SWalker

Active Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #1

looks like it is time to do a rear strut - the joys..
Question is sealy do a long spring compressor with 390mm reach - seems long - but looking at the normal one at 244mm this is about the length of the FL2 spring compressed, will the normal one suffice, anyone have the free length to hand?
There isint much price difference but if i got the longer ones i can see them being a pain for every other job i go to use them for - is it a case of better looking at it than for it? size isint everything is it?

 

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paul99

Well-Known Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #2

After catching a spring in the nuts, luckily it didn't have much force when it got me but it was a potent warning, I got a second-hand hydraulic job for cheap on Ebay. After using it, I would rather pay full price at Machine Mart for another even if I were only ever doing one coil spring with it than buy another set of those widowmaker stud and hook things at one quarter to one fifth of the price. Those things seem to be one-use disposables, anyway, judging from the wear that one coil spring did to the ones we were using when I caught that spring. So I would strongly suggest you look at one of these and see if they can handle the capacity you need. Mine was an older version of this: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-ssc1000g-1-tonne-strut-spring-compresso/
I was also looking at the cheap Chinese models on Ebay, which do not have the safety cage on. You should look for some reviews for those, before buying.
For example: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hydrauli...623966?hash=item48cd933cde:g:14YAAOSw8oFdJFaC

 

Snaggapuss

Active Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #3

I would bother with long spring compressor, the idea of a spring compressor is to take up the tension in a spring so it doesn't fly off and catch you in the nuts as Paul99 so eloquently put it or your face which is more of the norm. so long as you compress the spring at the most an inch (you will be able to do more if needed) that will suffice for you to remove the strut and put in new springs or damper. I use these or similar one to these when removing and replacing my dampers with no problems.https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cht224-3piece-coil-spring-compressor/

 

ian mitchell

Well-Known Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #4

I have just had the pleasure of taking a cheap spring compressor in the ribs , and on the leg they f`ing hurt when they fly off .
I had to put my old spring back on as I couldn`t get the new one compressed enough without it bending the threaded bars
like a banana it`s scary when they go bang and fly off.so I am also looking for some,but don't want to pay a fortune for
them to sit in the shed for another ten years like these ones.

 

ChrisBduck

Well-Known Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #5

If you're only doing the odd spring or strut I wouldn't bother spending loads of money on a strut station. I've used ones like the Clarke ones with lock loads of times and never had an issue. Just make sure you tighten them up evenly and not 1 all the way, then on to another.

 

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paul99

Well-Known Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #6

Personally, I don't think £100 to £155 is a fortune compared with ruptured testicles, broken ribs and worse, especially when you are lucky to get one spring done per £20 to £35 set of suicide clamps. Not to mention how quickly and easily you can assemble the spring and shocker with the hydraulic type. Even if you want to sell the compressor on after you do the job, you can easily get about half your money back. I don't know if you can get them from any tool rental places in the U.K., but it is worth asking your local friendly garages how much for them to assemble the springs and shockers for you on their equipment.
Edit: At least the Clarke set has three clamps and they look like they lock on better than the Eurocarparts ones I last used.

 

Stanleysteamer

Well-Known Member

Full Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #7

Back in the day, I was always advised to get two sets and use both sets at the same time. They are Fffing dangerous otherwise and I have heard of people being very badly injured with them. But I would buy two sets and use them, as said above, there are safe techniques to use them with.

 

ian mitchell

Well-Known Member

• Jun 9, 2020

• #8

ChrisBduck said:

If you're only doing the odd spring or strut I wouldn't bother spending loads of money on a strut station. I've used ones like the Clarke ones with lock loads of times and never had an issue. Just make sure you tighten them up evenly and not 1 all the way, then on to another.View attachment 211828

Click to expand...

just ordered the sealey ones identicle, and same price.looked at more expensive ones all with bad ratings.cheers

 

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romanrob

Well-Known Member

• Jun 10, 2020

• #9

Probably frowned upon, but I did my Defender coils using ratchet straps.

 

SWalker

Active Member

• Jun 10, 2020

• #10

paul99 said:

Edit: At least the Clarke set has three clamps and they look like they lock on better than the Eurocarparts ones I last used.

Click to expand...

and there is your problem - wouldn't use euro car parts for anything... but you cant buy another nut!!
I have successfully used the manual ones before - as said be careful is key.
thanks for all the input