Advice on purchasing spring compressor

Merry Prankster

Hi,

I'm going to replace my front shocks and need to buy a spring compressor. Although the three I've been considering look very similar, they vary considerably in price. I've no problem paying more for well-made tools that will last - particularly safety-critical equipment like a spring compressor - but obviously I don't want to pay more for something that is identical to a cheaper version.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with any of these compressors/brands?

Mekanik Compressor: £89.95 (Sterling)

WELZH WERKZEUG Compressor: £139.95 (Sterling)

Hesselink Compressor from amazon.de: €289.00 (Euros)

The last one is a German company, but I have a feeling it's still produced in China, as are the other two most likely. That said, a couple of the comments suggest that it is better quality than other, cheaper variants.

Cheers!

The Continental Op

The cheap ones work for me amazon.co.uk/HFS-Compressors-Heat-Treated-Suspension-Installer/dp/B07XCYKBY5/ but its handy sometimes to have a third one. Really can't see the point of buying a fancy set unless you are doing the work a lot.

newmember2

The Continental Op wrote: »

The cheap ones work for me amazon.co.uk/HFS-Compressors-Heat-Treated-Suspension-Installer/dp/B07XCYKBY5/ but its handy sometimes to have a third one. Really can't see the point of buying a fancy set unless you are doing the work a lot.

They're the ones I used last and found them perfectly OK...but I paid €20 for them used off adverts! :pac:

The Continental Op

Its often quite tight getting spring compressors in under the wheel arches and I'm not sure if some of those listed by the OP would fit some cars. I know you don't always need to compress the spring on the car but when you do you never have enough room.

scannerd

i have the WELZH WERKZEUG version and happy with it and used on BMW which i found needed the springs very compressed to work on. The more expensive one is rated to use impact on where as the one i have is not.

Tropheus

I've used the cheaper ones as well. They can be a bit fiddly, but work. It depends on how often you plan on using them. If you're a pro mechanic and will use them regularly, then you need something robust. If you're like most of us and will use a tool like this every now and then, then the cheaper versions will do the job.

Merry Prankster

Cheers everyone. I've heard some horror stories about the cheaper ones, but I might have another look at them. I guess if I'm careful and take it slowly, it should be grand.

The Continental Op

Merry Prankster wrote: »

Cheers everyone. I've heard some horror stories about the cheaper ones, but I might have another look at them. I guess if I'm careful and take it slowly, it should be grand.

Used badly then yes they can be dangerous. As I mentioned a third one is often handy and reduces the chances of the spring coming loose under tension.

They are slower to use and thats when I guess short cuts get taken making the tool seem dangerous when the problem is really down to the user.

Merry Prankster

I'll be sure to take it slowly then, cheers.

The Continental Op

From my limited experience the problems can be

Tightening when the spring compressors aren't on right or not in the best position.

Uneven tightening, its all to easy to keep tightening one up rather than moving between them to keep the tension even.

Uneven untightening as above in reverse, don't ever remove the pressure off one spring compressor leaving the other still up tight when in a hurry to remove them.

Doing other stupid stuff (been there ) like putting a spring in a vice to compress it a bit to get the spring compressors on and off quicker or when your spring compressors are a tad short for the springs.

Plus may others ...... where is the smiley with no teeth when you need one