I found another one that looks promising from Eastwood Co. Seems like a solid design:

FAIRMOUNT(R) Tools Macpherson Strut and Coil Spring Compressor

or this one...

http://www.pro-lift-montagetechnik.c...e-1000-kg-0038

I leaning towards the Eastwood at this point, I've had good luck with their products in the past

Picked this one up on Amazon for under $30.
Worked great when it came time to install new front struts/springs. Even used it to help install new springs in the rear as well.

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Those are the absolutely frightening to use POS things that they are trying to Avoid. Plus, you could have just gotten that to use, for free, from any autoparts store anywhere and not spent a dime.


Helps to read the first thread to know what info might be helpful to post.

There was actually nothing frightening at all about using this spring compressor, worked like a charm with no drama at all.
I was just offering up my own personal experience with a tool that was recommended by another forum member (Timmy The Toolman).
BTW after reading the ENTIRE thread titled “Anyone have recommendations on a good spring compressor for struts” I thought maybe this could be an option for the OP or someone else who comes across this thread and wants a safe low cost option.
Besides my endorsement and the others on this forum that have used it are the 800+ positive reviews on Amazon that gave it a 4 1/2 star rating.
Not all of us live near an auto parts store that offers free tools and some of us also like to have our own tools so we know they’re well taken care of and in good operating condition.
So yeah, great low cost spring compressor.

I’ve been using my craftsman version for around 20 years now. Works great and locks the spring into position for safety.


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I tried the harbor freight model and stock springs wouldn't fit in the notch to where the safety pin could be engaged so I returned it and rented the Auto Zone tool.

Strange... I had exactly the opposite result. I tried the Autozone tool first,
but couldn't get it to fit my springs. The HF one did, though it required
complete disassembly first.

I've also used that one on several cars including the 4runner, Honda's, Audi's.
"Rented" from the local autoparts store for free every time.

I own one of the Eastwood style compressors. For the my amount of use it works very well. It is much less scary than the old bolt style compressors. It is fairly middle of the road, a bit of compromise. I mean its not as nice as one of the bigger, faster wall mount shop grade units, but it is much better than the AutoZone specials.

I'm going to give this one a shot. I'll keep an eye out for an OTC or Branick in the meantime. I have zero interest in using the Autozone style, been there done that and i'm not going back again. They did work but they can be dangerous (and they're always a pain in the a$$), i want to purchase a better design.