Which Valve Spring Compressor

M

mjr67

Junior Member
I am looking to purchase a valve spring compressor for work on my Model A engine...
Any suggestions on which one would be best...??
I am thinking of ordering one off of ebay... Perhaps a vintage K-D brand one but don't know which one..
Thanks,
 
I have the same one from Snyders-I've used it on two engines so far, and it has been quick and easy to use. I actually have the other one shown in this thread (I pick up oddball tools at swap meets), but I never felt the need to use it.
 
My vote is for the one CarlG showed the photo of in the ebay link. The thing that is nice about that tool is you don't need to hold the valve spring compressed with one hand and try to put the keepers on with the other.(I'm using modern valves and keepers. Those damn things are hard to align one-handed). That tool allows you to use both hands while the tool holds the valve spring compressed.
 
I have several different types. They are all adept at delivering severe pinches and blood blisters. Experience is the best, albeit often cruel, teacher!
 
Tried to use the modern one above the the vendors sell. Pain in the *** compared to one like this;

s-l1600.jpg
 
That's why I offer up the keepers with a pair of long-nosed needle nose pliers! I will grant that the Snyders lever type is easier to use with original-style valves and keepers.
 
MikeV - had one of those. Using it requires one hand to hold the spring compressed. Still a one handed operation to get those modern keepers in place. IMO, not a good choice for a spring compressor.
 
I made my own from angle iron and RHS. The angle bolts to the port and then a small riser from the RHS allows it to swing and lever up the spring. It just slides along the angle to line up with each valve. The RHS has a slot milled in the end and captures the spring so it doesn't kick out the side.
 
RHS = rectangular hollow section in my book, but he may have a different meaning.

dave in australia, Got a pic?
 
Keep your eyes open for a Sunnen valve spring tool. I have tried different spring compressors and find the Sunnen I show in the attached photo the best. I liked it so much I bought a spare. The Sunnen is much easier on your hands as it is long and has a lot of good mechanical advantage built in to the design. The sliding tab locks the tool in an infinite number of positions of spring compression. The width of the tip is adjustable to fit various components. I had to wait about a week before one showed up on ebay. I checked when you started this thread and there were not any currently being offered. I assembled about 40 engines last year and know from experience what type I like best. JMO
Good Day
 

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Without a doubt the sunnen is the best. Worked in an engine shop many years and did Model A engines for years. Only thing bad about the Sunnen was I wore it out after 30 years and had to buy another one.
 
VFRhugh said:
I just bought this one from Snyder's and it worked great dissembling. Haven't started to reassemble yet.
Hugh
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/valve-spring-tool-3919
Click to expand...

i mimmicked that using one of the old tireirons that has the bent hook on the crooked end and a piece of stiff wire in a loop around an exhaust manifold stud... all 8 came out all 8 went back in just fine.

whatever you do use needle nose pliers to put the keepers back in, if the spring compressor slips its much easier to remove stuck pliers than your finger from the spring!:D
 
Bruce Remington said:
Without a doubt the sunnen is the best. Worked in an engine shop many years and did Model A engines for years. Only thing bad about the Sunnen was I wore it out after 30 years and had to buy another one.
Click to expand...

Bruce Remington bought a Sunnen and gave it to me as a gift after he saw I was using the others shown in my previous post. And the reason I bought a spare? I figured I would use the first one 30 years, like Bruce, and when it wore out, I wouldn't need to use those others while I looked for another Sunnen.
Good Day!
 
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