Topic: Cheap valve spring compressor

[Mattle78F2]

One day I was contemplating if I wanted to spend the cash to buy a valve spring compressor, and since I did't have that kind of cash on me I thought I could make one.  So I ran over to a hardware store and bought a 6" C clamp. When I got home I took the 4 grinder with a cutting blade to the top. I then cut a 1/2" long metal tube with a hack saw, and then cut it in half length ways to form a U shape and welded it to the C clamp. Sorry I don't have a pic.

[Terry in Australia]

That's a good one mate, I did the same a few years ago, but I machined a "cup" from alloy round bar, that way I can still use it as a C clamp when I need to. Cheers, Terry.

[Mattle78F2]

Not bad never thought of that, but then again I didn't want to spend $90-$120 on one ya know.

[xedge4lifex]

washer
3 pieces of strap steel welded to a C channel
built over 20 heads, not one problem
took about 5 minutes to make

[750]

washer
3 pieces of strap steel welded to a C channel
built over 20 heads, not one problem
took about 5 minutes to make

Pics pics pics???

[bikebitzofvt]

Both great ideas...  But here's an even cheaper one - just a little more time consuming...  Good old hose clamps, run over with emery cloth to check for burrs, works every time!

[lucky]

Both great ideas...  But here's an even cheaper one - just a little more time consuming...  Good old hose clamps, run over with emery cloth to check for burrs, works every time!

How would that work?  Do you have a photo?

[luap]

heres one I made easy to make 1' matal tube with the sides cut out an a big c clamp
http://s924.photobucket.com/albums/ad84/luap_dr/?action=view&current=IMG_1056.jpg

[adamlwvdc36]

@luap, the one you made is pretty much like the one that I made, except i only cut one side off to make the window.  the first one i made failed so when i made the second after I was done, I heated it up just untill the metal starts to turn purple-ish then dropped it in used motor oil.. basically tempering the metal.  Now this tool is sitting in a place I know exactly where it is for next time.  It and a cheap c-clamp is all i needed... for the pipe i used 1/2" electrical conduit (laying around)