Magazine for the auto service professional
Issue link: http://asp.epubxp.com/i/660061
49 | April 2016 Tool Review The design of the jaws shows that the designers placed a bit of thought into real- world use. Each jaw features an outer rib to capture the coil wire, as you would expect. However, the jaws also feature an inner safety rib, providing both an inner and outer capture area. This results in a secure grasp of the coil spring, greatly reducing if not eliminating the possibility of the coil popping off of the jaws. As I mentioned, two standard jaw pairs are included. The smaller pair accommo- dates a coil spring diameter of 80 mm to 145 mm (3.15 in. to 5.7 in.), while the larger jaws will accept a coil diameter range of 145 mm to 195 mm (5.7 in. to 7.67 in.). Additional jaws are available as options, with a host of jaws designed for specifc European and Asian vehicle applications, and even for counter-clockwise springs on the Chrysler Grand Voyager. Special jaws are also available to accommodate conical (tapered) coil springs. For off-car use (which will be most common), you can either place the com- pressor body in a bench vise, or if you don't plan to re-use the strut, you can secure the strut in a vise. The tool main body features fat sides for vise mounting, vertically or horizontally. This spring compressor is a heavy-duty tool that is simple to use and works smoothly and controllably, making strut service easier and safer. I like it. Body length 475 mm (18.7 in.) Max. load 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs.) Air wrench max 180 Nm (132 ft.-lbs.) Maximum jaw distance 354 mm (13-15/16 in.) Minimum jaw distance 65 mm (2-9/16 in.) Weight (w/jaws) 10.2 kg (22 lbs.) Sonic Tools is the U.S. subsidiary of a Dutch company that maintains facilities in the Netherlands, Germany and the U.S. The U.S. headquarters are located in Alabama. Sonic is an OE tool supplier to various car makers including VW, Mercedes-Benz, Fer- rari and Porsche. Tools and cabinets may be viewed and ordered online at www.sonictoolsusa.com ● Sonic Tools USA 480 N. Dean Rd. Suite H7 Auburn, AL 36830 (844) 407-6642 The jaw operating distance ranges from 2-9/16-inch to 13-15/16-inch. For those occasions where you need to compress a strut spring on-car, the slender profle of the tool body accommodates tight spaces. The hex drive head accepts a 27 mm or 1-1/16-inch socket and can be driven manu- ally or with a pneumatic wrench. A six-point impact grade socket is recommended.