just did the brakes on my SBC car, 2004 e320, and I used the foxwell to turn off the system and also found I did not need the tool to compress the brake cylinder. I just stacked stuff on the caliper and wedged a lever into position and forced it back. I think a woodworking clamp would work fine. These brakes are EZ to do..most difficult operation is removing the metal clips and replacing them, so I just left the clips in place and changed the pads only..and sensors. Not much more diffcult than changing a tire. (and the fresh pads added a nice increase to braking grip-I chose ceramic high end pads)