Compressing strut coil springs is no easy task, and can often prove to be a dangerous job – especially if you are using an inferior compressor that is prone to slipping. If your time and safety is important to you, a new compressing machine will pay for itself many times over.
While there are less expensive units (like the OTC 6494 Clamshell Strut Spring Compressor) that are passable for infrequent use, a high-quality coil spring compressor is a necessity for both professional mechanics, and also for the home mechanic that knows the value of good tools. And choosing the right one is important, because in many cases quality is directly related to both safety and functionality.
If you decide to try to save a few dollars by purchasing a cheap compressor you run the risk of injuring yourself while using it. And since time is money for a mechanic, wasting time fighting with an inferior tool, or having to replace one that breaks after a few uses just isn’t worth it. A good tool will last for a long time, and pay for itself many times over.
When it comes to coil spring compressors there are a variety of manufacturers offering many different models to choose from. We narrowed our focus down to some of the higher-end machines that will stand up to either commercial or heavy home use. We give detailed reviews of each below, but for those in a hurry here are our top choices:
Coil & Strut Spring Compressors Compared
Preview | Model | Type | Weight | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branick 7600 | Wall-Mounted | 98 lbs. | |
| Jacktech SK-3000 | Freestanding | 56.2 lbs | |
| Performance Tool W89311 | Internal Handheld | 3.8 lbs | |
| OTC 6637-ST | Freestanding | 178 lbs. | |
| OEMTOOLS 25550 MacPherson | External handheld | 7.15 lbs. | |
| ABN 11.5in Strut Spring | External handheld | 8 lbs. | |
| Shankly Spring | Handheld external | 10.1 lbs. | |
| OEMTOOLS 27035 | Handheld internal | 6 lbs. | |
| XtremepowerUS 10” | Handheld external | 1 lb. |
Choosing The Best Spring Compressor for Your Garage
Material
When in use, a spring compressor will be put under a great deal of stress caused by the coil attempting to return to its uncompressed state. Accordingly, you'll want to pick out a model that can stand up to this degree of wear without degrading or losing structural integrity. Most models use reinforced metals throughout their frames. Those with rubber components (such as grips) should receive a second look due to their probability of such components to degrade under duress.
Size
Struts and springs come in a variety of sizes, making it necessary to choose a spring compressor that is compatible with your chosen strut size. Most spring compressors can be adjusted up and down within a specific size range, allowing the user to safely gain a greater volume of torque as they compress their spring.
Ease of Use
Spring compression can be a little bit laborious regardless of your chosen model. You should identify those models that provide features that reduce the physical demands placed on the user. Some models will accomplish this through a locking system or an in-line weight distribution system.
Safety
Without question, you should place a spring compressor’s safety qualifications above all other features and specifications. That is because spring compression can be very dangerous if it is improperly handled. Ideally, your chosen model should be rated to handle loads far above your expected average while also including components that prevent spring slippage or dislodgement.
Price & Warranty
As with all of your tools, you should look for the best deal. While this naturally calls for finding the most affordably priced model on the market, you should also factor a productive warranty into the set’s final evaluation. These types of warranties can save you a lot of money down the line, especially if your chosen model performs below expectations or breaks soon after its first use.
9 Best Strut Spring Compressor Reviewed
Below are reviews of what we believe to be the top three coil spring compressors on the market right now:
1. Branick 7600
Our Top Pick
Type | Wall-Mounted |
Item Weight | 98 lbs. |
Safety Feature | Locks tight after each stroke |
Warranty | None Listed |
When it comes to strut spring compressors, the Branick brand is top of the line. This particular compressor – the Branick 7600 – is known for its safety features and longstanding durability. Because of that, it is often referred to as the industry standard model of strut spring compressor. Let’s take a look at this highly rated unit.
Pros
Cons
Advantages - Explained
Disadvantages - Explained
One feature we wish the Branick 7600 had was portability. The unit is built to mount to a fixed position. But it would be much more useful in our opinion if you could move the compressor around the shop to where it is needed. The good news is that the Branick 764 Portable Cart For 7600 is designed specifically to meet that need. It does add to the overall cost, but if you are doing a lot of struts or don’t have a fixed space to mount the 7600 it might be the perfect accessory.
The Branick manufacturer’s warranty is very helpful and available to those who purchase it new for an additional cost, which can add a lot of peace of mind to your purchase. Although this model is a little more expensive than others available on the market, it can achieve maximum flexibility with its upper spring hooks that can be arranged in multiple positions to easily fit coil spring configurations on a factory level.
Overall, users have enjoyed using this product and verify its longevity, their reviews alone being enough to testify to the manufacturer’s claim that it will last you for years to come.
Summary
2. Jacktech SK-3000
Runner Up
Type | Freestanding |
Item Weight | 56.2 lbs |
Safety Feature | Double Clutch Disc systems |
Warranty | 2 Year Parts Warranty |
Let’s be honest – shop-grade equipment can be pricey, and put a strain on any budget. If you’re looking for a quality coil spring compressor that will do the job but represents a little less steep of an investment as the Branick 7600, the Jacktech SK-3000 may be the right fit. Let’s look at the specs of the SK-3000, to see how it stacks up against the Branick.
Pros
Cons
Advantages - Explained
Disadvantages - Explained
The fact that this product can be both strong and stable while achieving maximum mobility and flexibility has been a deal sealer for many users, and overall this model performs very well. This product is best for those who are not looking to spend too much money on their next strut compressor but still want a solid, long lasting machine.
Summary
3. Performance Tool W89311
Best Coil Spring Compressor Tool
Type | Internal Handheld |
Item Weight | 3.8 lbs |
Safety Feature | Coil Springs accessible from the center of the coil |
Warranty | Yes, lifetime limited |
Among the options available on the market today, the Performance Tool W89311 certainly stands out as one of the best coil spring compressor tools. In fact, this particular model sees a lot of use in the standard automotive and light truck industry, primarily because this model can handle springs with a maximum of 5-5/8" outside diameter.
With an internal handheld spring compressor such as this, absolute durability would also have to be present in order for that model to be considered among the “best.” Luckily, the Performance Tool W89311 provides on this front as well, thanks to its combined chrome and steel construction.
Pros
Cons
4. OTC 6637-ST
Easy to Move
Type | Freestanding |
Item Weight | 178 lbs. |
Safety Feature | Locking Trunnions |
Warranty | Yes, manufacturer’s warranty (requires registration at the time of purchase) |
The OTC company has built up a reputation for itself of providing high-quality products to users for years. Given that fact, it is only natural that their OTC 6637-ST Strut Tamer would also perform well in our review of the best coil spring compressors, and make the #3 spot on this list. Let’s look at the features that make the Strut Tamer a worthy competitor.
One thing that users look for in their strut tamers is the tool’s ability to handle a wide variety of springs, so that it can be used across all different kinds of vehicles. This OTC model has a spring capacity that can handle springs as large as 10 inches in diameter to jobs as small as 2 ½ inches in diameter.
The torque compression on this product is very helpful and offers a gear reduction 2:1 ratio, allowing the user to easily operate it without injuring themselves or exerting too much of their own energy. New safety standards are released all the time requiring new rules and regulations to be met, so it can be difficult to find an updated model that adheres to every last one of these safety rules. Fortunately, this strut tamer meets all of the ASME PASE safety rules, ensuring that it will safely compress even the largest of strut springs.
The OTC 6637-ST is the most expensive option on this list. This machine is certainly an investment. However, the price does reflect the product’s versatility and high performance, which is important to keep in mind.
This product is making strides in setting new standards for safety and durability for professional strut spring tamers. It works very efficiently, and the extreme heavy-duty construction makes this one of the most stable options available on the market, albeit maybe a little less mobile. Due to the steeper price, this machine is probably best for professionals and working technicians who are looking to operate on a wide variety of vehicles and strut sizes.
Pros
Cons
5. OEMTOOLS 25550 MacPherson
Best MacPherson Strut Compressor
Type | External handheld |
Item Weight | 7.15 lbs. |
Safety Feature | Safety Latching Hooks |
Warranty | Yes, lifetime warranty |
The best MacPherson strut compressor can be hard to find if you only shop at your local hardware store. Fortunately, the OEMTOOLS 25550 is readily available online at a fairly modest price. This model, in particular, is a significant improvement over previous models of the same architectural style because it uses alloyed steel for enhanced durability. This model's heat-treated screws follow this same attention to long-term reliability, given their ability to resist warping.
The OEMTOOLS 25550 also comes through with a couple of safety features worth noting. One feature that many previous users have appreciated is this model's safety latching hooks, which ensure that the inserted spring never budges while it is engaged.
Pros
Cons
6. ABN 11.5in Strut Spring
Best Rated
Type | External handheld |
Item Weight | 8 lbs. |
Safety Feature | Built-in detent pins |
Warranty | Yes, 1-year warranty |
Much to our surprise, the ABN 11.5 has managed to punch above its class to become the best-rated strut spring compressor tool. Then again, maybe this ranking shouldn’t be a surprise given how smoothly its Acme threaded rod operates with a minimal amount of lubrication. This model doesn't require any special tools to tighten either, only a standard 13/16-inch wrench.
If you regularly work with MacPherson springs, this model will really come in handy as well. That’s because the ABN 11.5’s forged hooks and detent pins have both been designed to be compatible with most MacPherson springs types.
Pros
Cons
7. Shankly Spring
Best Universal Spring Compressor Tool Kit
Type | Handheld external |
Item Weight | 10.1 lbs. |
Safety Feature | Safety guard |
Warranty | None Listed |
If you won’t settle for anything less than the best universal spring compressor tool kit, then this Shankly Spring set will be a perfect match for you. Though it lacks a listed warranty and comes in a rather flimsy storage box, this set redeems itself by being compatible with nearly all common springs and struts. Indeed, this model’s jaws – which can be adjusted to sizes between 23 mm and 280 mm – really comes in handy when used in an auto shop setting.
Regardless of its capacity, this set’s compressor can hold 1,000 kg of pressure reliably. As an added assurance, though, this model makes optimal use of both a safety bar and a safety guard to protect the user.
Pros
Cons
8. OEMTOOLS 27035
Good Internal Coil Spring Compressor
Type | Handheld internal |
Item Weight | 6 lbs. |
Safety Feature | None Listed |
Warranty | Yes, manufacturer’s warranty (requires request at time of purchase) |
The OEMTOOLS 27035 can undoubtedly be described as a good internal coil spring compressor, though not the absolute best in its class by any means. While this model is relatively versatile, given its use of broad hooks, it is rather bothersome that it lacks any safety features whatsoever.
This disappointing exclusion is redeemed, though, because this model's reinforced cross piece can efficiently distribute weight across their entire tool's body. It also comes with a storage case for easy organization.
Pros
Cons
9. XtremepowerUS 10”
Best Cheap Spring Compressor Tool
Type | Handheld external |
Item Weight | 1 lb. |
Safety Feature | None Listed |
Warranty | No |
Finally, we come to the XtremepowerUS 10”, which certainly earns the award for the best cheap spring compressor tool. This model costs only around $15 – a massive bargain for amateur mechanics who only need to work on suspension systems every so often.
For that low price, though, you’re getting quite a bit of quality, as evidenced in this model’s heat-treated steel construction. Even the XtremepowerUS 10’s chrome-plated compressor jaw provides the extra degree of durability needed to make this tool last for years to come.
Pros
Cons
How do Spring Compressors work?
If you are in the process of adjusting your vehicle's suspension system, you may be left wondering how to use your new spring compressor safely. This process only requires a few steps, which can be reversed when it is time to reinsert the same (or a replacement) strut.
Advantages of Owning Spring Compressors
First off, spring compressors are a must-have for any professional or amateur body shop. Spring compressors add a high degree of safety when working with a vehicle’s suspension.
Also, spring compressors make it easy to replace key components of your vehicle’s shock absorption system without needing to pay a massive amount out of pocket.
How to Safely Use a Spring Compressor
On the surface, a spring compressor may appear simple to use. But in fact, all spring compressors should be used with caution and the utmost attention to safety.
If you’re new to spring compressor use or have simply never purchased your own, be sure to keep these following guidelines in mind each and every time you plan to work on your vehicle’s suspension system:
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is it safe to drive a car with bad suspension?
No, driving with a bad suspension is not safe. Because your suspension system holds the entire weight of your vehicle (several tons, in most cases), a problem with its operation can cause excessive wear on your vehicle’s frame as well as problems steering.
How long does it take to remove old struts?
While professionals can often remove old struts efficiently, amateurs should set aside an hour or two to ensure that they can slowly and safely interact with these potentially dangerous components. Those who are using their compressor for the first time may also want to spend time carefully reviewing their user's guide before starting the strut removal process.
What happens when a strut fails?
If a strut is allowed to fail entirely, you will begin to notice immediately as your vehicle's reliability and responsiveness take a nosedive. You'll quickly see that your wheels will start to form uneven wear patterns, which is a sure sign that your transmission is under a higher degree of duress. In time, this will misalign key engine components and prevent your vehicle from operating at all.
How can I tell if my coil springs are bad?
There are several symptoms that mechanics recommend looking for when attempting to diagnose a bad coil spring. First, if your vehicle has a bumpy ride when traveling over uneven pavement, you may have reason to believe that your suspension system is damaged. Uneven tire wear can also be a sure sign on this front, as can a “floating front end” that causes excessive drifting.
Conclusion
If you've learned anything from this guide on this year's best coil and strut spring compressors, then it should be that there's more than meets the eye with these important tools. While many models appear similar on the surface, each compressor often contains varying degrees of compatibility and durability that will make it more or less useful for your vehicle's maintenance needs.
With all of that in mind, we have to put one more good word in for the Branick 7600 Strut Spring Compressor. This model became our top pick for a good reason, with its multiple mounting options and multi-position hooks really shining through when your spring compression job calls for versatility.