I've been looking at them online since I might just do the suspension work I need myself and really want to learn how since it's one of the last things I haven't worked on for a car.

Are these types any good? They seem safe enough:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/McPhe...spagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MacPh...spagenameZWDVW

 

Yes they are good but do you need to buy as you will not be using them regularly, I hope. Lots of places hire them out and in the UK the price is very reasonable.

 

I like these better there is also another set I have but can't find them on E-bay.
Those ones you posted I have used one sometimes they will slide on the spring. It doesn't come off but the spring slides then you have to take all the pressure off then start fresh.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/External-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Shop-Quality_W0QQitemZ260256442853QQihZ016QQcategoryZ43 998QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem[/align][/align]The other ones I use are kind of like the ones above but have a single cup piece and have a pin that locks the spring in.[/align]

 

I'd say clamshell all the way, but it depends on the springs, for my cavalier and sunfire which have rather wide springs, the clamshell is the way to go.

You can rent the other style from most local automotive stores. Typically its a pay and return type of setup.