Thread: Spring Compressors - worth spending more?

Cheapies will tend to bend while trying to compress a spring but if you only intend to use them occasionally then i would buy the cheap one - suby springs you could almost compress with your hands .

Well, I want to replace the front shocks on my 130 one day, so am guessing that will need more industrial strength than the subie's. Maybe I better get the ABW ones, and only have to buy them once....

Originally Posted by spudboy

In need to get a set of spring compressors to replace a strut on my daughter's Subie.

I have found these for $150 at Repco: Discount ABW Coil Spring Compressor (70070) | The Tool Shop - Compare Prices & Save shopping in Australia

and these at SuperCheap for $57: TFT Coil Spring Compressor - TF5020 - Supercheap Auto

Any reason to spend more, or just go the cheaper option? There was another thread here that highly recommended the Repco set (ABW) because it had 2 arms, but the cheaper ones have that too.

Tks
David

I presume that the Supercheap unit is for a pair? I have always used one on each side of the coil so that it will compress squarely. Otherwise it will try to spit the coil out of the side with any decent compression. Can't see much advantage in going for the more expensive units if ony for occasional use.

BTW, has anyone used the spring compressor type attached? I presume it sits inside the coil. Compressing the front coils on my Torana is a right PITA as the external type compressors foul on the wishbones. There is a hole in the lower wishbone for the threaded end to stick out etc.

Cheers,
Chris

Chris - I reckon you are right - $57 each. Not such a bargain then

I bought the Trade Repco ones last week and used them on Friday, the guy did me a deal on them at $90 for the set instead of $150. I also bought a 2000kg trolley jack and 2 x 3000kg axle stands at the same time.

If you are thinking of doing any 4wd springs, especially heavy duty springs then definetely get them.

Even those trade ones where bending with one on each side of my rear springs, they are Extra Heavy Dobinson Springs.

I looked at the cheap ones but I am glad I spent the extra money and got to keep my face and body parts intact instead of snapping them with a broken spring compressor.

My thoughts are spend the extra money and only spend it once.

I've got a set out in the shed that I made up for a job a while back - a couple of lengths of booker bar and some offcuts of square tubing and angle iron.

Probably not suitable for "universal fit" though.

used smartly the cheaper ones are fine for landrover work.

use the vehicles weight to compress the spring before applying the clamps and if you have access to one use a hydraulic press to take up the pressure to release them.

and for putting in new springs use the press to comprress the new spring before applying the clamp.


Oil the threads before use and no using a rattle gun on them.

I purchased a set of spring compressors a few months ago and compared the exact two ones you have listed.

Walking from one shop around the corner to the next I couldn't see any significant quality or usage differeneces between the two that would warrant virtually triple the price for the Repco ones.

I bought the Supercheap ones, which are packed as pairs, and even though the website may say $57 each, I paid that for the pair.

I've used them a couple of times on heavy duty coils for the D1 with no problems.
Used in pairs they have not shown any sign of flex at all.
They appear to be a strong unit and I haven't been concerned with using them.