Update - Harbor Freight spring compressor

[PetePerkins]

Picking one up today from Harbor freight...yikes. Reviews are decent. I need to adjust some 5100s...

https://www.harborfreight.com/clams...T2Gx9wPaAH1Ovka5DIJvbxxqxeKVXqARoCE2gQAvD_BwE

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[adam1991]

no

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

Of course, no worries. Just wear the right protective gear…

 

[KillerPenz]

Picking one up today from Harbor freight...yikes. Reviews are decent. I need to adjust some 5100s...

https://www.harborfreight.com/clams...T2Gx9wPaAH1Ovka5DIJvbxxqxeKVXqARoCE2gQAvD_BwE

Picked up one of these a few months back and it worked fine. Had the other kind with the long bolt between the 2 clips and was noticing the bolts were bending on me. Don't remember spending that much, maybe I got a cheaper one from there Either way it did what I needed it to do so can't complain too much about it.

 

[CV428]

Chinesium shear strength... You're gambling with the composition in those pins and the linkage bolt based on whatever scrap they melted to make them.

Most of the failure modes would result in the assembly being self-contained. It would take multiple point failures for it to turn into a trap from Saw, but the potential is there. My guess- totally fine for infrequent homeowner use on light-duty springs, just make sure it doesn't get rusty!

I annihilated a rental center-style spring compressor when I compressed the front springs on our Mach 1- it tore the threads out (and yes it was greased, and no I didn't use an impact). We wound up borrowing two sets of external compressors (using one set as a safety/backup) and it was still butt-clenchingly scary.

 

[PetePerkins]

Chinesium shear strength... You're gambling with the composition in those pins and the linkage bolt based on whatever scrap they melted to make them.

Most of the failure modes would result in the assembly being self-contained. It would take multiple point failures for it to turn into a trap from Saw, but the potential is there. My guess- totally fine for infrequent homeowner use on light-duty springs, just make sure it doesn't get rusty!

I annihilated a rental center-style spring compressor when I compressed the front springs on our Mach 1- it tore the threads out (and yes it was greased, and no I didn't use an impact). We wound up borrowing two sets of external compressors (using one set as a safety/backup) and it was still butt-clenchingly scary.

I wanted to steer clear of the rental type compressors. This one appears to be a little better and easier to manage. Like what @CV428 said, multiple failure points eases me a little. What are the chances 2 or more fail at once...then again a domino effect in rapid succession is in the back of my mind ha

 

[PetePerkins]

Picked up one of these a few months back and it worked fine. Had the other kind with the long bolt between the 2 clips and was noticing the bolts were bending on me. Don't remember spending that much, maybe I got a cheaper one from there Either way it did what I needed it to do so can't complain too much about it.

Good feedback!

 

[Area51BS]

I’m sure it’s fine for occasional use. For an extra measure of safety you could chain link the tool or spring together once compressed.
As an example. I had to remove a boat engine with engine lift. Instead of buying tool that bolts to 3 holes on top of motor I bolted a chain to it with high grade bolt(s). Did it on other 2 holes for back up. One was strong enough.

 

[KABQ]

I can't comment on this one specifically, but I don't trust any spring compressor. We had one fail working on my buddy's 71 Camaro and it put a hole in his cinder block wall. Scared the sh*t out of me for life.

 

[CV428]

I wanted to steer clear of the rental type compressors. This one appears to be a little better and easier to manage. Like what @CV428 said, multiple failure points eases me a little. What are the chances 2 or more fail at once...then again a domino effect in rapid succession is in the back of my mind ha

Shear vs moment loading. If the force is distributed evenly, the pins feel shear. If one snaps, all resultant force on the opposite pin is now shear with a moment component depending on how the claw rotates. It would very likely domino. But, it's still contained.

• If both upper pins snap, the linkage is still contained by the jack screw and linkage bolt. The spring will fire up to its free length...
• If the jack screw snaps, the spring fires up to its free length...
• If either jack screw trunnions snap, the assembly slides along the linkage bars until the spring is at free length...
• If the linkage bolt snaps, that linkage is going to pivot at the trunnion and launch downward and strike the vise, away from where you are turning the jack screw..

I could go on and on with failure modes, but I can't think of any that are more dangerous than other methods unless you purposefully handle the tool wrong or have someone else's face near the assembly. That's probably why HF can sell it and not worry too much about lawsuits.

As for rentals, I steer clear of them now too. You have no idea how the previous renter treated the poor thing.

 

[CV428]

I can't comment on this one specifically, but I don't trust any spring compressor. We had one fail working on my buddy's 71 Camaro and it put a hole in his cinder block wall. Scared the sh*t out of me for life.

I had one fail, but it thankfully did not become a projectile- just a very angry jumping bean. I can't imagine how terrifying one would be if it fired the cap, strut, or tool. That's death.

 

[Bschurr]

I can't comment on this one specifically, but I don't trust any spring compressor. We had one fail working on my buddy's 71 Camaro and it put a hole in his cinder block wall. Scared the sh*t out of me for life.

That’s exactly how I feel about Hi-Lift jacks!

 

[Desert_Brush]

Use zip ties as a back up.

 

[Gbauer]

Why do things the expensive way when theres zip ties?

Dont compress it with zip ties. That said I usually put a bunch on as extra insurance. I don't trust the to hold the full force but if the tool starts to give a little they'll help make sure it doesn't give a lot.

Pic isn't mine. Its there for for the joke.

 

[KABQ]

That’s exactly how I feel about Hi-Lift jacks!

I'm a hockey player, and even I value my teeth enough to avoid hi-lift jacks!

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