Best Strut Compressors in 2022

Last update: December 8, 2022

Are spring compressors safe?

Spring compressors are safe when used according to manufacturers' instructions. They are designed to compress springs so that they can be safely removed and replaced. When used correctly, spring compressors can save you time and money.

Are strut compressors safe?

Are strut compressors safe? Strut compressors are safe to use on most vehicles. However, some vehicles have strut towers that are close to the battery or other electrical components. In these cases, it is best to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a professional mechanic to determine if a strut compressor is safe to use.

Can you compress a strut by hand?

Strut compressors are devices used to compress coil springs in order to make room for Installation of taller springs, or to allow removal of a spring for service. There are various designs of strut compressors, but the most common type uses two plates that sandwich the spring from either side and progressively compress the spring as they are tightened together. Strut compressors can be operated manually or by air compressor. Many DIYers prefer the manual type, as they are less expensive and easier to use. However, air compressors offer more power and can compress the spring more quickly.

Can you remove spring without compressor?

You can remove a spring without a compressor, but it's not recommended. If you do it incorrectly, you can damage the spring or the compressor.


DASBET 2pcs Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor(300mm) with Detent Pins Review:


This kind of tool is a MUST HAVE if you're rebuilding MacPherson struts or changing the shock absorbers within coil springs. There was one aspect of which I was unimpressed. The lug's lip, which moves between the coils, was excessively broad. On each of the four lugs, I had to hacksaw off a quarter inch of the lip. There was still plenty, so the spring was kept in place. I did like two of the features. One was a slide pin that securely keeps the coil in the lug after capturing it there. The second was the socket at the drive screw's end, which made it possible to install a 1/2" x 6" extension and give my impact wrench room to work. My previous set of coil compressors lacked both of these functions. Ain't evolution wonderful?



Shankly Spring Compressor Tool (2 Pieces) - Heavy Duty Build, Ultra Rugged Coil Spring Compressor, Strong and Durable Spring Compressor with Safety Guard and Carrying Case Review:


My 2013 Outback front strut springs do not fit an OTIS Clam shell compressor. The springs are wide but short (have fewer coils). To be on the safe side, I ultimately purchased two pairs of the Shanky spring compressor. I prepared them for usage as soon as they were arrived. They are simple to use, appear to be well manufactured, and I used all 4 of them on each spring. I ensured that I lubricated the moving components, and the compressors worked well. I may suggest these, but if you're looking for something more dependable, secure, and powerful, I'd suggest Baum Tools' strut/coil spring compressor (but pricey). You don't need four on a single spring; two of them can easily handle a 1/2 truck spring. I was simply being extra careful.But keep in mind that I only use it occasionally for other people or for my personal automobiles, not for everyday, heavy, professional use. And I can only suggest these spring compressors for these uses.



8MILELAKE Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Review:


High-quality and affordable product. The price is the same as the others, but it includes a fairly robust storage case. If it's tight, I can put on a 6" extension and have plenty of clearance to ratchet away rather than having to turn and then reposition yourself after each rotation. I also liked that it has an opening at the end for a 3/4" ratchet, as a lot of the time it's too close to the spring to get a box wrench over the end.You could have trouble getting the safety bar over a thicker spring since, as others have noted, the bottom hook is a touch shallow. Having said that, I had no problems with it, and as long as you exercise common sense, there shouldn't be any problems at all.



AES Industries 2190 Door Spring Compressor Tool For GM Cars and Light Trucks Review:


My 1990 Chevy K2500 pickup's doors' pins and rollers were recently replaced, and once I figured out how to do it, I completed the second door in about an hour. I used my engine hoist with some tie down straps as a sling because I have electric windows and locks and didn't want to undo the connections to remove the doors. It worked perfectly and I was able to complete the task alone. If you take the pins out of your door, there are alternative ways to support it. I was going to simply throw some straps up and over a garage rafter, but the hoist worked and provided me a little bit more control. The majority of the reviews I read and viewed on You Tube weren't helpful. One reviewer indicated you need to press the roller pin in, while one video claimed you could do it without taking the door off. Both were mistaken. The Dorman pin Dorman 38433 Door Roller Pin has a knurled end that is much too large for the hole, making it impossible to press it in. Hammering it home will only destroy the roller and it is still too large for the hole. Finally, drilling out the hole on a welded hinge doesn't make sense, so it had to be ground down to get a proper fit, earning it a rating of 4 stars for being too large. I used a bench grinder, but you could use anything solid that would allow you to revolve the roller for an even size reduction. I used a screwdriver to pop the door spring, but the spring compressor made reinstalling it a pleasure, earning it a 5-star rating. You won't be sorry if you spend a few dollars on it. I paid less than $7 for a set of hinge pins on the auction website, and they were the exact size and fit for both doors (4 pins, 8 bushings, and 2 retainers). I'm not sure why there are so many websites that offer pins individually when you should be replacing both. To get the old ones out, you must pull the pin and split the hinge halves since the bushings fit in the hinge frame from the inside. let alone the news in, which essentially implies that the door is detached from the vehicle but, if you want to divide semantics, doesn't truly come off. I was able to remove the old components by simply moving the door a few inches away from the truck. If you untie the boot, you can also move the electrical cord inside the door at least six inches. If you use a jack stand, you could possibly work on one hinge at a time, but it would be a little crowded, and the door would need assistance being aligned. The roller was original and stamped into place, so a cold chisel to the top quickly took it off, and the pin fell right out—remove the spring first. The pin set was great, but the retainers were poor so I used the old ones, and they are holding tight—just slip a socket over it, and tap it into place. Considering the prices GM wanted for OEM parts, I can live with the few imperfections.



Goplus Transmission Spring Compressor, Automatic Transmission Clutch Removing/ Installing Tool Kit, Strut Spring Compressor Review:


It worked well, but I was left in a bind when I came across a TH400 clutch drum without a hole through the center. Fortunately, I already had a hydraulic press that I could use in this situation to modify it to function on the clutch drum/piston without a central hole. The same could have possibly been accomplished using two C-clamps, although I believe this instrument made it a little simpler. One letdown was that I had expected it to come in a plastic case. However, for $25, it is a fantastic price for a strong tiny tool that does the same function as equipment that are much more expensive.



CARTMAN Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Review:


The product is excellent. On a 2016 Ram, compressed Springs, I changed the struts without any issues. I was concerned that there were only two compressors, as there were three in the films I had watched. The compressor flexed a little, but the job was finished without any accidents. It's simple to use, and I suggest it.



Coil Spring Compressor Tool, Orion Motor Tech Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor,13/16in Socket 1/2in Drive Review:


If you own a Series 1, 2, or 3 XJ6/12, XJS, or XJ40, you are aware of the difficulty of locating a coil spring compressor that will function with the Jaguar IRS 4 small diameter rear springs. If the shocks you're installing have the same retainer mechanism as OEM shocks, building a compressor is simple. However, aftermarket shocks like KYB have a separate retainer and require external compression. The only practical alternative is a hook-type compressor for McPherson struts, but those with two hooks at either end are for coils with a wider diameter, so they won't fit the tiny diameter Jag spring properly or safely.This compressor easily holds our little springs in place because to its two large hooks at either end. installed all 4 shocks in a Jag IRS quickly and easily. The sole drawback is something that has already been stated by others: the silver metal rings used to remove the safety pins are useless trash that will bend right away. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that the issue isn't particularly serious and has no bearing on the compressor's functionality.



8MILELAKE 14inches Coil Spring Compressor Strut Remover Installer Tool Kit Review:


best value for your money more affordable than Harbor Freight! They are ordinary and quite adequate in their jobs. They can go both large enough to handle truck springs and tiny enough to handle compact vehicles. The "safety features" of other compressors are merely marketing ploys. I won't think twice about purchasing these and using them in the future!



Hiltex 50604 10" Coil Spring Compressors | Hardened, Heat-Treated Steel | Strut, Auto Suspension Remover and Installer Kit Review:


After reading other customers' reviews of this product, I was a little dubious, but I figured I couldn't lose at the price. I'm really glad I chose these instead of something more expensive because they function fantastically for my jobs. I used them to compress the shock strut springs on my 1998 Nissan Sentra. When done correctly, the springs fit exactly in the grooves, and I was even able to compress them while filming the procedure with one hand.To prevent accidents, make sure to compress and release both of them equally when operating.


Do I need a spring compressor to change struts?

You might need a spring compressor to change your struts depending on the car you have. For some cars, the spring is compressed when the strut is removed. This means that you won't be able to remove the spring without a compressor. Other cars don't have this issue, so you might not need a spring compressor.

How do you compress a strut spring?

Strut springs are compressed by a coil spring compressor. The compressor is attached to the spring, and the spring is compressed by turning the compressor. The spring is then released by turning the compressor in the opposite direction.

How far can you compress a coil spring?

How far can you compress a coil spring? This is a difficult question to answer without knowing more about the specific coil spring you have. In general, however, you should be able to compress a coil spring until it is about 80% of its original size. If you try to compress it any further, it is likely to break.

Should shocks be hard to compress?

Shocks are designed to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of suspension travel, so a certain amount of resistance to compression is necessary. If shocks were too easy to compress, they would not be effective at controlling suspension movement. A shock that is too hard to compress, however, can make the ride harsh and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between the two.

Should struts be easy to compress?

There are a few reasons why struts should be easy to compress. First, when they are compressed, they can be stored in a smaller space, which is helpful if you need to save space. Second, when they are compressed, they are less likely to be damaged. Third, when they are compressed, they are easier to transport.

What is a strut compressor?

A strut compressor is a device that is used to compress the coil spring on a car. This is necessary when replacing the struts or shocks on a car. The strut compressor will hold the spring in place while the old strut is removed and the new one is installed.