I want to replace the springs on my 1990 Volvo 240 DL. This will be the first time I have done this. Are the coil compressor to compress the springs safe and realiable? I'm going to buy new ones(compressors). I don't want the spring to pop and I loose a body part.

 

Yes, they are safe and reliable, as long as you use it correctly. I would recomend this one:

Coil Spring Compressor

I have had this one of many years and it has worked great on many different card.

 

Agreed those are AWESOME ones.

 

They have a lowish rating on there by customers. They complained about ' the threaded bolt assembly gets in the way of the top area of the strut collar and cannot use a socket wrench to to turn the bolt compressor'. Did you experience this?

 

I do sometimes when I do not compress it evenly. But if all else fails have 2 of the same side sockets so if one is stuck you can use the other socket on the other side to even it out.

 

Just need to be careful And make sure the size is sufficient.

 

A few things about spring compressors. Buy the best you can find, with the largest diameter bolts you can find.
Always oil the threads every use and always treat any compressed spring in the compressor with the utmost respect. Do not carelessly drop a compressed spring, the compressors may fail and you'll be ducking a lethal weapon. Do not use a spring compressor that has a bent bolt.
The bolts will always fail at the head, so always have the bolt's axis parallel to your body as much as you can manage it.
When setting compressed springs aside for other work, put them well away from anyone or anything of value incase they let go.
Thin wall sockets are great for compressing the bolts, give you much more room to turn the bolts.

Regards, Andrew.