Customer Reviews

Advanced Tool Design Model ATD-7561 MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I needed to put together a couple of strut assemblies. I shopped around some as I really didn't want to spend a bunch of money on a tool that I would likely use only a couple times. Sure I could have rented, but I'm something of a procrastinator and a night owl, so owning it outright was just going to work better for me. There were plenty of styles to choose from, but most were simply too expensive for my purposes. I narrowed it down to this one and a similar unit that Harbor Freight was selling for about half the price. I chose this one because it appeared somewhat more substantial. When I finally got it and was able to examine it closely, however, it was apparent they were both pretty much the exact same thing.

As is the norm with Amazon, it arrived in an acceptable amount of time and in good condition with no defects and nothing missing. The unit is pretty much as it appears in the picture--two large clamps that go on opposite sides of the spring. Each clamp is effectively two large cast hooks spanned by a large bolt. Place the hooks at the top and bottom (well, one or more coils in actually--the top- and bottom-most coils need to engage the spring seats unobstructed) of the spring and tighten the clamps down equally. Included in the package, but not in the picture, is some additional hardware to secure the clamps to the spring.

The tool is a rather simple design, as described above, and works exactly as it's supposed to. The thing is, if you're using hand tools to tighten the clamps, you'll be at it for quite a while--and need a lot of elbow grease. Fortunately I had an electric impact wrench, which made things go far easier and quicker. The process is further complicated by the fact there's really no good way to hold the assembly securely; you want to leave the clamps free and the spring is large, round and not particularly substantial. Furthermore, the spring changes shape while being compressed, which not only makes it more difficult to hold, but also changes the geometry of the tool. I did get a little worried as the clamps angled outwards and tangentially, but the tool held firm and did the job without slipping or jumping. Careful positioning of the clamps is required to insure they won't get in the way during assembly, especially considering the spring's movement during compression. Upon releasing the clamps, it became apparent that something had shifted during the procedure, and thus a bit of pounding was required to remove the clamps.

Ultimately, the tool accomplished the job, though not without difficulty. Had I not had the electric impact, I would have had to spend all night on just one strut assembly. Also, it seems that this tool likely wouldn't work on springs that are currently installed on a vehicle, though that shouldn't matter with most strut arrangements.

While the tool does work as it's supposed to, it seems just a little more trouble than it's worth. I would recommend either purchasing or renting a spring compressor of a different design.

Ordered to do a strut replacement on a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The quality is acceptable for occassional use and they worked on the rear springs just fine. However, they would not compress the front springs enough to release the tension. I had to buy a different one from the local auto parts store to finish the job. I suspect they would work fine for most applications, but if you aren't sure it might be better to spend the extra money and get the ones from a brick and morter store for easier return if they don't work out right.

Well made tool, and for the price, it can't be beat. Ruggedly built, and very easy to use. Did the job very adequately. Has safety clips so it won't jump off the spring as you compress.

You can see the metal shedding off of the screw as it turns. The single hook end is also too "tall" in the interior dimension and prevents complete compression on some springs.

I used these spring compressors on a few vehicles and I can only find one redeeming quality. The hooks themselves are very low profile which works well for grabbing onto the upper most coil, especially on progressively wound springs with many coils near the upper or lower perch. Other then that they are junk.
The big problem I had recently was that to make these cheap they made the shaft out of a threaded rod and spun a nut onto it, drilled through the nut and staked it with a pin. That pin takes all the force when turning the shaft to compress the spring. While doing struts on an outback this weekend that pin sheared off on me.......leaving the spring stuck compressed. I had to go find a neighbors car to borrow and head around to auto parts stores to find a loaner set of compressors.
Next time I will spend more money to get a properly manufactured compressor which uses one forged steel rod instead of the cheap nut with a pin construction.

For rare to occasional use these are ok........but if you're not using them regularly why not just get a loaner compressor for free from an autoparts store?

This set is total crap. I got them to replace the struts on a Honda CR-V. The hooks were too long and made it nearly impossible to pull the strut out. The double hooks on the one end are not offset so the whole clamp tends (quite forcefully) to want to sit at a rather severe angle. The screw rods are weak and flex way too much causing the whole thing to bind and barely turn. Don't buy these. There is another set that uses U-bolts to secure the spring to the tool they are waayyyy better.

all went well with the 2 vehicles i used this on just got to sit on them so you can tighten them tighter in certian accasions !!

I bought this so I could compress the springs on my 2006 scion tc. I had been shopping around for a small product that would allow me to compress my springs so I could adjust my coilovers. The product looks more for a small truck or minivan.

Even though I wasn't able to use it, the construction of this product looks good. When I tried to compress my spring I used a power tool and the product held up great where I have stripped compressors before. It would be nice to know specific sizes of springs this product can handle.

PRO: Product works as expected. i did R&R new springs in front of 98 Jeep Cherokee. New springs were bigger (added 4 in.) if you are reasonable mechanic then no issues
CON: No instructions. there are clips that came with the product. apparently they supposed to keep the clamp from moving up the spring once compressed. i can vouch that without the clips, the clamp does crawl up the spring thus defeating the purpose. I still not sure how the clips supposed to be used, but i was able to install my springs being very careful. so again, must have moderate mechanical experience!
4 stars for working as expected:
2.5 stars for lack of document (e.g. purpose of the clips and how to install them)

Great for what it is, and that is a tool for an occasional mechanic to change his or her shocks or springs.