MacGyver fork spring compressor

[camouflage]

I needed to replace the seals in my 2008 XB12ss forks at the weekend and thought I thought I had everything I needed till I got to the part that needed a spring compressor....... I moved house a few months back and can not for the life of me find my spring compressor...... I am now thinking I let someone borrow it and they didn't return it :upset:

Any how I needed a solution so I took a wander around Lowes and came up with this....

Buy 2 x 1" split pipe hangers with 3/8 thread https://www.lowes.com/pd/Oatey-1-in-Galvanized-Split-Ring-Hanger/1001120940

and then 2 x 3/8 eye bolts https://www.lowes.com/pd/National-Hardware-N100-390-2160BC-3-8-in-x-3-in-Eye-Bolt-in-Zinc-Plated/1002236070

and lastly, you will need a ratchet strap.

You simply thread an eye bolt into the threaded half of the pipe hangers and use the lock nut to set the amount 3/8 thread protruding into the inner radius. Then drill out one set of the pipe hanger screw threads to allow you to screw them together or separate them when you have done the job.

Once assembled on the fork just use the trusty ratchet strap to squeeze that spring down.

I also used a cheap magnetic grabber to make pulling the central rod out to fasten the top cap a super easy job. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-24-Inch-2-in-1-Magnetic-and-4-Prong-Pickup-Tool/490340757

I think the pics do a better job of explaining than me











So there you go, a MacGyver fork spring compressor that got the job done and my bike back on the road. Yes, I know it's not the best or safest method but in a pinch, this worked for me and cost the grand total of $6. Just thought I'd share this to help if someone else is in a similar pinch.

If you do use this it's totally at your own risk, in the meantime, I am off to find my real spring compressor.....

 

[kz6fittycent]

Dang it, where were you 2 months ago....nice post man. I'll be making some of these. Also, 34:19 has a line on a universal tool on eBay.

 

[34nineteen]

Dang it, where were you 2 months ago....nice post man. I'll be making some of these. Also, 34:19 has a line on a universal tool on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/273446426869?hash=item3faaad58f5:g:WqwAAOSwm8VU0-Nx

 

[Cooter]

I am guilty of a strap of metal bolted to the fender mount on the lower, and a 'Quik' wood clamp and hose clamp (of course). Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

 

[kz6fittycent]

I am guilty of a strap of metal bolted to the fender mount on the lower, and a 'Quik' wood clamp and hose clamp (of course). Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

Uh dude, I used two screw drivers and every cuss word I knew.

 

[34nineteen]

I am guilty of a strap of metal bolted to the fender mount on the lower, and a 'Quik' wood clamp and hose clamp (of course). Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

Because when given the choice of the correct spring compressor or this... we know what you picked.