Which coil spring compressor is safest?

[anonymous-user]

I need to swap the shocks on my MX5 so I need a coil spring compressor. Locally I have a Machine Mart and a Screwfix, and both sell them but of different types.

Anyone have any experience of which is best from a safety and ease-of-use point of view, as this is my first time swapping springs.

Screwfix:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/45986/Automotive/Mec...

Machine Mart:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...

thanks
James

[Mr Whippy]

I've used the Screwfix types many times, and feared for my life each and every time!

Now use a proper hydraulic setup which is tons tons quicker and easier. Think my brother paid about £85 for it from Machine Mart. It's big and red and bolts to the floor.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...

That one.

Depends how many you do I guess. I used some thick rope to tie mine when I used the other types anyway...

Dave

Edited by Mr Whippy on Tuesday 23 September 17:20

[GnuBee]

Personally, the MachineMart ones would be my choice; They look similar to the Sealey ones I used to do the springs on the 205. Going for 3 compressors and the safety hooks makes it "feel" safer and frankly the extra time is worth it (got to be better than inadvertently adding your own head to the suspension assembly).

[anonymous-user]

Cheers, I think I'll go for the Machine Mart ones then - safety is my primary concern as I've not changed springs before, so don't mind some extra time doing up 3 clamps instead of 2.

[TEKNOPUG]

Never had a problem using the Screwfix type one. The big bolted to the floor job looks great but there are occasions (cars) when it's necessary to compress the springs when removing/replacing

[Mr Whippy]

TEKNOPUG said:

Never had a problem using the Screwfix type one. The big bolted to the floor job looks great but there are occasions (cars) when it's necessary to compress the springs when removing/replacing

Really, as in the strut isn't removable from the car with the spring in it? Is that a balljoint popping off issue or something?

Cheers

Dave

[jackal]

i may need one of these soon

heard so many horror stories that im tempted to buy the bolt to the floor job...


anyoen know how much a garage would charge to swap a set fo springs to a different damper ?

[GnuBee]

jackal said:

i may need one of these soon

heard so many horror stories that im tempted to buy the bolt to the floor job...


anyoen know how much a garage would charge to swap a set fo springs to a different damper ?

If you use the right kit there's no need to be overly worried about the procedure. Most of the horror stories seem to originate from people who decided it was a good idea to either bodge a spring compressor solution together or simply undo the top nut and hope for the best.