Just wondering what kind of valve spring compressors you guys have had good experiences with/recommend .

I picked up one of the C-clamp style ones from summit today and all that came of it was a big bent valve spring compressor and all my valves are still firmly in place. These heads are off the engine also.

Don't give up...I had a Sears job that did the same thing with old "set in there ways" springs, locks and keepers. Found that I had to put the clamp on... apply one or two clicks of pressure... then hit the old lock & keeper assembly with a socket and a mallet to break it free... after that it would work great! It simply didn't have the power to break them free on it's own without bending all to he**, but other than that, it worked great for $19... and it worked just fine on brand new stuff. It just didn't like heads that had been in use for the last 20 years... they were locked on too good.

Yes, you have to rap the edges of the retainer with a hammer (or socket, just not TOO hard) to break the keys loose from the retainer. If you don't do that first, the compressor will do nothing. Been there, done that. If you rap it too hard, the keys will fall off and the spring and retainer will hit you in the face, not good, use caution.

The ones like this style are a joy to work with compared to the rest.

http://www.compperformancegroupstores.co...ode=VALVESPRING

I have the type like you bought.They work ok for light springs.My kid bought the type that bolts to the hold downs.Had his BB springs changed in the car in an hour.Mancini and Summit has them.I believe Mancini is cheaper.Rocky