Hydraulic Strut Spring Compressor

I plan on replacing the shocks in my 308 soon. Anyone have any experience with this device from Harbor Freight? Will it work with stock 308 springs? Thanks.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47890
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Harbor Freight?

Step 1: Support Chinese communist government by purchasing goods from Harbor Freight.

Step 2: Buy second identical item from Harbor Freight in anticipation of first item breaking after 1 or 2 uses.

Step 3: Have ambulance on standby when first item breaks under high stress situation.

Step 4: Scrounge through local flea markets and swap meets until you find a 40 year old Amercian made tool that will still do the job better than a new tool made of Chinese "butter metal".

 

I have one.

Great idea but it just barely works. I did succesfully do a couple of sets but not with out a lot of fighting the tool and screwing around.

I would happily give mine away to make more space around here.

 

Sure looks great. But I would much rather just use the conventional spring compressors. Alot cheaper also.

 

Define conventional.

 

For the significant readers my intensions were to say 'mechanical' spring compressors
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These ones. The easiest and the best I have ever used.
Snap On also make some really good ones like these.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/AMPRO-COIL-SPRING-COMPRESSOR-1-2-HARDENED-ALLOY-NEW_W0QQitemZ150102096968QQcategoryZ35625QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

An "improved version" of "death sticks". If they come off while you are using them you might find out why they're called that.



The best way I've found is to use one of these, a wall mounted strut compressor. It's an expensive tool but perhaps there is a shop near you that would let you use theirs.

Still a good idea to keep count of your fingers and plan an escape route. Compressed springs show no mercy.
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If possible, run a chain through them and chain them down to the frame or crossmember.

 

Thats what I have now.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I should pass on the HF hydraulic unit and just go for the EBay item.

 

Sounds like a plan

 

I have a number of Harbor freight tools that actually deliver all i ask of them.As long as you realize that its not gonna be a Snap-on nor even Craftsman quality tool. Dont need the higher quality performance,finish,calibrationof whatever a snap-on will give you.Be aware of any possibleshort comings and their consequences and look for them when actually using the tool.(Clear a path to flee flying bits,yuk,yuk) and you might be pleasantly surprised.I have a pneumatic grease gun that works like a peach that I bought approx 6 yrs ago for $12.00 on sale(normal $16.00) it goes "Ka-chunk Ka-chunk-Squirt-Squirt" every time.a $16.99 knockoff 1/2 inch torque wrench that i used for nothing but tightening wheel lugs(Close enough for wheels) numerous cheapie paint guns,airbrushes, dremel bits,Bags o Scotchbrite(Genuine 3m),etc,etc,etc.Choose wisely and you will be pleasantly surprised. avoid things needing quality hardened steel-Drill bits,Screwdrivers,caca wrenches,cutters,pliers,etc.f it goes into a powered tool of somekind as a bit,cutter ,reamer avoid store brands.be wary and you sometimes can find name brands instead.rarely but it does happen.

 

When I did the QA-1s on my 308, I purchased a sring compressor very similar to the one shown on PAP'S link to Ebay. IT DID NOT WORK. The hooks or arms were too large to fit into the spaces on the springs, there was no way to get it to work. I brought mine to a local shop who put my springs on the shock bodies for free.

 

Easy????

I've used those.

You and I have a different definition of the word.


You should get some quality tools and quit working so hard.

 

They may work on a Toyota but not Ferrari. Besides I want to be around a while. Junk spring compressors are no way to go about it.

 

Sh*t, I dont know mate. Have always used them and have never EVER had an issue them. And never seemed to struggle with them at all.
Sometimes it not the tool...............its just how you use it.

 

That is understandable. As Brian mentioned, they work on Toyota's and not Ferraris. But IF they did fit between the spring coils on your 308, then they would have done the job safely. Trust me. I was replacing springs and struts at least once a week at my old workshop for nearly 7 years on probably every different model car available here in Australia. From BMW's to Toyota Corolla's, 4WD's and beyond. I reckon they are very quick and easy to use. But each to their own I guess.