Removing springs without compressors

[Niall]

It's not just a case of buying the tool and using it. You have to be so bloody careful with them. I bent one of mine because I did one side up too far before doing the other. Have to be done up evenly. And dont be tempted to cut them. The garage that fitted mine after I failed at doing it did this and it was bloody scary although the spring couldn't go anywhere!