Advanced Tool Design Model ATD-3054 Macpherson Strut Spring Hook Compressor

I replace the struts and shocks on my '08 Subaru Legacy this weekend and while these worked, they weren't the type recommended for the job. The recommended compressors cost a great deal more than these, so they were worth it in my mind. They did a very good holding the springs security while I worked, but were a bit more work than the recommended type.Build quality is very good and they come with a nice storage case.I recommend lubing the bolt and washer at the top of the compressor as well as the threads with some lithium grease since you're going to be working with some pretty big forces.I used an electric impact driver to spin the bolts since it takes a LOT of turns to compress and uncompress the springs as you work.

I got this as part of my first experiment with doing suspension work on my car. I could get all of the parts and tools I needed for less than what an mechanic would charge me. I don't like to skimp on tools, so the significant number of negative reviews on less expensive spring compressors from HF and also on Amazon warned me off from them. This set seemed like a good compromise- a bit more expensive but mostly good reviews and should last through more than one use.They arrived in a nice case. The only problem with the case is the spot for the compressors is molded into it, so you need to spend time getting the hook to the right position for them to fit.Using the compressors was a little more difficult than I expected. Finding a way to fit them opposite each other on my Honda Element strut proved a little difficult. There weren't enough turns in the spring to position them perfectly, so I went with the best I could do, which worked but was a little awkward. Part of the strut tower or spring was in the way of the bolt head so I couldn't get a socket/impact wrench on it. I had to turn them with a box wrench. It works, but it takes a bit of time to get all the turns in.There were no problems with the quality of the parts. They feel beefy and operate smoothly. I have since used them on a second project without issue. If you are looking for a value, I can recommend these. If I had the money and were doing a lot of spring compressing, I would want to try out a clamshell style tool for ease of use.

Low price, nothing fancy as far as quality. You get what you paid for. These would not work on the front struts of my 08 Subaru Outback - the struts have very few turns and these 2 were not able to do it. This vehicle and others just cannot be done easily by the home mechanic - you will need a more substantial wall mounted multi grab point design. This tool would do the rears and were able to do the front struts on my Caravan.

These are junk. Contacted company about them stating "AMCE" threads right on the box. This is a flat out lie. You want AMCE threads for this type of high pressure job. These are basically harbor freight, the slums of china, the blind old lady who works with metal crap type of tool. DO NOT USE.

I used these on the front end struts for my 96 Firebird. First, the hooks are so tall that I had to jam them in between the coils, severely scraping the newly painted springs. Second, there isn't much distance between the nut and the spring. I had to alternate back and forth very frequently to prevent the spring from leaning into the socket being used to tighten the compressor, which would then prevent the socket from being able to be removed. In the end I probably used these about 10 times and got better at it over time, so they do work comparatively well for the price.Edit:Downgraded my review from 3 to 2 stars. Lent these out to a friend and one of the shafts bent. To be fair, I am a bit surprised because I was using these with no problem on my Firebird struts. The person who bent them was working on a truck spring, which may have been too much for these.

These shock compressors are sturdily built and easy to work with. Just make sure you use plenty of lube (anti-seize, wheel bearing grease, etc.) on the threads while you are compressing the springs (also put some on the bottom of the compressor where you turn the driving nut). The locking pins are good safety additions but sometimes get in the way while you are trying to get the compressors situated on the springs. It may take a few tries before you get them where you want them or where they will work without hitting any other body parts. Just take it slow and steady and be safe!

I've used these type many times getting loaners from parts store, finally got my own set. They are not perfect, but affordable and strong. Some struts have large "hats" on top and bottom like my GM W body and these were difficult to get to position where they would work properly. In most cases however, they work fine. I totally recommend an air impact gun with a good sized compressor so you can turn these on and off rapidly, doing it by hand would take a while.If I owned a shop I'd get a hydraulic fork style that would make it even easier to do struts and springs, but for what it is, these are very strong and will do the job. Use a crowbar or similar if you have trouble getting into position, springs will move a bit for you with some pressure. Use grease on threads, and yes it will make using them dirty but that's life.

Well made, solid hooks and effective retention pins. No issues in smoothly and quickly compressing Acura springs to change struts. No slippage of hooks whatsoever. Be sure to use a quality oil or grease on the bolt threads. In this case Break-Free was used and did the job. Storage case is a big plus. Recommended.