another +1 for the crane tool. its awesome getting a whole cylinder done at once.

 

Is the crane tool only better because you can take two springs or is it something else? Wich one is most easy to use for the back ones?

tims tool: $30
crane: $110

Hmmmm....

 

crane tool= half the time.

 

crane tool. Its your time. As well as the fact the homade tool is not geometrically correct. You compress at an angle as opposed to straight down. Yes its cheaper but you can make it yourself for less than $10.
I rent out the crane dual tool as well as the rods and air fitting for the cylinder.

 

Crane tool from Vinci is cheaper. Also, the Crane/Vinci tool was designed for the rear springs on an f-body since you can't see back there. It is self aligning. No question that it is the right tool for the job.

 

The crane tool keeps the spring compressed vertically as opposed to an angle. I've had trouble getting keepers on and off using the cheap-o tool. It's much easier with the crane tool since it depresses straight down, which is the correct way.

 

I was actually looking for threaded rod. I think they were 4" (grade 8.8) and I cut the heads off them. The bolt did not work well, kept stripping the threads on the bolt after several springs were done. The Tim's tool is supose to be a hardened stud. I would buy the crane tool that does 2 springs at once. Next person I do a cam for is buying one & I'm keeping it. I would not use the one I made on dual springs. I did it with 918's.

 

I had to put on a leather work glove after a while.

 

Ive just bought the crane tool, looks to be the perfect tool. yet to use it though. Ive used the cheapo/generic spring compressor tool a few diff. times. workes well, but as stated your hands start to hurt pretty quickly. the last one I used (bought from an auto parts store) was cool cause the handwheel popped off and you could use a socket instead. that worked way better. the only hassle with that one is the length of the hooks arent perfect for these springs. you have to sortof offset it to get it to grab the spring.
anyways, def. get the crane tool if you can afford it, if not buy the generic tool for like $25.

 

I also used the Crane Valvespring Compressor, and it was a terrific tool to use. Especially when you can do 2 valvesprings at once, makes things alot easier.
-Joel

 

I toughed it out like a (stupid) man's man with my bare hand For the next 2 days I felt like I had spent a week jerkin off a porcupine.