Customer Reviews

Advanced Tool Design Model ATD-3054 MacPherson Strut Spring Hook Compressor

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Good quality, storage case is a plus. Tool does it's job. Just make sure you grease up the threads before using. A few shots of WD40 did the trick for me. Pair functions fine, no slipping on the spring encountered during compression if you use the pair on opposite sides of the spring. Hold down pins won't work if your springs are too thick. Not a problem because they retract out of the way.

I used these on the front end struts for my 96 Firebird. First, the hooks are so tall that I had to jam them in between the coils, severely scraping the newly painted springs. Second, there isn't much distance between the nut and the spring. I had to alternate back and forth very frequently to prevent the spring from leaning into the socket being used to tighten the compressor, which would then prevent the socket from being able to be removed. In the end I probably used these about 10 times and got better at it over time, so they do work comparatively well for the price.

Edit:
Downgraded my review from 3 to 2 stars. Lent these out to a friend and one of the shafts bent. To be fair, I am a bit surprised because I was using these with no problem on my Firebird struts. The person who bent them was working on a truck spring, which may have been too much for these.

This kit includes two tools. It is possible to properly compress the spring with two tools but it is much easier with THREE tools (1.5 kits). With two, at for example the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, one of the tools will always try to slip off to the 4 or 8 o'clock position. With three tools, it is very easily to compress the spring without the tool slipping.

The spring compressor was just what I needed to change the struts on my wife's Aztek. It made the job very easy.

I am impressed with the quality of the tool and the case is a bonus.
It worked perfectly first time i used it. It should last a lifetime.

I must admit when I recieved this tool and saw it was made in Taiwan I almost sent it back. The Tool is identical to the ones you rent from Advanced Auto parts, Heavy duty cast saddles with detent pins. On heavier coil springs you cannot engage the detent pins. I used these compressors with a impact gun on both smaller coil springs and larger ones and they work fine. Just wish I could find a tool made in the USA.

I've used these type many times getting loaners from parts store, finally got my own set. They are not perfect, but affordable and strong. Some struts have large "hats" on top and bottom like my GM W body and these were difficult to get to position where they would work properly. In most cases however, they work fine. I totally recommend an air impact gun with a good sized compressor so you can turn these on and off rapidly, doing it by hand would take a while.

If I owned a shop I'd get a hydraulic fork style that would make it even easier to do struts and springs, but for what it is, these are very strong and will do the job. Use a crowbar or similar if you have trouble getting into position, springs will move a bit for you with some pressure. Use grease on threads, and yes it will make using them dirty but that's life.

I used the product to change 4 coil-over shocks on my Honda and they worked great. The case is nice, it keeps everything together neatly and keeps dust and moisture away from the tool.

This set worked really great compressed the spring plenty enough to get it out without any trouble if your looking for a good set buy these i would definently recommend these

Very cost effective. Easy to use. I would highly recommend this tool to anyone that is mechanically inclined.