I now have 3 MB's in the fleet and have some suspension work to be done. I am trying to decide whether renting or buying makes more sense for a coil spring compressor.

I have seen a ton of posts on spring compressors. Many are older posts so things may have changed or people may have more experience now with some of the knock-offs. One of the criticisms is the Klann 'Clones' may be inferior or unsafe, it seems they have been kicking around now for at least 5-8 years according to some of the post dates. It seems like they have now been tested so I'd like to get some feedback from those that have used these several times.

I'll just list a few and hope folks will comment on them specifically with their experience and add to the list if I have missed any. Really looking for experienced recommendations to go with or stay away from the given brands.

• El Paso - $189 Ebay. I see the El Paso name that seems to be the same company as the Baum unit sold for much more (like $695). Does anyone know if these are different or the same thing? Part number is similar, something like 924-0231EP. The Baum is the same number minus the EP. Are they the very same units???

• JTC1801. I think this is also under SG motorsports banner

• ZDMAK

• KTC

• Koch tools

A couple more specific questions.

• I see many of these are slightly larger than the Klann and have trouble fitting through a hole on the W123. Is this any big deal? I read it can be widened.

• Some of these have black or grey plates while others have the more yellow or brassy colored plates. I assume it's just surface plating but am wondering if that matters?

• I'll be using it on several W124's (90 300D, 93 300D, 95 E320 wagon) that I have but may want to use on a 240D or W123 in the future should the fleet grow!

• Will these work on both the front and back of all these model cars (240D and the other W123 an W124 300D's and E320's)?