Red Line Auto Tools RL1117J Macpherson Strut Coil Spring Compressor Tool Set

Like other reviewers I was impressed with the heft of this tool. I'd never done this job before, but a friend who has compressed springs himself said this looked like a really good tool. With that encouragement I used it to change the shocks on a 2006 Nissan Xterra. It was a straightforward process and after I got comfortable with the job and the tool on the first shock, the second shock swap went very quickly and easily. I noticed the spring trying to bow a little away from the tool as I compressed it but the ridges built into the spring cups were solid enough to hold the spring. I can't yet comment on the long-term durability of this tool, but I felt much safer using this than I think I would have if I'd bought the less expensive style of compressor (2-independent screw designs). I'd probably feel better with a professional shop-quality device, but I didn't have the space or the budget for such a device. This is probably the best quality, mobile, compressor at this price point. I'm going to use this tool again on a VW next, and will update my review if I have any troubles.***Update****The "jaws" on this one were just a little too thick to fit perfectly into the strut on a 15 year-old VW - I managed to get the job done despite the tight fit, but I tried something different on the next strut:I tried using this tool in combination with a rented hook/screw set (I used only one of the hook/screw compressors on the opposite side of the strut I was working with this tool). I think that is my new favorite setup for confidently compressing springs and I'll probably purchase one of those tool sets to "tag team" future jobs. The hook/screw clamps can fit into slightly smaller gaps that the beefy jaws on this tool can't get into, so I started compressing with the hook/screw until I had made enough space to fit this tool into the other side of the spring, and from there I just alternated back and forth between the two. Using this method, I was able to compress the spring symmetrically, and get a side-by-side comparison for how effective each tool is - verdict: this strut compressor is much safer feeling and light-years faster than using only two independent hook/screws.I'm still extremely satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this set to any home mechanic. I've used it on two very different vehicles and it worked great both times.

Save your money and buy a cheap 2 piece set with locking pins . This set broke the first time I used it . The tool flexes back away from the strut making the shaft bind up . Bad design.

I was very impressed with the "heft" of this item. It made compressing the front springs on a BMW 328i very easy. Much easier than when using the rented compressor from Autozone on prior jobs. Compressing the spring used to be the hardest part of this job and now it's the easiest!

Have doubts about how safe was this tool when I first got it.It took me some time to get familiar with it but once I use it in the first strut, the second, third and fourth struts were even more easy.Was able to compress the suspension springs and easily replace 4 struts on my 2005 ford Expedition.