What brand of MacPherson strut spring compressor works best?

[Jeff G 78]

I have used my 25+ year old strut spring compressors more times than I can count and they getting really worn out. The threads are worn and I have sheared the roll pins several times due to binding. Mine have only a single hook at each end with no safety pins or anything else fancy. Even my simple compressors have trouble fitting between the coils. Is there a brand that fits our coils while still on the car (swung out) and is made well? I looked around the web and there are many styles, but none like the ones I have been using since the mid-80's. I'm pretty sure that anything with a double hook will not fit well. Some of them also have a safety pin that holds the coil. That too seems like it wouldn't fit on a S30 spring. Others have a secondary hook at one end.

Here are some examples of what I have found. Do any of these work well on a S30, or does anyone have a favorite brand that fits well on a S30?

EDIT: I can't seem to delete the blank attachment. Ignore the last one.

Edited December 18, 2012 by Jeff G 78

[John Coffey]

This one:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200579824_200579824

[Jeff G 78]

This one:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200579824_200579824

A plasma cutter?

[John Coffey]

Removed springs quickly and easily.

[Jarvo2]

I've been eyeing this compressor up, but I might just rent a 'nice' one from the auto parts store next time I change my struts & springs

http://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

[Walter Moore]

Removed springs quickly and easily.

I take it that you don't like the stock springs....

[240260280z]

I think John may have meant this one: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200355955_200355955

Here is what I use for larger diameter stock springs: http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/2920186/Steering-%26-Suspension/Strut-Coil-Spring-Compressor

The narrower units would be the most versatile as they would work nicely with narrow diameter coils and the larger diameter coils.

Edited December 19, 2012 by Blue

[LeonV]

I think John may have meant this one: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200355955_200355955

Here is what I use for larger diameter stock springs: http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/2920186/Steering-%26-Suspension/Strut-Coil-Spring-Compressor

The narrower units would be the most versatile as they would work nicely with narrow diameter coils and the larger diameter coils.

I've got the exact ones in the Princess Auto link and have used them for all suspension coil spring work on my Zs.

[SteveJ]

I've eyed this one in the past: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-air-hydraulic-strut-spring-compressor-65549.html.

I like that you stand to the side of the spring to operate it. It appears to come with different size brackets, too.

I got hit one time when a spring popped out of a compressor. I was lucky. It hit me in the head where it couldn't do any damage.

[John Coffey]

I've never put stock springs on a Z suspension. Not that I don't like them, but my forte' is improving the handling of these cars. I can get the springs off in about one minute with a plasma cutter and an impact gun - unless the old shock shaft boot catches on fire... :-)

[Jeff G 78]

Steve,

That style compressor works great on "normal" struts, but on a Z, you'd have to take apart too much of the suspension to be practical. In the rear, you'd have to either remove the spindle pin or wrestle the whole corner assembly into the compressor.

[SteveJ]

Steve,

That style compressor works great on "normal" struts, but on a Z, you'd have to take apart too much of the suspension to be practical. In the rear, you'd have to either remove the spindle pin or wrestle the whole corner assembly into the compressor.

Good to know. I guess I'll stay with my inexpensive compressor for now.