Best Brake Repair Brake Spreading Tools in 2022

Last update: November 18, 2022

Do all brake pads have shims?

Not all brake pads have shims, but many do. Shims are used to help keep the brake pad level and can also help reduce noise.

Do I need a brake spreader?

If you notice that your brakes are starting to feel spongy when you press down on the pedal, it’s time to check the brake pads. Many people think that they can simply remove the old brake pads and install new ones without having to adjust the calipers. However, this is not the case. You will need to use a brake spreader in order to push the caliper pistons back in so that the new pads will fit properly.

Do I need to open the bleeder valve to compress piston?

This is a common question when working with pistons. The answer is no, you do not need to open the bleeder valve to compress the piston.

Do you need a caliper rewind tool?

A caliper rewind tool is a simple but essential tool for anyone who owns or works on vehicles with disc brakes. It is used to wind the caliper piston back into the caliper housing after the brake pads have been replaced. This ensures that the new pads can make full contact with the rotor when the brakes are applied. Without a caliper rewind tool, the piston would likely not be seated correctly and the brakes would not work as intended. While there are other ways to seat the piston (such as using a C-clamp), a caliper rewind tool is the


8MILELAKE Brake Caliper Wind Back Tool 22pc Professional Disc Brake Caliper Tool Set Review:


For 53 years, I've been fixing vehicles, trucks, and motorbikes. In addition, I'm a bit of a tool freak. Simply said, I adore well-built tools. When visitors enter my shop, they are astounded by the number of tools I have. Surprisingly, a caliper piston compressor set is one tool set that I lack. Simply said, I've never had a need for one. Over the years, I've performed more brake repairs than I can remember, but the most of them only required me to use a fast-action C-clamp or fast-action bar clamp to compress the caliper piston. In fact, because doing it that way is quicker and more effective than using a tool like this, I'll continue to do it that way for calipers that don't require spinning the piston. (Nothing needs to be put together, hardly any threads need to be fastened, etc. A few did require turning the pistons, but I was able to do it using improvised means, though it was a hassle. However, I cited the fact that I'll be performing two brake repairs that I think will involve spinning the caliper piston as justification for acquiring yet another tool set.This set was just delivered, and I am really pleased. I am very surprised by a few reviews that claim that the set's delicate metal components bent. Since every component in my set is made of high-quality heavy steel, the only other explanation I can think of is that their set came from a different manufacturer and that their T-handle and thrust bolt (a part that is threaded) may have been made of pot metal like so many cheap tools from 10 or 20 years ago. The threads are accurate and smoothly woven.Although I haven't used the tools yet, I have carefully examined them and can spot quality items when I see them. They are useful tools. The thrust bolt cannot possibly strip, and the T-handles cannot possibly bend. The blow-molded enclosure is also quite lovely.I had seen someone use a set like this in a video, and they had trouble keeping the piston adapter on the thrust bolt assembly. It kept coming loose. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that the adapters fit onto a magnetic base on this tool. The adapters are tightly fastened and won't come off.As I previously stated, there was a time when so many cheap tools were made of pot metal or were otherwise built so shoddily that they were at the very least unsafe. But thankfully, those times are behind us. Of course, there are still some inexpensive tools available, but they are considerably less prevalent now. My extensive tool collection dates back to the 1960s. For a tool set of this kind and quality, especially in the 1970s, I would have anticipated paying significantly more than $100 (in 1970s prices). Prices today might be astounding. Simply use caution when purchasing instruments. This tool set cost me less than $22 after free shipping and no taxes! 30 or 40 years ago, if you had told me I could accomplish that, I would have believed you were crazy.Conclusion: If you purchase the identical set as mine, this is a fantastic value. Today, many things appear to be identical, but they occasionally come from different manufacturers, so you could not get exactly what I did. But if you do, you ought to be overjoyed.



OrionMotorTech 24PCS Master Disc Brake Piston Caliper Compressor Spreader Tool Set | Brake Pad Replacement Reset Wind Back Kit Review:


The toolkit arrived on schedule and in good condition. I once used it to compress the screw type pistons in the rear brake calipers of my 2009 Kia Spectra. It performed flawlessly and according to plan. It was lightly oil-coated to prevent corrosion while being packaged, which is a nice thing (nobody likes rusty tools). The implements and adapters appear to be sturdy. Only time will tell how durable it will be, but we hope and plan to keep it for a very long time. The sticker on the casing is the only thing that keeps coming off completely, however this can be remedied using tape, sticky glue, etc. I am quite happy with my buy overall.



Lang Tools 279-5420 279 Brake Caliper Press Review:


This tool is more affordable here than at NAPA, and it is absolutely worth the money. The identical instrument is offered, except it can be marked "K-D."With this spreader, you may simply press back single piston, dual piston, or four piston brake calipers since the steel tool pads remain parallel. Since they are being forced directly back into the caliper bore, the pistons don't bind. Placing the tool in the caliper and ratcheting the piston(s) out of the way is all that is necessary to move them back.I wished I'd purchased it years sooner after using it for the first time.Utilizing this well-made tool will significantly reduce the risk of damaging the brake caliper compared to using pry bars, c-clamps, or channel lock pliers to repeatedly jam caliper pistons back.



Capri Tools 21006 Disc Brake Pad Spreader Tool Review:


For the Heavy Duty model, read this review. On my most recent single piston brake job, it was much simpler to use than a C clamp. I'm sure there will be some fumbling with a dual piston arrangement and using an old pad to compress them both at the same time, but not any more than with a C clamp. The knob appears to be plastic, which always poses a risk of stripping out on a particularly difficult task. I believe the socket head that protrudes from the top of the knob is actually the top of the screw and is metal. However, unlike other versions, you still have the option of the socket head if it does strip out. I don't see that occurring, despite how simple it was to turn the knob and compress the piston. In terms of sturdiness, it isn't quite as weighty as I had anticipated, but it performed well and I don't see it ever being pushed past its breaking point. Overall, I believe it was well worth the money and is a wonderful addition to my toolkit.



Capri Tools Swivel Brake Pad Spreader Tool Review:


For the Heavy Duty model, read this review. On my most recent single piston brake job, it was much simpler to use than a C clamp. I'm sure there will be some fumbling with a dual piston arrangement and using an old pad to compress them both at the same time, but not any more than with a C clamp. The knob appears to be plastic, which always poses a risk of stripping out on a particularly difficult task. I believe the socket head that protrudes from the top of the knob is actually the top of the screw and is metal. However, unlike other versions, you still have the option of the socket head if it does strip out. I don't see that occurring, despite how simple it was to turn the knob and compress the piston. In terms of sturdiness, it isn't quite as weighty as I had anticipated, but it performed well and I don't see it ever being pushed past its breaking point. Overall, I believe it was well worth the money and is a wonderful addition to my toolkit.



OEMTOOLS 25265 Disc Brake Pad Spreader Review:


The piston would not move, even after I manually tightened the screw as much as I could. I then developed channel locks. The plastic handle snapped into pieces as I tightened it. I made the decision that I would not let this task overwhelm me once the plastic handle broke off, so I grabbed the vice-grips and tightened it even farther until the metal bar bent. then a little bit more until the threads came loose. I'm a fool, I admit it. I was unaware that rear brake pistons on my car need to be rotated before returning to the caliper. I'm fortunate that I didn't break my caliper because, I'll admit, it would have been entirely my fault. If I had spent five minutes doing some investigation, I would have found that I didn't need this product at all. I really wish there was a small piece of paper in the tool's package that said, "Maybe you're an idiot and should try spinning the freaking piston instead if this tool starts to self-destruct when you are plainly applying way too much power." The information would have been more valuable than the gadget itself. I'm sorry, but I can only suggest this product to users who genuinely understand how and when to utilize it (and when to stop using it).



DASBET Disc Brake Pad Installation Spreader Caliper Piston Spreader Tool Review:


Simple and successful. This made changing brake pads quick enough to be done with hand tools in between race sessions (around an hour for all brakes) (just the stuff I can fit in the tiny trunk of my 370Z).As you spread the slave pistons with this tool, open the bleeder bolt (using a drain hose to a waste bottle). Particularly on calipers with many pairs of pistons, spreading out the pistons is significantly quicker after draining just a few dollars' worth of fluid. Furthermore, it prevents fluid from being pushed back up the lines from overflowing the braking fluid reservoir.By only opening the bleeder bolt while spreading, make sure no air is allowed to back up into the caliper. Fill up the brake fluid reservoir after replacing the brake pads but BEFORE pressing the brake pedal. Before topping out the reservoir, you can vacuum bleed it dry if you have one. Remove as much used fluid as you can. At that point, you have the option of finishing the system's bleeding or simply keeping the reservoir topped off while pumping the brakes to force the pistons back out.



ABN Ratcheting Caliper Piston Tool – 4 in 1 Disc Brake Caliper Compression Tool Universal Brake Caliper Spreader Tool Review:


performed flawlessly for the complete pad retraction on a 2014 Subaru Outback. This car has two pistons up front and one POT in the back; the tool worked flawlessly for both settings. This tool may not be able to handle heavy duty daily shop use but is fine for the weekend mechanic's occasional use; this car can also be difficult to achieve a complete retraction but this tool had the force necessary to achieve that; the ratcheting function was nice since I was not in a position to execute a full 360 spin; one more point, the retraction was easy to make square meaning this tool did not force the pistons back in at a skewed angle which isn't good


How do you adjust brake pad distance?

There are a few ways to adjust the distance of your brake pads. The most common way is to use an Allen key to turn the adjusting screws on the caliper. You can also use a C-clamp to compress the caliper pistons and adjust the pads that way.

How much space should be between brake pad and rotor?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, a good rule of thumb is to have at least 1/8 inch of space between the brake pad and rotor. If you have less than this, it could result in your brakes not working properly.

What is the purpose of the disc brake spreader tool?

The disc brake spreader tool is used to open up the caliper so that the brake pads can be replaced. It is also used to compress the piston back into the caliper.

Where do you grease new brake pads?

If your brake pads are squeaking, it may be time to add some grease. The best place to grease new brake pads is on the back of the pad where it contacts the caliper. You can also grease the edges of the pads where they contact the brake rotor.

Why are my new brakes dragging?

If your new brakes are dragging, it may be because they were not properly installed. When brakes are not installed correctly, they can cause the caliper to bind, which will cause the brakes to drag. If you suspect that your brakes were not installed correctly, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic to have them checked and repaired if necessary.