F

flanagaj

Active Member
I need to take replace the coil spring off the front strut and want to hear from others who have used the Hilka ones from screwfix.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/coil-spring-compressor-kit/45986#product_additional_details_container

I appreciate a hydraulic one is the way to go, but for a tool that will then sit and gather dust it does not make economic sense.

Getting a garage to do the work is not really viable as I need to strip the unit down in an attempt to identify whether it is the strut that is making the noise.
 
I've not used that particular one, but I have used similar types.
They have to be used with extreme care, make sure that they are exactly opposite each other on the spring, three compressors would be safer.
I would use the weight of the vehicle to compress the spring and then fit the compressors to hold that level of compression rather than trying to tighten the compressor and risking it twisting and slipping off.
 
I've got some with two hooks at either end. I think mine were Stanleys. They seem perfectly fine for the front springs of my defender. Even quicker when I use the impact wrench to turn them.
 
I bought the Hilka one from Screwfix last year when I did my front springs , same thoughts as you I don't want to pay a fortune for something to be only used every 8 or 9 years.
But I did want one with the double claw to avoid it slipping around the spring when loaded, I've seen that happen on a home made one, I also used some card from the box under the claws to avoid putting steel on steel.
It worked fine and felt safe when I lifted the spring out, but I would recommend to grease the threads and run the rods up and down before you use it, mine seemed to pick up slightly on the threads when it was loaded, but nothing too serious ( I also could not resist using the impact gun on it).
Seems to be a decent hobby tool at the price, now sitting in the box waiting for the next time.
 
I've used one of these, can't remember the make, could be silverline. It has the double claws though. Worked OK, a ratchet ring spanner is the best for driving it.Dangerous of course, with all that energy held down it couldn't be otherwise. As with anything dangerous (almost anything in fact) I always expect it to fail, and handle / take precautions as required.
 
The single claw ones work just fine if used properly. Always grease threads NEVER use an impact gun.
 
:)Yep, got the same ones - they work well IME. I used the cordless driver to tighten them up, after greasing the threads. made it grunt a bit !!

Impact driver is a bad idea. ( too much energy stored in a compressed spring - if it get shaken loose, it could end quite badly for your body parts :eek:)

Like @raywin 's idea of the card to stop them slipping too. only advantage to having rusty springs !!
 
I think we all kind of know that impact guns should not be used and i would not advise others to do this, but after struggling for 10 minutes with the ratchet the temptation just grows, to use it in tiny bursts keeping it even, while the spring is contained in its seats it's not quite as bad and these compressors are quite strong, I agree completely about the potential energy locked up if it slips and hits you its sure to leave a mark.
 
You can always use a ratchet strap or plenty of tie-wraps between the spring coils to give a bit of safety should the clamp(s) slip.
 
Last time I used a set of these, brand new from Clarke/Machine Mart, the threads on the gripper part stripped. I'd run them up and down a couple of times to make sure they were free, but they were always sloppy. Under load I tightened them up, one side went well, the other side stopped travelling and just rotated! They were a bastard to remove, the good one was OK, but the threaded one wouldn't move, and I was loathe to cut it! Eventually I put the spring, with a ratchet strap, into the Disco and used it's weight to compress while the compressors were removed quite easily .. but it was a tad buttock clenchy ....

I'd suggest a ratchet strap is a great idea as a second safety device.
 
Thanks for the replies. Given the mostly positive replies and tips; putting them on whilst the vehicle is compressed and adding a ratchet strap or 2 as a safeguard has put my mind at rest to get a set and take the coil springs off.
 
No pictures I'm afraid, but I thought I'd post my thoughts on the Hilka Heavy Duty coil spring compressors that I purchased from Screwfix. All I can say is that I was worrying about nothing. The spring compressors worked a treat and I felt very safe whilst using them. The hooks on the compressors sat right over the springs and at no point did I feel concerned they were going to slip around or slip off. In fact, I felt confident enough whilst doing the job that I didn't even use the additional ratchet straps that I also purchased as a safe guard.

Just took my turn and wound each top bolt 10 turns before moving onto the other side. That way I was keeping the compression on the spring equal. You only had to pull them down ~2cm and I could then release the nut off the strut and release the spring. You soon see when you have compressed the spring enough as it will turn freely in relation to the strut. At that point it means you have compressed the spring enough.

ONE WORD OF CAUTION!!! - Don't watch the idiot on Youtube who virtually compresses the spring completely! On reflection I think that was just dumb and I have no idea why he felt the need to do that.

Nice to have tackled a new job and saved myself having to use a garage :)
 
Nice one, thanks for posting back to say .. ;)
 
Paul D said:
Nice one, thanks for posting back to say .. ;)
Click to expand...
Pleasure. This is such a useful forum and has saved me a fortune in garage bills. So putting something back in which will hopefully help other forum members save cash too is always a rewarding experience.
 
Whatever you do...DON'T buy one of those sets in the cases with the different sizes NON SLIP jaws. They will do straight and angled Mcphersons. They are 50-70 quid (odd shop sells them for tons more) Lots of great reviews...but they did bloody slip on me. Didn't matter what way they were put on, they slipped when under compression. Bought to do my wife's car struts. The thing nearly took my head off...wiped out 2 shelves...stuff everywhere. Not a mark on me or car thank God. Cautiously played about with them and discovered they started slipping no matter what way you positioned on springs. Got in touch with the shop...they didn't quibble for second...told me they had heard of this already and were investigating...refunded me and told me to feel free to sell the set on myself. Binned it....no way I want somebody hurt or their vehicle wrecked because I wanted a quick buck. Beware ..... sold in red cases , all over eBay , Amazon, Online factors and the odd local.
 
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