W123 Front Spring - Weird Problem

[Defender90]

Hi All-

I'm replacing the front driver's side spring on my '85 230TE and I've run into an issue. I used the correct tool to compress the spring and remove it, but now that I have the spring on the bench I can't unwind the compressor enough to relax the spring to the point where I can extract the tool. I'd say it's still 1/3 compressed. I know the tool's unwound as far as it can go.

Do I have the correct length spindle for the tool? I thought they were all the same size. Is this common and is there a sensible process to remove the tool even with the spring still under tension? I've been eyeing my 22 ton log splitter and thinking I can rig up the hydraulic ram to compress the spring a bit so I can get the tool out, but I don't think that's an ideal solution.

I'm sure the answer's staring me in the face but I can't see it. Can someone help?

Thanks,
Adam