seems more likely to pop out.

I hate spring compressors. So if I had to do it again I'd spend cash and get the massive cup kind with the single thread down the middle.
Just so I didn't feel like I needed a riot shield and helmet when using them.
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[Call the midlife!]

Big claws. Deep claws.
Mine have crappy little claws and they terrify me as when you tighten it they turn a bit. Also as you can't tighten both sides at the same time the spring collapses a bit more on one side. With shallow claws it seems more likely to pop out.

I hate spring compressors. So if I had to do it again I'd spend cash and get the massive cup kind with the single thread down the middle.
Just so I didn't feel like I needed a riot shield and helmet when using them.
You cannot view this attachment.

Just make sure you fit some cable ties as a secondary safety and you're fine...

[Gaz mr-s]

[/quote]
Just make sure you fit some cable ties as a secondary safety and you're fine...
[/quote]

I'm only putting on, not removing. So tension, then cable tie when compressed enough?
I do have big cable ties that could circulate around the spring compressors, but figure they wouldn't stop a compressor claw coming out.

[Call the midlife!]

Sorry, disregard my comment about cable ties, it was a misplaced bit of tongue in cheekery after jointly witnessing someone cable tie their springs while still on the car rather than use compressors off the car.
Advised them of the dodgy nature of the procedure and left them to it.
I'm sure Patrick will tidy it away when he's read it...

[Carolyn]

I think he means put a tie around the claw and spring, to stop the claw popping off.

There's a massive amount of stored energy in a compressed suspension spring.  Anything that assists in things not going 'pop' is a good idea.

If the claw looks like it's going to pop off, I would find a better spring compressor. 

We weld our own up out of M16 threaded rod, M16 nuts and steel tubing and steel angle. They go well round the spring so they can't come off.

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[shnazzle]

This is the kind I have, and the kind you need to avoid at all costs. 

These weren't no-names. I think Laser. But googlijg now it seems they have changed their design to have hooks on both sides. Which just justifies my fear of mine. 

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[thetyrant]

This is the kind I have, and the kind you need to avoid at all costs.

These weren't no-names. I think Laser. But googlijg now it seems they have changed their design to have hooks on both sides. Which just justifies my fear of mine.

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Yes those look scary!, the double hooked laser ones i have work well but care still needs to be taken, i liked your picture behind riot shield that was me 1st time doing the BMW ones as i needed 4 compressors on each spring due to massive /banana shape of springs once uncompressed off strut!...didnt realise they were so long until i started removing them and by then there was no going back, learnt my lesson and lucky to not have any issue!

[Joesson]

I have a couple of sets of the Laser ones from Halfords which ive had for years,  they have stood me well over dozens of spring changes even long units like BMW fronts which require 2 sets due to length of springs when uncompressed!, they are double claw which can make them a bit tricky on smaller diameter springs but generally work very well and very strong, my advice would do not skimp on these they are under huge stress when in use and you really dont want them snapping or slipping off, ive seen some very flimsy cheap ones out there!

These are what i have - https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/automotive-tools/laser-coil-spring-compressor-696385.html

I keep meaning to pick up some good single claw set for tighter access jobs but havent yet, something like these should work well and have secondary latch which while not fail safe offers a little extra security to slipping -  https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cht224-3piece-coil-spring-compressor/

If i had space i would love a proper floor mount setup like following link, make it million times easier on tricky units like the BMW ones! - https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-ssc1000g-1-tonne-strut-spring-compresso/

The Halfords compressors look similar to my set and they worked for me on my 2 and on a friends Volvo.
However, looking at the Halfords  info I was intrigued:

Laser Coil Spring Compressor Extra Info

Twin prongs
Working pressure of 1.1kg

I don't understand how they have quantified " working pressure" which I believe should be stated as Kgf.
Maybe they are referring to the weight of the tool!

[Ardent]

 

[Gaz mr-s]

Thanks for help folks, pair ordered with 'safety pins'.

[McMr2]

Maybe stating the obvious but avoid the potential firing line at all times when the springs are compressed!

Don't enjoy using these things at all.

[mr9]

I've just walked mine round to the local garage and asked them to swap the springs over. Takes them no time and I'd rather pay them a tenner to do it on the machine than buy a potentially deadly tool to take up more room in my toolbox.