Author Topic: Spring Compressor Tool  (Read 608 times)

Offline Canuck750

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Spring Compressor Tool
« on: October 01, 2022, 01:11:53 PM »
I got tired of the old shock absorber spring compressor tool I had, lever type that once the shock is clamped in a vice the lever is depressed and the spring compresses, the problem is the tab that grabs the spring can slip and its hard to remove the collet with one hand while keeping pressure on the compressor lever. More than once the compressor slips off and the collets go flying, dangerous.



I took ideas from several compressors available on line but wanted one that is a jack type that keeps the shock fixed in the compressed state so I can set the top clamp / collet.  This is what I came up with, 1/8" steel plate. 1" X 1" HSS tube, a section of M-18 threaded rod and a M-18 nut and riv-nuts compressed into the flat plate section to move the top clamp for various shock lengths. (I a broke my riv-nut gun so I am waiting for a replacement to come in to set the rest of the recessed riv-nuts in the base plate).

The base plate is 4" x 18" welded to two lengths of 1" x 1" HSS. The holes in the base plate with the recessed riv-nuts are 1" on center x 3" on center. M-6 hex head bolts secure the movable clamp and act as hinge pivots for the clamp to open up. Mopar Orange powder coat finish. The M-26 jack bolt head spins easily and it compresses the shock and holds it all in place,.













I need to make a second top clamp that will hold a fully shrouded shock (springs not visible), probably in a couple different hole sizes and install the 12 missing riv-nuts.

Hope this is useful to anyone thinking of making a compressor.
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline bmc5733946

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2022, 01:35:17 PM »
I have a Rivnut tool but I don't use it much. I use a piece of metal strap with a hole and a starwasher and bolt. Works like this, bend strap with 2 45s to make clearance for your fingers, place rivnut in position with star washer between rivnut and strap, insert bolt and tighten bolt to set rivnut. I've set hundreds this way, slower but faster because it always works. I keep the bolt lubed with 90w gear oil and change bolts frequently.

Brian
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Offline Huzo

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2022, 02:12:37 PM »
Typical of what I’ve come to expect from you…
Turns out great, works like it should and no BS…. :thumb:

Online blackcat

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2022, 08:20:57 AM »
Nice tool, when will you be mass producing this product?  :wink:
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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2022, 08:20:57 AM »

Offline Canuck750

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2022, 09:41:33 AM »
I have a Rivnut tool but I don't use it much. I use a piece of metal strap with a hole and a starwasher and bolt. Works like this, bend strap with 2 45s to make clearance for your fingers, place rivnut in position with star washer between rivnut and strap, insert bolt and tighten bolt to set rivnut. I've set hundreds this way, slower but faster because it always works. I keep the bolt lubed with 90w gear oil and change bolts frequently.

Brian

Thanks, that’s a great idea!
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline Sye

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2022, 09:42:40 AM »
I would buy one, might be worth patenting the idea. 👍

Online Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2022, 05:59:58 AM »
^^^^ Patents cost a *lot* of money, and basically gives the directions on how to do it to anyone that wants to steal the idea.. :evil:
Of course, this is so simple anyone can see how it works. Nice tool.. :thumb:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Offline larrys

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2022, 07:00:19 AM »
I have the lever tool. I have drilled holes in it for different pivot points and lever attachment points to suit different shocks. Still need to be careful nothing slips when using it... Your tool looks pretty slick.
Larry
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Offline s1120

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2022, 07:15:55 AM »
Looks great, and makes the job a lot safer I bet!  Seems like the lever tool would be a lot better with just a better spring clamp also. Still doesnt get past the need for a extra hand or two.
Paul B

Online Zenermaniac

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2022, 09:56:12 AM »
Nice. In the past without proper tools I’ve used heavy zip-ties to compress a shock spring. Works but probably not real safe.

Offline Canuck750

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Re: Spring Compressor Tool
« Reply #10 on: October 04, 2022, 01:16:02 PM »
A small addition to the tool, I made up a base that is sleeved into the tool for quick removal, helps to be able to work vertical sometimes to remove and install the collet if it is a two piece type



48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

 

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