Let this be a lesson learned and a caution

[oldestof11]

So I blew my head gasket. No biggie. While it is off I thought I would change out valve springs and some other things.

I rented a valve spring compressor from Autozone. They did not have one in stock to buy so I rented one of theirs. I got to my 3rd valve spring and realized that my difficulty to center the compressor was the 2 inner "feet" were not straight with each other. Upon further inspection, where these feet are bent downward and then connected to the threaded rod, there is a crack. Crack went most of the way through.

I took it back to Autozone and they refunded my money. In fact, their other rental was cracked too. I got some additional credit for my next purchase.

Picture for reference:

[ahale2772]

yikes, honestly, the "torktech" 12v spring compressor is the best ive used, nice and simple to do them in truck with the head still on, easier than big bulky compressors that go totally around the valve

[ellis93]

Yep those kind suck jon. The c-clamp kind are the ones to use. Lisle makes one that like the one you used only made much better.

[skilletky]

I used one like the one pictured when I put my 110 lb springs in. Got it from Matco. Worked ok but was hell on the hand when I put the new springs in. If I do it again, I will use a different compressor.

[PToombs]

I borrowed my buddies that looked almost like that one. It was a name brand one though. Only complaint I had was it didn't seem to compress far enough. On the 2nd cylinder I figured out that I needed to screw the spring into the tool a turn or 2 then tighten it. Worked like a dream then!

[oldestof11]

I was worried about losing an eye or something.

[skilletky]

I was worried about loosing an eye also. I had to screw the new spring into the compressor too. They were taller than stock

[PToombs]

It's always fun and games until somebody loses an eye!

[dazedandconfused]

It's always fun and games until somebody loses an eye!

Hmm i thought it was all fun and games until someone looses a testicle.

[PToombs]

Looses? Does that mean it lets go?
I do like your saying, BTDT. I have a daughter because of that.