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Install coil spring without scratching the spring?

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Old Feb 11, 2016 | 02:52 PM
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Default Install coil spring without scratching the spring?

Does anyone know how to install a coil spring into a strut without scratching up the spring with a spring compressor?
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Old Feb 11, 2016 | 03:57 PM
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slit some heater hose and cover coils where compressor touches?

or rubber on the claws?
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Old Feb 12, 2016 | 07:09 AM
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I'd say it's a pretty tuff feat trying to install coil springs without scratching them.

I'm with stang in that some kind of hose sounds like the best possible. maybe you could put something on the compressor jaws?

Craig
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Old Feb 12, 2016 | 10:04 AM
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Hm okay. I was hoping there was a technique that everyone used but I didnt know about. I have some adhesive free rubber wiring harness tape I might try or maybe even the heater hose. With something thick like the hose I want to be careful not to change the diameter of the spring wire past what the compressor is made to hold. I don't want to create a situation where the claw on the compressor rolls the heater hose and the spring escapes under tension. I'd hate to have have the spring get scratched on my cheek bone when it hits me at 500mph.

Last edited by FastKat; Feb 12, 2016 at 11:41 AM.
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Old Feb 12, 2016 | 01:58 PM
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I wrapped some shop towels around the springs where the compressor gripped it, they came out nearly unscathed.

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Old Feb 13, 2016 | 09:08 AM
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Good idea about putting something on the compressor tool. I too am worried about damaging my new springs but I am also concerned about somehow decreasing the grip the tool has on the springs. I have electrical tape or some of those disposable shop towels I can use. But again, I'm worried about slippage especially with the towels.
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Old Feb 13, 2016 | 11:03 PM
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Default Install coil spring without scratching the spring?

Blue masking tape wrapped around the spring several layers deep...

protects the spring and prevents slippage.

Peel it off immediately when done.

Last edited by joecar; Feb 14, 2016 at 06:14 PM.
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Old Feb 14, 2016 | 02:18 PM
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Wrap the jaws of the compressor with duct tape...
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 10:25 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions guys!
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Old Feb 18, 2016 | 08:59 PM
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I would get some really really good heat shrink large enough to go over the jaws of the compressor. After you heat it up while it's still soft you can help mold it around the jaws, then put a little more heat to it to help it shrink the rest of the way.

The good stuff is really thick and it will help the spring from slipping.
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