Does anyone have any hands on experience with these .... that are now half the price they were two years ago.

Do you have a link to these 1/2 price compressors?

If it is the knock off Tiwan/Chicom one`s, I have used one with good results.
Bad results and wouldn`t be typing this.

I believe Roy (Whunter) mentioned one time that thee are good for around 50 uses.
Don`t know what thread I read that in.

Compared to the German Klann one, probably not as good of steel.


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

You are correct, Charlie, Roy Hunter did mention once in a thread that the knockoffs are good for a limited number of uses (but plenty for most DIY users).

The knockoffs require that the hole at the top of the spring tower be enlarged slightly, I assume the Klanns do not.

Maybe this is what the OP was referring to:
Telescopic Coil Spring Compressor Strut Tool for Mercedes Benz W123 W114 W202 | eBay

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

I have the 'non-german' clone and I can say that after about six springs it's getting harder to turn. Threads are wearing.

Compressing those springs is a scary event.

Yep. When I started doing my own work, there were many things that were "no-go" for me. First brake work... overcame that. Next, front end work. Got comfortable with that long ago.

Using a spring compressor? Never.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Coat the screw with axle grease each use...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I have one for a 126. Check price direct from manufacturer. It was less than eBay without the uncertainty. I'm considering doing one side at a time and leaving the spring installed in the compressor. Compressed springs are scary but so is compressing it especially outside the car without sheet metal to hide behind.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Still not as scary as garage door springs.

Just be respectful of the energy in the spring and follow some common sense...

- always keep the ends of the compressed spring pointed away from yourself and others
- don't drop or throw the charged spring compressor
- ensure the plates are securely locked. Once it's under a slight amount of load, double check everything to make sure nothing shifted before loading it up all the way.
- when handling the charged spring always hold it by the center of the coils, never put your hands over the ends.
- treat your compressor with care, scratches or gouges in the shaft or the plates set up a weak point that can fail under load.
- if you keep the spring loaded while completing the work, set the compressor away from your work area in a safe location.

If the thing lets go the energy will go out the axis of the spring so you need to stay clear of the ends.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

just Google it
Mercedes Spring Compressor: Automotive Tools & Supplies | eBay

I don't like Santa cruz that much but .... Nevada??? Charlie, you feeling alright?