8MILELAKE Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Kit Interchangeable Fork Coil Extractor Tool Set

I saw this in an Eastwood Co. commercial and I am replacing the front Strut/shock on a 2016 4Runner. I already have 2 sets of the instant decapitation devices (threaded coil compressing devices). I felt MUCH safer using this device. I can "point" the coil away from me. The first about 1.5 inches compresses really easily, after that it tightens up a bit, but I just used a ratchet and a socket (I know you can use an impact). It was pretty effortless. I needed to turn the shock a bit (alignment for easier installation). With this, put it back in - no problem. Unlike the "other" devices, the cups are so slim that re-inserting between the coils is super easy. The plastic protectors already broke (I didn't use them anyway). I would highly recommend these. I did see a review of a set that snapped. I wonder if there was an occlusion in the metal or perhaps they dropped that unit. Very good unit, excellent price.

This spring compressor set is what you need if you plan on replacing shocks/struts on your car. Don’t even consider using those 2-piece compressor rod kits that are scary to even look at. Spend the extra money and get this setup for much better peace of mind and potentially avoid a visit to the ER!This kit is super heavy duty… the case with everything in it has substantial weight. The kit includes 3 different sets of forks to match the diameter of your spring. The forks each have a plastic cover on them to help prevent scratches to your springs while in use. The forks attach to the main tool with a sit in groove design and are secured by included hex bolts. You’ll need a 5mm hex wrench in order to tighten them down. If you have conical springs you can mix and match the forks and use the included extension bar to line up a smaller fork with a larger form so the conical spring is correctly aligned in the tool.To use the tool first install the proper size forks and lock them down with the bolts, then simply turn the large bolt at the end of the tool to move the forks closer together until the are in a position where you can fit the spring between them and have the forks resting on two coils of the spring with enough room in between for it to be compressed. Then continue tightening the bolt to drive the spring coils together. You’ll need a 22mm socket (the instructions say 21mm, but it’s actually 22mm), preferably 1/2” drive, to perform the compression turns on the bolt.There is enough room on the open end of the forks to add a single rod from one of the standard, scary, compression tools if you’d like to attach one for just a little extra margin of safety.I used this tool to change out the shocks on a Mazda Miata and it worked great. The tool was very stable and was easy to use.

I was very impressed with the 8MILELAKE Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Kit. I've been working on cars and motorcycles as a hobby for over 40-years.I'm also a tool critic and the first thing I read on Amazon are the 1-star ratings. Sure, there a few cases where the compressor failed. This can happen to any tool under load, so the best thing to do IMHO, is to place the strut and compressor on the floor or a workbench surface. This way, if there is a problem the spring is not going to launch at your face and/or head. Always proceed with caution and always wear safety glasses.That said, I was impressed with the sturdiness of the compressor. I used it for the front struts on my 2014 Dodge Charger R/T, which is a heavy vehicle with a V8 engine being carried by the front end. To my delight, the springs compressed rather easily and without any issues.A tip for using would be to capture the first full coil at either end of the spring. In making this approach, as the spring compresses, the load on the spring dampers is released rather quickly. In contrast, if you only get 1-2 full coils between the compressor jaws, then the spring sections outboard of the compressor jaws are going to keep expanding as the middle section is compressed. You'll wind up having to apply a higher overall load. So remember, get as many coils between the jaws as possible.A stern warning is to be sure to use the hex-head screws (one for each jaw) to affix the jaw to the compressor. You don't want to take a short-cut here and worry about a jaw slipping off of the compressor.You could use an impact on the compressor nut, but it really isn't necessary. I used a 22mm ratcheting box wrench and it was quite easy to tighten and loosen the compressor jaws.Lastly, make sure that the ends of the spring coils sit in their proper position of the spring dampers. Take pictures before you start, and you'll figure this out.Can't go wrong for $120, as it would probably cost you $40 to ship this kit to someone yourself.

I have worked on, upgraded and maintained my vehicles for years. Over the years I have had limited success using a pair of Macpherson coil spring compressors, and never felt very safe using them. I needed to replace the struts on my Toyota Tundra which has much beefier springs than any of my other vehicles, and decided to follow recommendations to rent or purchase one of these heavy duty kits. Prices on Amazon were better than anywhere else I looked so made the leap. What a difference this tool makes! Quick to setup, easy to use and very strong. I never felt like the tool wasn't up to the task and I cut a lot of time out of the repair process just by using it.This isn't a tool that most home garage mechanics will use very often, but it is worth the price just the same. It will work for just about any automotive coil spring, from small cars to larger pickups.The only very minor negative is that the blue plastic blow-molded case has very thin/flimsy latches, and the shipment arrived with one of them broken off inside of the shipping box.