Coil Spring Compressor Slipping? Which to Buy and How to Use It

A compressed road spring stores a lot of energy; if the compressor slips, it can cause serious injury. The fix: the right tool for your spring, jaws that stay on the coils, and care compressing and releasing.

The spring compressor range at PartsForMachines has 40 products from Sealey, Sykes Pickavant, Draper, SIP and Govoni. The 33 coil spring compressors run from hook-type pairs to air-operated stations; the rest are valve spring compressors, strut nut sets and accessories.

Hook Clamps, Yoke Set or Floor Station: Which Do I Need?

It depends how often and where you will use it: hook pairs suit occasional jobs, while a floor station suits regular strut work. Some hook pairs, such as the AK3841 two-piece coil spring compressor set, have wrap-over claws to cut the chance of slipping and suit tight wheel arches; yoke sets use shaped yokes instead of hooks.

A station like the RE231 hydraulic compressing station takes the strut once it is off the car, and its foot pedal leaves both hands free to steady the spring. Air stations have a guard or cage; on the 385801SP, opening the steel safety gates cuts out the cylinder.

Why Do Spring Compressor Hooks Slip, and How Do I Stop It?

Hooks can slip when a jaw catches only the edge of a coil, letting the spring work free under load. Uneven tightening adds to the risk: it overloads one side and pulls the spring off balance.

Seat every jaw fully on the coil before you start, and choose jaws that hold on: wrap-over claws, or safety hooks like those on the three-piece AK384. Some yoke sets go further: the RE229 yoke-type coil spring compressor set has yokes shaped to stop the spring bowing.

Long, Conical or Wishbone Spring: Will the Compressor Fit?

It will fit if it covers your spring’s size and load: measure the outside diameter and length, and check the load against the tool’s rating. Hook pairs are sized by jaw opening (190mm on the Draper 14173, 290mm on the AK3843), yoke tools and stations by spring diameter (Ø80–175mm on the RE231).

For long springs, the AK3842 long-reach coil spring compressor reaches 350mm to compress more of the coil. Conical springs need jaws or yokes that suit them, and wishbone springs compressed in place may need a tool designed for them.

How Do I Compress and Release a Spring Safely?

Go slowly and follow the tool’s and the vehicle’s manuals. Check the compressor for damage or wear, and put on eye protection. With a hook pair, fit the two compressors directly opposite each other, jaws as far apart on the spring as they go, then tighten them in turn, a little at a time. Stop before the coils touch, and undo the top nut only once the spring is loose on the strut. Never leave a compressed spring unattended.

To release, check the spring ends sit properly in their seats, then back the compressors off slowly and gradually until no tension remains, keeping your hands and body clear.

What Should I Check Before I Buy a Spring Compressor?

• the spring’s outside diameter and length, against the jaw opening, reach or yoke range
• the rated load, and whether it is per pair (1000kg on the AK3841), per set of three (1200kg on the AK384) or per compressor
• where you will work: a tight wheel arch, in place on wishbone suspension, or the bench
• the spring type: conical, left- or right-hand coil, or multi-link
• safety features: wrap-over claws or safety hooks, shaped yokes, a restraint wire or a guard

Not sure which suits your vehicle? Browse the spring compressor range, or contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with the spring’s diameter and length, or a photo of the strut.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ratchet straps or clamps instead of a spring compressor?

No. Use a spring compressor made for the job. A compressed road spring stores a very large amount of energy, and if it comes loose it can cause serious injury. The wrong compressor can be hazardous too, so check the tool suits your spring.

Can I drive a spring compressor with an impact wrench?

Only if its manual allows it; otherwise use hand tools. Some are for hand tools only: the RE251 truck-cab compressor is not for power tools, and torque must not exceed 80Nm. The GO359 has a safety extension that prevents overloading, with a 40Nm maximum.

Can the strut come off the car without undoing the top nut?

Yes. Remove the strut as the vehicle’s workshop manual describes, with the top nut still holding the spring, then compress the spring before you undo the nut.

Can I compress a spring in place on wishbone suspension?

Yes, with a tool made for it. The RE2281 wishbone suspension compressor reaches the spring through access points in the rear suspension arm and suits springs of Ø60–170mm. The GO359 is designed for wishbone and multi-link springs; check its listed applications against your car.

Does it matter if my spring is wound left- or right-handed?

It can. Some yoke sets are made for one coil direction: the RE239 kit is for left-hand coils, while the RE249 set has yokes for both. Station arms vary too; the self-levelling arms on the 385801SP also hold left-hand coils.

Will a spring compressor damage the spring’s coating?

It can, so look for protection on the jaws. The RE229 comes with plastic yoke protectors, and the RE231 station has plastic-coated yokes. It matters because once the coating is damaged, moisture can get in and rust can follow.

Is it safe to compress an old, corroded spring?

Inspect it carefully first. Corrosion weakens a spring and makes it more likely to fail, so consider replacing a badly corroded spring rather than compressing and refitting it. Wear eye protection whatever its condition.

Should I use two or three hook compressors?

Use the number the set is made for. Fit a pair directly opposite each other. Three-piece sets, such as the AK384 or the Draper 68614, add a third clamp; the AK384’s 1200kg rating is for all three together, not for each clamp.

What else do I need to undo the strut top nut?

A way to hold the piston rod still while you turn the nut. The VS0331 go-through kit holds the rod steady through the socket, and the SX0331 set has castellated sockets for strut nuts. Tighten the nut with hand tools, not an impact wrench.