What kind of spring compressors do we have?
Maybe we can get something like this?
Works for both Macpherson & more conventional coil over shocks springs.
The ones currently available at DMS look a lot like these:
Actually, we have two sets of these
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/n1EAAOSwubRXGoT5/s-l300.jpg
In the red cases, much safer. Pick the size that fits your spring.
2 Likes
Good to knowā¦the only one apparent when I was working on my front struts were the ones I mentioned, but thatās my fault for not knowing where each and every item is in the 'Space.
Q: do you consider the others unsafe to the point they should be disposed of?
Not sure I have any science to backup my opinion on unsafeness, Iām sure theyāre fine for minor compression, but i do not trust a single thin piece of all thread with my face 
Marshall, they are not very safe - they have a tendency to āwalkā down the spring during use and that is NOT a safe thing to have happen.
toss them
2 Likes
Looking to do some spring work soon on my vehicle soon. Does anyone know if we still have this spring compressor and if itās still operable/safe?
I found one red spring compressor kit but its missing the nut on the bottom of the tool to compress the spring. Where is the nut or where is the 2nd kit?
Extreme case is merited when dealing with compressed suspension springs. There is an awful lot of mechanical energy in a compressed suspension spring. Rapid unscheduled release of that energy is often fatal for bystanders, particularly when shrapnel is generated by the clamp or spring shattering.
The two-bolt hook type compressors are a hazard. Iād vote for banning them. The common failure mode is for them to slip a bit and then slide around to the other side so both are on one side of the spring, all while failing mechanically and releasing the spring.
Even the C-clamp compressors have challenges. If you use one, use something to prevent the spring from bulging. I used a couple of turns of wide webbing to retain the spring in last time I used one.
Just because you are paranoid doesnāt mean they are not out to get youā¦
2 Likes
This was of those spring compressors from several years ago - I put in the request to purchase that kit before I was chair of automotive. Yes there were two kits at one time-I know one was tossed due to missing parts. This type of spring compressor is the safest and easiest to use on the open market - when it is in good working condition. If in doubt do NOT use it.
(I base this on my 40 plus years of automotive repair experience).
If not used with impact tools they last far longer but this is the Makerspace (or Breaker-Space).
Better auto manufacturers make or specify their own āspecial toolsā which are typically cost prohibitive and not the best choice for the majority of customers that make use of the automotive area at the DMS.
1 Like
I donāt know if you are in a hurry, but time permitting (most likely NOT tomorrow) I could meet you at the makerspace with one or more of my spring compressors. I will be replacing dampers and transferring the springs to the new dampers on one of my cars and a DMS memberās car as well(teaching him how to). This will be in about 2 weeks based on parts arrival.
Again, not sure if you can wait.
3 Likes
Is there any idea what brand/model this is? If itās from a real company I can reach out and see if they sell the nut on its own. Of course if itās an eBay special then all bets are off.
According to Lukeās post from back when, itās this brand
Sykes-Pickavant
A quick perusal of their website suggest it might be something like this
which does proffer up āspare partsā tab
where a ābrass nutā, āhex nutā and several other parts is includedā¦
1 Like
If that repair kit is available somewhere we can put an order in to get the nice one back in working order. We also have a set of the Lisle death sticks (62300) which are a somewhat safer design then the traditional parts store ones.
Still be careful out there, think how much energy it take to bottom out your suspension and imagine all that energy being directed into your torso.
2 Likes
Can you āspringā for the kit I posted above in the even parts are not available?
1 Like
Over $500 so weād need a committee vote but Iād be supportive. I can bring it up next meeting.
2 Likes
Iāve emailed their sales desk to see what they say (given the order link didnāt work)ā¦
2 Likes
when is your next meeting?
Response:
hex nut Code: 08400770 is in stock, Ā£23.95 plus Ā£8.95 carriage plus VAT
I suspect once they find weāre not on the Isle of Man, nor mainland Europe (nor GB/UK at all) that carriage rate may changeā¦
Conversion on that is about $41.00 if my convertor site be believed.
Iāve requested a credit-cardable quote with full shipping address, and will fwd along to @Bizwacky.
1 Like