On 21 Apr 2005 08:57:09 -0700, the inscrutable "T.C. Mann"
spake:

Since I feel like I will be undertaking a potentially dangerous task, I

thought I would first ask the experts on this group. For replacing the

trailing arm on my car, I need to compress the coil spring. I have
already removed the shock absorber from the middle of the spring so
have room work inside the center of the spring.


I purchased a pair of external "hook type" compressors which are
designed to be used on each side of the spring but now I am having
second thoughts about using them. The hooks appear to made from cast
metal and do not appear to be drop forged steel. The width of the
hooks is also thinner than I would like and am concerned that one of
these hooks could crack under tension with disastrous results. For
this reason, I would feel alot safer making my own.

I always wondered about the safety when using those professionally.
Since I was at a body shop, I grabbed a section of cable and ran it
through the coil, securing it to the control arm/diff so it couldn't
act like a projectile when I had it under full tension. The cheapy
compressors never did break, but I had a couple slip sideways on me.
The 1/4" wire rope with 2 clamps contained it every time, breaking the
tension so the loose coil just dropped limply.

I'd be more leery of a handmade unit unless you have the gear and time
to do it right. Give the commercial unit the proper respect and she'll
treat you right, I'll bet.


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