TR2/3/3A TR3 spring compressor

[CraigLandrum]

Just ordered and got this in - all $60+ bucks worth from one of the big 3. Wish I'd paid closer attention to the picture because I'm sure I could go down to Ace hardware and pick up the threaded rod, and nuts that make up this thing, and my son has the small steel plate at the end....seriously overpriced unless that threaded rod is made from some super-hard steel or something.

Will post pic as soon as my camera recharges....

https://flickr.com/photos/craig_landrum/2236357134/

 

[TR3driver]

We've had this thread ... many folks (including myself) made their own from hardware store stuff. But Moss assumes a fair amount of liability for selling it as a "spring compressor", while Home Depot doesn't.

 

[CraigLandrum]

Point taken, but am not sure about the liability part In the instructions they DO warn you about not using one of the "claw" type compressors though...

 

[Gordo]

I made mine as many people have to do my 6. When I bought a couple boxes of 3 parts I found one made by TRF in one of the boxes still in the plastic bag. Not much of a difference except for the bottom plate finished a little nicer than the homemade model.

Maybe you can return it for credit??

Gordo

 

[Tinkerman]

Easy enough to make but be sure to use a grade eight all- thread rod. I sure would return it if you can.

Tinkerman

 

[Twosheds]

You can borrow mine...

Once I get it back from the one who is currently borrowing (but not using) it, that is!

 

[DougF]

The B7 rod that you would want to use is available but harder to find. The threaded rod at the hardware store will do the job a couple of times, but the threads gall. Not a good thing if the spring is compressed.
But you are right in saying that the tool is overpriced, evidenced by the number of us who have made our own.

 

[TR3driver]

Mine is made with ordinary hardware store stuff, likely Grade 2, and shows no signs of distress after doing 4 or 5 (I've lost count) front end jobs on my TR3A. The load is simply not that high ... even TR3 competition springs take less than 2000 lbf to reach coil bind, while grade 2 5/8NC is rated for over 12000 lbf proof load; a safety factor of over 6:1.

I did use 3/4" rod instead of the more common 5/8", but that was mostly because the local hardware store didn't have the 5/8" materials.