[mossman77]

I bought this clamshell coil spring compressor from ebay and it did not work on my Tundra springs. I wrestled with the thing for a half hour and could not get the forth hook connected. It appears that the hook is facing the wrong direction and this is why I could not get it around the coil. Does someone have a (more expensive) clamshell compressor or experience with using one that can do a comparison? I've been arguing back and forth with the seller and as of now he refuses to accept a return. It doesn't make sense to me that the hooks would be facing different directions.

 

[mossman77]

Tried that already. Most images weren't large enough to tell. I'll keep looking.

 

[mossman77]

Yes, paid $100 to have the coils swapped at a shop, then came home and put them on myself. Doesn't look like the seller is going to accept the return because it is "used". How the hell I was supposed to know it wouldn't work without trying to use it is beyond me. Loaner ones at the auto parts store are the (even more dangerous) 2-piece type, the same type that snapped on me. Won't ever use those again. It's not likely I'll need a compressor tool again for some time, but I wanted to have the capability if needed.

The coils on my truck are smaller diameter. Aren't passenger cars usually larger diameter? This compressor is for up to 7" diameter coils, mine are less than 5". I'm going to see if I can get someone to cut off the one hook and re-weld it at a different angle, then it will be just fine. Tool only cost $60, so it would likely cost more than that to have it fixed. Cheaper then buying a $200 clamshell that works though. I'll probably end up chucking it. Don't really feel comfortable selling it to someone else if it isn't going to work for them either.