Who makes a decent spring compressor? The Harbor Freight one I bought stripped the second time I used it! I'm looking for the type that goes up and into the center of the coils of the spring and hooks on. Checker sells one, is it any good? On there website they have one for $54 dollars.

I used a center mount type made by Powerbuilt, just last week. Worked great. Rented it from Kragen for the grand total of 6 dollars for 2 days. I think they seel for about 50 there.
Jim

I bought mine from Eastwood. I can't imagine the threads stripping on that thing.

They have it for $35 in their April catalog.

www.eastwoodcompany.com (http://www.eastwoodcompany.com)

Tim.

Hey thanks for the replies. We got a Kragen/Checkers here in Phoenix. I’ll stop by and pick one up today. Yes Harbor Freight strikes again, you’d think I would learn by now. The spring compressor slipped, (popped), about ½ inch and I was lucky to get it apart. I did have a chain wrapped and bolted around it but it’s still a little spooky to work around :eek: .

I have used the inside Mac tools compressor for many years. I also use cam assy lube on the threads so they do not gall. If the threads are dry they will gall after a few uses. I also clean the lube off after use so there is no dirt in the grease.

I have been using the one I got from Snap-on from 84-to present.


Rocky

I'll second on the lube.....I actually use anti-sieze (sp?) on mine...I spread it liberally.

Even with the anti-sieze I somtimes have to hit a couple of threads with a thread file about after about three or four uses...I bought mine from NAPA, forgot what brand it was.

I have a Harbor freight one that I have used many, many times. The threads on the rod were quite rough when I got it. I took the rod and ran it against the the wire wheel in the bench grider to 'polish' the threads and I use good 50wt. oil on the threads every time. It has been a good tool for me. :D But I have to agree that it is cheaply made.