Parts missing
You are probably better off. That’s the suicidal version of a spring compressor. What car are you trying to change the struts on?
I have a small vise style one that I’ll donate to the space if automotive wants it. I used it on my Mercury Capri.
I believe there is another one at the space - I’ll check later when I’m there
There’s also this one: Eastwood Coil and Strut Compressor - Automotive - DMS Source
The one in the photo looks epic @ozindfw, but best wait for a grown up to respond.
That Eastwood is almost as scary as the first one. I’d really like to see us have a good A-Frame style compressor. So many of these designs rely on perfect alignment and nothing slipping. Personally, I want all that spring energy that’s waiting to kill me carefully (and preferably redundantly) contained.
Something like this:
And even with this I’d use a chain and some steel to prevent the spring from bowing out.
I know, I’m paranoid. I’m old, and I got that way be being paranoid, and in spite of some of my less wise moves.
We have had one like that in the past. Of course, it’s commonly believed that steel is impenetrable and hammering the ever lovin’ crapola out of the screw with an impact will have zero repercussions, and even if it does, who cares because DMS has all the monies & will totes buy me a new one for when I need to do my next set of struts.