harbor Freight Pittsburgh Single Action Strut Spring Compressor is it safe to use on 1100 lbs spring

harbor Freight Pittsburgh Single Action Strut Spring Compressor is it safe to use on 1100 lb spring? Compare to OTC Tools OTC6494
This video is not sponsored by Harbor Freight. The tool in the video was purchased using private funds by MACT Garage.
I have tested this equipment with an 1100 lb spring in the video. I did not at any time feel that it would slip, or suddenly fail. The mounting were secure and everything held in place during the compression and expansion phase of the test in the video. The single rod compressors of course are a scary thing as they do not have the same support as this single action does.
Pittsburgh Automotive Single Action Strut Spring Compressor
Easily repair and replace MacPherson struts with this industrial duty single action strut spring compressor
This single action strut spring compressor is ideal for tire, body and specialty shops. It works on MacPherson struts with springs up to 7 in. in diameter, providing balanced pressure on two sides of the spring for easy repair or replacement of the struts.
Designed specifically for MacPherson struts
Works on springs to 7 in.
Lead screw torque: 15 ft. lbs.
Support arm length: 15-1/4 in.
SKU(s)
43753
Brand
Pittsburgh Automotive
Capacity
7 in.
Shipping Weight
21.63 lb.

[@onsa5362]

Just bought one today. Thanks for the video and advice. Worked great.

[@danielleabraham7007]

any tips?

[@justsomeguy4941]

Hey MACT, great video. I needed to change struts in my 2001 LS430. Was contemplating rental compressor from Auto store, but was not comfortable with the single axle struts on each side of spring. Thought the HF setup was much better. I saw you struggle with getting the spring out. I thought...hmm, won't happen to me. MY EXPERIENCE: #1) On my initial try the spring was not compressed enough to relieve pressure on strut. #2) In order to relieve pressure I decided to move hooks up to next spring (instructions say don't spread more than 8 inches). Taking the compressor off was like removing a Chinese Finger Puppet! Jeez, I had same issue you did! Also this higher level did not relieve pressure when the spring was full compressed. #3) I went to local auto shop and rented the basic compressor...the one I did not want to mess with. However, for the 2nd time removing the strut from the HF Finger Puppet (I mean spring compressor) took waayyy too much time and effort. Anyway, the auto store compressor was sketchy the whole way. Each axle was starting to flex in the middle as the strut compressed. So, I finished ONE and decided Ito take the other to a machine shop. OH, One other Thing...I was not at all comfortable with the only thing holding the hooks on the HF compressor being welds (unlike the 1 piece hooks on the rentals). If a weld snaps, that's not so good. Also, the hooks did not fit flush around the spring. They were somewhat angled on the spring, which meant the pressure was not evenly distributed on the hooks...or the welds. CONCLUSION: I would not buy this device again...nor would I use it again. In fact, I am taking mine back. I recommend spending the $50 per spring and have a shop do it. If you will be changing springs regularly, I imagine there are better options out there for a compressor. I hope this write up helps someone.

[@jessandkaka]

Good job, thanks for sharing

[@jamespha9896]

thank you good video learning some new 👍👍

[@Pro.1322]

🤭 dude tossed the manual to the side then keep wondering what goes where. “Not sure what we’re doing here” 🤦‍♂️

[@winstonortega6941]

I believe that safety hoop is to place onto the strut so you can grip the spring on topside and then the ring on bottom of the strut. This was necessary on a 2003 rav4.

[@avowedindependent3934]

Thanks

[@itimebomb89]

This was worth watching just to see you fight with it to get the spring in the contraption. Makes me feel less along in the world to see other people struggle like that. lol

[@thestevedoughtyshow27]

I just bought the vevor, great spring compressor, 80 dollars on ebay. And yes, I have used it to replace the springs on my sidekick.

[@canonleahy3615]

I love this video

[@markconley9279]

The silver pins should be allowed to center with the small centering springs that way the jack bolt doesn’t bend with the offset pressure. Also the directions say to only compress enough to safely remove the strut nut.

[@classicstangbrn8964]

24mm is 1in, 3/4 is 19mm, just saying. Just bought one today, I'm glad you demonstrated on a real spring.

[@tommyho6437]

Looks like a lot more work then the 2 single compressor

[@markconley9279]

I may try to mount one of the arms in a vice.

[@davestewart9146]

I have the same spring compressor, the only problem I had is that it wouldn’t work with performance lowering spring, if I remember right the spring space was to close together and the spring thickness wouldn’t fit enough to push in the safety pins

[@timothy9360]

You can use a spring spreader or grind the tips off of the clamps.

[@jeffkloss9355]

Alot of people probably haven't used one of these and needed this to be confident in the equipment. I for one have not used one and I have had the same shocks and struts in my Edge since 2010 when I bought it and I have 217K miles on it. This would definitely be useful! I need to put some new ones in and maybe gain some ride height with the 32" mud tires I have on it. Definitely deserves more views.

[@jma8352]

i tried to put 1" spring bushings on the rear of my 2010 ford escape with the rent tool from advance but could not get it compressed enough, not enough clearance to operate the bolt from the bottom. was wondering if this tool would work, just nerves about the cocked to one side

[@dirtmcgirt7125]

Could you have spun the coils into the hooks?

[@sweatingbullets4235]

The nuts go on the end double nut them so it won’t slip and the washer needs to go on the long bolt first

[@onsa5362]

Thank you!!

[@danielleabraham7007]

thank you good info need to know

[@robbmarrero811]

This vid should have had, "How not to use a clamshell compression tool ". In the title

[@chrisbeckner2103]

Watch this video if you want to see how to get yourself injured. While I’m not one that usually thoroughly reads the directions, I will at least skim the import 1,2,3 steps instructions. Hey MACT, before starting a video, how bout doing a test run before turning on the camera.

[@pureblood6310]

They recommend anti seize on the threaded rod!

[@alb12345672]

I bought that years ago when I had a 95 Tbird. Would not fit on the spring. Returned it, took them to NAPA, they did it for $50.

[@prtbone78]

They did one or 2 for 50? Well did what installed the shock to the spring?

[@alb12345672]

@@prtbone78 I found the receipt, the whole thing was $100 including/tax. So I guess 50 a side. I also had two other estimates from shops. I had all the parts in my trunk (tbird at home) and one wanted $175 and one $220. Crazy. Just to do the springs. That is when I bought the HF clamshell. Back then they had also set for $10 :lol: Looked like threaded rods from the hardware store. that is probably for a civic. I would not use it on my springs. The HF guy suggested NAPA. I waited an hour and it was done.

[@slicenationmrpublichousing8840]

I got the same one before you decompress unlock two of the pins

[@johnscerbo130]

It would be easier to take the strut assemblies out bring them to a shop that has a professional spring compressor and pay the 1/2 labor rate.

[@HellHoundOne]

8:16

[@patricioovalle6590]

why that people never read that instructions book??

[@ppainterco]

Yeah, I was thinking “RTFM”.

[@gordonbyrd7199]

Buddy “wasn’t sure” and had “no idea” the entire time.

[@oaklandpark2531]

😂😂😂 The thumbnail was funny... How is it holding up?

[@hectorgaldo5465]

Next!👉🏽

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

What a pain in the ass to use. If you had trouble mounting just the spring in the compressor just imagine with it with a strut.

[@lesshelest]

I will never believe this is 1100 lbs spring.

[@jwh1776]

I just bought one. Ya know, if you threw in a couple cursin words youd sound like AvE on youtube. Lol

[@jmercmon]

I'm pretty sure the mystery ring is for storage. Un thread the bolt but leave it in the spring side rotate 90 and then pinch the 4 ends and slip the ring over it. Or maybe they just put it in there so we would ask questions ... lol

[@larrywarolin7215]

You asked me what I think. Some people just love hear themselves talk. Why would you post video of yourself showing people how to use a tool to do something potentially dangerous when you have absolutely no clue what you are doing or talking about?

[@alb12345672]

HF just recalled 8 years of jackstands. Scary!!!!

[@paulzale7429]

Perhaps read the Instructions! Haha

[@buildingconsultants1854]

When in doubt, hammer it in. Yeah. No need for safety glasses or a Mug Protector either Just get a bigger hammer

[@buildingconsultants1854]

Im not sure, probably READ the instructions about those 'extra nuts' and ring for your nose. Not sure..... not sure... Not sure youre the guy i want to learn anything from

[@Doomzdayxx]

This works for larger SUVs and trucks. It's complete dogshit for smaller struts on smaller cars. Get the 2-piece design for that.

[@pirihern9329]

Don't buy no bueno

[@user-ji3zi7sc7s]

I had to quit watching half way before you crippled yourself or blinded someone.

[@rberta12]

Get to the point … jeez… Reading in Fundamental