Klann "clone" coil spring compressor - Is it good? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vellosg1 · #1 10-31-2004, 01:06 AM

ZDMAK Quality Tools is selling this tool in e-bay for $289. Looks like a copy of the $900 KLANN tool.

Anyone has used it ? Looks like a bargain, but is it good ?

#2 11-05-2004, 08:22 PM

I've never used it but I have seen it and it is basically the same tool made with different materials which makes it basically cheaper. It probably works just as good but it's like when people say something like Snap-on tools are better than Craftsman which is subjective since turning a bolt isn't going to kill you but for me at least, buying an over engineered Klann spring compressor is like buying a better bullet proof vest. Would you trust a lesser, just enough engineered vest with your life?

Boston Benz · #3 11-05-2004, 08:56 PM

I've actually done some research on this very tool. I spoke to Gedore of North America (the owner/manufacturer of the Klann compressor), and I've spoken to ZDMak too as well as some other mechanics. Using a spring compressor is VERY dangerous as we all know. There is a lot of kinetic energy in one of those. ZDMak told me that the tool he sells is NOT made in Germany but IS a knock-off, he thought made in Taiwan but most definitely Asia.

Gedore North America has warned that (and they are well aware these identical-looking tools are out there) because of trademark/patent law, the Asian manufacturers cannot copy the tool exactly. They have to change something, however small it may be. What they did change in the case of this Klann tool is the integrity and some type of a safety feature (I've never looked closely at this Klann tool before, I do not own one). Gedore wrote me to beware of these copies from Asia and Hungary too - I guess that would be the SIR Tool equivalent since their tools are made in Hungary. They cut corners on the safety features/issues, that's the only corner the Asian maufacturers can cut. I don't know what those corners are but that's how they get around the patent. It LOOKS real good, but you cannot "see" what type of steel is used nor can you see the inside of the tool.

I'm told by others who have bought this copy that it is "identical" - that's on the outside of course, only what you can see. Of course the manufacturer was the one who told me that their product was better - it's also about $1000. I suppose I actually believe the sales rep. from Gedore. Mainly because we all know that China in particular is a country where their people are experts in forgery/counterfeiting of anything, tools included. I'm sure we've been duped at least once in our lives by a bogus product. I wouldn't take any chances with my life with a tool like that.

omegabenz · #4 11-05-2004, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston Benz

I wouldn't take any chances with my life with a tool like that.

That's for sure! I like my Klann, I use it a lot.

jbaj007 · #5 11-05-2004, 10:08 PM

I used the clone from ZDMAK just this morning (really!). The visible difference between it and a Klann, that I've borrowed and used in the past, is in the shape of the three "indents" for latching on the lower plate.

The indents on the clone are milled without "steps" leading to the indents. No less safe a design, but a touch more difficult to align, but no sweat if you've used one before.

As to the metal. Mine was fresh out of the case, brand new, and when I was done using it;... there wasn't a scratch in the metal. Didn't run a hardness or composition test on it

but it's obviously very good steel. Is it as good as the steel in a Klann? I don't know, but I have no doubt that if I screw up with a coil spring , odds are it will be "operator error", not the tool's failure.

For $199 (my price) it meant the difference between doing it safely now, everytime, versus mickey mousing occasionally since I did not own the expensive Klann and had to beg, borrow or rent it... and being human, I'd sometimes use a less safe "work around". Now I don't have to because of it's affordability.

Only my experience with it so far, everyone has their own. Not meant as an endorsement, just a report. IMHO & YMMV, Take care.

omegabenz · #6 11-05-2004, 10:31 PM

Glad that someone has tried it. Can you post some detailed pictures for us?

afmcorp · #7 11-06-2004, 12:41 AM

price is not necessarily a good measure at times. i've never held either but their pictures appear very much the same in regard the plates. they both look to be a forging with a yellow zinc dichromate coating. the inner screw is likely where any difference will be found. i'm [assuming] they both use an acme thread.

i've kept it a secret but i've been working on a spring compressor [in fact a whole line of tools for the 126 etc:] that is a machined version that i could sell for 175$. what i found when i used it on my own cars is that due to the teflon thrust washers i used and it's inner screw's mechanical advantage i could completely collaspe the spring and actually bend the plates by hand using just a ratchet. but i haven't had enough time this year to work on it any further.

i feel the place to look for weakness is the inner drive screw. be sure that there is a full thread engagement. as well be sure there is sufficent enough engagement of the tang on the screw so they can't be pulled through.

Thomaspin · #8 11-06-2004, 10:19 AM

#9 11-23-2004, 07:49 PM

Tomaspin, would you sign this for me? What is it? Oh its nothing, just a life insurance policy for you with me as the beneficiary! :p

dmorrison · #10 11-23-2004, 08:03 PM

Thomas your alive

haven't seen you here for a while.

Dave

michakaveli · #11 10-16-2005, 05:35 PM

Anyone else use the ZDMak clone? I curious as I am interested in it for doing spring work on my w210 and w202 if need be. Got some E55 springs for my w210 that I want to install.

engatwork · #12 10-16-2005, 08:13 PM

I purchased one off of ebay and have not had any problems with it whatsoever.

benzfan · #13 10-16-2005, 08:28 PM

Quite a few of Gedore's tools are made in India. I have several with that stamped on them.

Strife · #14 10-16-2005, 08:51 PM

Maybe the real difference is durability, especially because a screw thread is involved. If I were a pro mechanic that planned on doing lots of these jobs, I would have to break the bank and buy the Klann.

I remember when I was working on my POS Oldsmobile, changing the front struts. The spring compressors I bought had a clear warning on them, "for home use only - not for professional use"! I treated them as "disposable", because the threads did in fact look a little worn after using them once!