Are brake cylinder compression tool universal?

[Burtie93]

Hey, I've got a 1.9 TDI multi jet sporting fiat punto grande.
I need a brake cylinder compression tool for my rear brakes.... Cause doing it without is a nightmare lol
What I needed to know is are a lot of them universal or do I need specific one???
Thanks!

[spikeyhead]

Most of them have a reversible plate to cope with the different options. You can get away with two screwdrivers and a lot of force, but that's hard work.

...and some just need squeezing.

[Krikkit]

Some rear calipers need the pistons rotating rather than just compressing, in my experience they can be clockwise or counterclockwise.

[Burtie93]

OK great thanks. I was working on them today but I was using a pair of maul grips. They did turn the cylinder it just needed a little push aswell but of course its a little difficult lol
I wanted to get a compression tool for it so it'll be easier in the future.

[rallycross]

I need one of these as well, mainly for use on BMW/Ford and Jap cars, anyone recommend me a good piston compressor?

[tumble dryer]

I had a Stilo many moons ago which required the pistons to be wound back in - no amount of squeezing would work.

I remember (eventually) using the two-pronged 'spanner' that you tighten up an angle grinder with, fitting perfectly. HTH.