What tool to cut springs?

[rollinrealbig]

Please the question is simple, please keep it this way.

I want to chop the springs, now I can pull them out and put them back in no problem ive done it before!

my plans are to order number1 pads and cut my springs - I know I cant apply too much heat in the process so Ill take it easy. but now the question is ...

what tool should I use ?? I do have access to an compressor @ my dads shop. Ive heard some ppl say you can hack saw them but umm ... I want to finish this year so you get the idea. ;)

[1995c280]

i guess the person to ask would be OCKlasse. i believe he cut his springs all around and his car turned out awesome...send him a PM and see how he did it!

Jason

[rollinrealbig]

ya hes the one to blame for my motivation!! ;)

Ill talk to him!

[Renn 208]

hacksaw and patience

[rman]

if you have 3 weeks, then use a hacksaw.

if you have a chopsaw, that is your best bet. Next is die grinder.


DO NOT USE HEAT, i.e. a cutting torch

[1995c280]

i was thinking die grinder as well...just get those safety glasses handy as sparks are SURE to be flying, HAHA.

Jason

[rollinrealbig]

I may consider a hack saw for the good work out :)

thanks guys!

[rman]

with a die grinder, you can't sit there and jam thru the spring. What i did is whenever my 33 gallon compressor clicked on to fill the tank (regulator set at about 80-90psi, tank holding 145ish), i took a break and let the tank fill back up.

I did this to avoid the spring heating up from the cutting.

[OCKlasse]

Originally posted by rman
with a die grinder, you can't sit there and jam thru the spring. What i did is whenever my 33 gallon compressor clicked on to fill the tank (regulator set at about 80-90psi, tank holding 145ish), i took a break and let the tank fill back up.

I did this to avoid the spring heating up from the cutting.

werd rollin...use a die grinder...just take your time and don't let the spring heat up too much....can't wait to see the drop :D

[martattack]

Definitely use a die grinder with a cutoff wheel. I hope you have a decent compressor because they use alot of Air! I have a 60gal compressor and it just barely made it to cut the spring with no breaks.

[alphanumeric]

angle grinder 30$ at home depot or 20$ at harbor freight.

[c55m8o]

buy a sawzall .... everyone should have one! :D (you -can- rent one, but that won't be as much fun)

[newbenz2]

On my 16v i used a watercooled chop saw... It works great and fast... Just take it to a local metal fab shop..ect and they should cut if for you for a good price...
Kevin

[Proven Guilty]

use a file for the real workout. prison sentance status!

[jnenad16]

plasma cutter! LOL

I use a mini air saw with a 24tpi(teeth per inch) or more blade when cutting any metal under 3/4in thick. its very precise and works lilke a charm.

nenad

[rollinrealbig]

Originally posted by Proven Guilty
use a file for the real workout. prison sentance status!

oh ya! :D

I have access to a good air comp. @ my dads automotive shop, that thing is about my height and 175PSI so I think it will do! LoL

I will go to Harbor fright tools for a few cut-off wheels since I have a die-grinder! :) thanks guys!

[rman]

unless you are 4 feet tall that's probably a 90 gallon or so.


good luck, and remember to cut a little at a time. I've thought about cutting my stock springs down and using those instead of my 2 month old konis

[J Irwan]

I just use dremmel and get a few cutting disc...

I have cut many spring in the past (including BMW's and MB's) and it always works like a charm. It shouldn't take more than 2-3 min to cut each spring.


Regardz,

J Irwan

[rman]

i cut my front coils down today with a die grinder. took about 1min each coil. I cut 1/4 coils off my koni (vogtland) springs, now it sits pretty.

I wish i had cut a 1/2 coil off though, and if it were too low i could go to a bigger pad (#1s all around)

So far, no adverse affects!

[rollinrealbig]

I havnt even seen my car in days, I just got out of surgery yesterday =(

[sacc230]

wut are u serious that sucks well i hope everything came out alright in the surgery...wutever was getting cut open

[The LO C]

I second the drummel with the fiberglass cuttings discs...works like a charm with a clean cut.

[rollinrealbig]

ya I am supposed to get a free set of 16"s from the w210 that look much better then my 15"s, when I get those on ill drop the car as well, then maybe in about a month ill get my 18"s on.

just now I need new headlights since mine got kicked-in a fight this week :mad:

[MirageHatch]

im contemplating doing the cut spring method also, i have a dremel so should just need to buy some discs for it. If i have any more q's you guys'll be hearing from me!

Im gonna buy some 2nd hand springs from the wreckers tho. wanna keep mine for sale time.

[rollinrealbig]

Ya i dont know why but i have a feeling I should buy another set to chop and keep my stock ones for any reason.