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Author: Noelle Talmon / Last updated on August 14, 2020

If you want to repair the suspension of a vehicle, an essential tool is the strut spring compressor. It helps to reduce the size of the springs and make them easier to disassemble. You need to find a tool that is strong, durable and will not compromise your safety, because handling springs can be dangerous. Our buying guide narrows down the range of the best spring compressors, and they will help you do your work carefully and efficiently.

Our reviews are driven by hands-on testing by actual buyers, expert opinions, "popular wisdom" evaluations, and our own expertise. We always strive to provide true and accurate guides to help you find the best choice.

Internal strut spring compressors are also called traditional spring compressors. These types of compressors are suitable for vehicles with independent struts and shock absorbers. They work by using two hooks on steel bolts. The assembly is installed inside the coil spring, and the hook is locked on the coil. When you tighten the bolt, the hook squeezes the coils together, temporarily reducing the height of the spring.

External strut spring compressors are also called MacPherson strut spring compressors. These tools work like internal or traditional compressors, but they appear in pairs and are mounted on the outside of the coil spring. There are two sets of threaded rods, each set has two hooks and pin pawls, which can be locked on the spring ring. You have to work slowly and tighten each side at a time, but they can help you compress the height of the spring safely.

These compressors are most commonly found in repair shops, but they can be affordable for people who do enough suspension work in their garage. These strut spring compressors work with threaded handles on large bolts to compress the springs for suspension work. These compressors are only suitable for struts and springs that are not installed on the car. They cannot be used in vehicles, so if you have to compress the springs in the wheel wells, these are not for you. 

Since 2012, OTC Tools has been a subsidiary of Bosch Automotive Service Solutions. This Warren, Michigan-based company produces first-class automotive diagnostic and repair tools. This OTC clamshell strut spring compressor is a simpler method of MacPherson compressor.

Branick Tools from Fargo, South Dakota is one of the most well-known brands in the field of tires and suspension tools. Its strut spring compressor sets the standard for all vertical compressors today. Branick realized that these heavy machines were not easy to move in the store, so it developed the Branick portable cart for the 7600 compressor.

ABN or Autobody Now, also from South Dakota, produces tools and equipment for the car repair industry. This ABN helical spring compressor tool is a traditional spring option it produces.

It is very important that if you are using an external compressor unit, it must be equipped with positioning pins. These pins lock the compressor to the spring coils, making them harder to slip off and the springs to fly. These springs are under a lot of pressure, and if they slip and fall and you get in the way, you will be seriously injured.

These compressors need to be made of the strongest material to withstand the force exerted by the coil spring. The last thing you want is a broken spring contact or a loose thread on the bolt. Make sure that the compressor you buy is of forged steel structure and the threaded rod is of high quality.

More information about garage tools/accessories

The OEMTOOLS MacPherson strut spring compressor kit is the best integral strut spring compressor we have chosen. This is an externally mounted kit that can be locked on the spring coil and compressed for easy removal.

We like the structure of this tool to make spring compression a safer job. The hooks are made of forged steel, so they will not break or wear easily after a few uses. In addition, the threaded rods are strong and well-machined, so as long as you keep them clean and well lubricated, the kit can be used for a while.

There are a few things to pay attention to when using OMETOOLS MacPherson strut spring compressors. This is a lightweight kit, so it is only suitable for cars and light trucks. The positioning pins may actually be done too well. Some users stated that they cannot release and remove them after use.

Shankly spiral spring compressors are made of forged enamel, with double-ended jaws and connectable safety hooks to ensure safety and control. It is designed to compress struts and other coil springs on various passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. It has an operating capacity of 300 mm and a total length of 300 mm. The tool comes with a 90-day warranty.

This tool is heavy, strong, and well made. The bottom double hook is deep to keep it in place and prevent the setting from twisting. You can put the hook on the top to prevent it from sliding. As long as you distribute the load carefully and evenly and lubricate it before use, this tool can do the job. In general, this is a good choice at a low price.

However, once they are no longer under tension, the rods will bend under pressure and then straighten again. Even if they bend under pressure, this is not uncommon and will return to normal after removal. In addition, it is not strong enough to compress the springs of some vehicles, nor can it be installed on the strut springs of other vehicles.

Although it may be a bit overkill for most home mechanics, the Branick strut spring compressor is worthy of our respect in our list of the best strut spring compressors. The Branick model is the benchmark for almost all vertical compressors, and its quality is second to none.

Branick can handle almost anything you throw at it. In addition to the heaviest work, Branick can easily compress the struts and springs using the corkscrew bolts and handles. Branick strut compressors are also much faster in compressing springs because it only requires tightening one fitting, rather than alternating sides like the other compressors on our list.

However, Branick is expensive, and you should realize before you buy that it may have more compressors than you need. Unless you frequently perform suspension repairs, you should be able to save money. In addition, the coil hook on the Branick does not have a positioning pin. Although we recognize that this system is unlikely to slip, it is still possible.

Shankly's spring compressor tools have a wide jaw capacity of 23-280 mm and are suitable for a variety of vehicles, including trucks and large cars. Each pair has a load-bearing capacity of more than 2,600 pounds. The tool includes a lower safety jaw and an adjustable safety rod, which can be used with a 19 mm hexagon socket or wrench.

The compressor is sturdy and durable, so it won't bend or warp under high pressure. The hex nut is easy to turn, so it can better clamp the spring. It takes very little effort to use the tool, and the jaws hold the spring firmly. The design also allows you to hold something while working, which is very convenient. This compressor comes with a carrying case, which is a great advantage.

Unfortunately, it does not come with instructions, and you may need to use an impact wrench to get the job done more efficiently. There are also some complaints that it will break after a period of use.

This strut spring compressor from 8MILELAKE has forged jaws with a minimum jaw distance of 4 inches and a maximum opening of 14 inches. The jaws and lead screw are heat treated for best performance, and galvanized tools are suitable for most Macpherson pillars.

The compressor is well-structured and sturdy, and can compress most springs without any problems. It is large enough to be used for truck springs, but can also be used for compact cars. Compared to some other brands, it has a more open tread on the screw, which helps to compress or decompress the spring. Overall, its work is worth the money.

One disadvantage is that it does not have any security features. In addition, it may slide a bit more than you like, and some people complain that it cannot hold the spring with two hooks on some larger vehicles.

The kit includes a compression rod, six yokes, an adjustment hook and six fixing screws. It can compress a variety of MacPherson coil springs, and can easily replace the jaws (including 65-125mm, 88-160mm and 126-212mm double jaws). The tool is designed for manual ratchets, not impact wrenches, and has been tested to withstand heavy loads with a maximum force of close to 10,000 pounds.

One of the best things about this tool is that the bolts turn very smoothly. In addition, it feels very safe to use. Another advantage is that it allows you to stretch the spring farther and compress more than some competitor compressors. Three different sized jaws are also convenient because you can use them on everything from sports coupes to trucks. In general, it is a well-built hardware.

One disadvantage is that it is really heavy and has a coil spring inside. In addition, it does not come with any instructions, nor does it apply to all models. In addition, it can be very difficult to use this tool to remove old warped springs.

This heavy-duty 11 4/5-inch prop compressor tool has a 13/6-inch sleeve and a 1/2-inch drive. It has a built-in stop pin that can lock the coil spring in place to ensure safety. Acme threaded rods provide smooth compression, whether the spring is on or on the vehicle, and whether you are working by hand or with a power tool. Orion Motor Tech also includes a two-year warranty.

This tool can easily remove the strut spring and is specially designed for professional and garage mechanics. Its forged hook and center screw are sturdy, durable, and can withstand extreme pressure. This heavy-duty compressor does not skid or slip, and works as advertised. If you use an impact wrench, it will not peel or cut.

However, it may take a while to get used to the tool to determine the best way to compress the spring. Another problem is that the safety clip may not be suitable for the springs of some vehicles. It may be too thick to fit between the coil and the shock strut.

This professional strut spring compressor is made of forged steel and has a locking pin to ensure safety. It is designed for most passenger cars (whether domestic or imported) and light trucks. Replacement parts are available with bilingual instructions.

The tool is durable and well-made, making the work very easy to manage. It is close to the spring, and the pin pushes through the spring to lock it in place, so it is very safe to use. The compressor is heavy-duty and is a good choice for people who do pillar work once or twice a year. It makes your pillar replacement much easier than you think. It also includes a case, which is a nice bonus.

But like many other compressors, it is not suitable for all brands and models. The hook may be too thick to hold the spring on some vehicles, and it may be awkward to install it completely in a small space, but this is not uncommon in such tools. In addition, a user had to wear off the safety pin to make it fit better.

Answer: Some coils in your vehicle are very strong and difficult to compress. The strut spring compressor allows you to compress the coil more easily, especially if the spring is very strong.

Answer: First, you connect it to the second layer of the coil. Then use the claws on the compressor to compress or expand the spring. If available, use pins to secure the compressor.

A: Yes, it is particularly important not to rust the claws, because it will have an adverse effect on the grip. Make sure to store the device in a moisture-free environment. In addition, regularly lubricate the threads and other parts of the tool.

The best strut spring compressor we chose is the OMETOOLS MacPherson strut spring compressor. It is simple to use, includes safety pins to improve safety, and is generally a good product.

For more economical options, please consider Shankly helical spring compressor tools.

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