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Piston Ring Compressor

because most of the time in the future u will be dealing with overbored blocks
you are not a production engine rebuilder where you would have one of each size
 
Just had a quick look.
ARP has pretty thin walls. So, yeah, much oversize, won't work. Just because it's ARP doesn't mean it's worth having!

Look at the Summit brand. Much thicker walls. That will allow use, even on some bored cylinders. And, half the price of ARP!

Just looking at it, with one eye closed.:D
 
Admittedly the ratched compressor is not the most efficient BUT for the backyard builder its the best bang for the buck - especially if you use an American-made model.

The trick I found was to oil it well, Tighten it around the piston and then once the piston is started in the bore, tap the ring all around to keep it flat against the head. With every tap on the piston, tap the ring. As long as it stays square to the bore things should go smoothly. As long as its well oiled it won't try to go down in the bore. Its when its too tight or not well lubed that the piston/rings will drag it into the bore. I'm not one to cut corners on tools but I never saw the need to upgrade this one.
 
Trust me guys, It doesn't take much to get me to spend less money.
Stanton said:
Admittedly the ratched compressor is not the most efficient BUT for the backyard builder its the best bang for the buck - especially if you use an American-made model.
Click to expand...
It seems all new ring compressors, ratcheting style are Chinese POS. Do you know of any American made?
 
Who knows where all of this stuff is made nowadays! Cal Van has a nice set at Summit
for $57.99,
cav-641_ml.jpg
But it's hard for anyone to resist an Aluminum "Billet" compressor!
I, for one wish everyone would stop using that buzzword to sell parts to us automotive guys. And the only problem
I don't like about the aluminum ones is they are way softer than the piston ring material, so they may scrape aluminum
off of the compressor every time you use it.
 
Lisle 21700 ribbon band. Works great for me on everything ive used it on $11.39 at amazon. If you are like me and buy NOTHING on the net, probably available locally for $20 (home depot, parts house).
I think its american made, ive had mine for 15 years, since before the chinese junk invasion.
 
Well, I ended up purchasing this Lyle Ring Compressor through Summit, and much to my surprise, the tool is MADE IN USA!
Ring Compressor Tool.JPG

I used this tool to install my pistons and it was easy-peasy! It can be a little tough as you operate this coated with oil - I tried to be neat!
I'm glad I listened and purchased this tool rather than the $55 ARP tool.
 
It’s crazy that some people will buy $50 worth of brake clean to clean grease off parts to build an engine but won’t buy a good ring compressor... I have a drawer full of the good, bore size specific, ARP tapered ring compressors, some of which were used once. They’re worth every penny in ease of use, time savings, and reduction in risk of breaking a ring. Those ratchet band styles are pure junk... but yeah... they’ll fit multiple sizes. I don’t understand the logic some people use.
 
Well excuse us for being less wealthy hobbyists ! Maybe you should have chimed in earlier with your expert advice !!
 
Hemirunner, I can't speak for anyone else here, but I do want to say how proud of yourself you should be!
Way to go!
 
Stanton said:
Well excuse us for being less wealthy hobbyists ! Maybe you should have chimed in earlier with your expert advice !!
Click to expand...
Lol, You’re missing the point here. The cost of the ring compressor is nearly the same between band style and tapered style. Tapered style is easier to use, functions better and theres much less risk of breaking a ring involved. With the price of rings today, that fact alone is worth the purchase price. Yes, you have to buy one for each bore size but for the average hobbyist, that’s what, one, two, maybe 3 he’ll every need? Most have spent more money on less for sure. I’m a tool junkie and prefer to buy good ones. I learned that lesson on buying the not so good ones.
 
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