Table of Contents
Top Piston Ring Compressors to Try Out
Piston rings are an integral part of a combustion engine. You may need to change your piston rings occasionally as they narrow down due to regular use. Or, you may need to replace your piston with a new one once in a while. No matter what, you will need to take out the piston and install it once again. And for that, you will most probably need a piston ring compressor.
In this post, we will learn all about the piston ring compressor tool. We will also present the best piston ring compressors you can buy for your pistons.
First, let’s share a few words on the piston compressor tool.
What is a Piston Ring Compressor
Piston ring compressors are tools to compress your piston rings. It’s a piston installation tool and can be used for changing piston rings too. You can consider them as piston ring squeezers to squeeze your piston rings during installation. It helps you to line your piston and install it in the cylinder without hassles.
You can find two types of piston ring compressors in the market. One is the expander ring compressor kit that you use to compress your rings before installation.
Another one is the tapered one that you gradually tighten to narrow down your piston rings.
How Does Piston Ring Compressors Work
A piston ring compression tool is like a sock. It opens up to accommodate the piston with rings inside. You have an adjustment arm on the side that can be tightened or loosened.
The piston fits inside the ring compression tool by using the adjustment arm. You can then slide the piston inside the cylinder with the compressor on. Once your piston is installed, you can loosen the compression tool and take it out.
Next, we will check out how to use a piston ring compressor.
How to Use a Piston Ring Compressor
Lube your piston, rings, cylinder walls and compressor walls with oil. You can apply a fine coat instead of splashing your gears with oil. Next, follow the steps below.
Expander Ring Compressor
- Install the rings on your piston. You can use piston ring pliers if you want.
- Put the piston installer tool or your compressor around your piston.
- Adjust the arm to make sure the compressor sits tight around your piston rings.
- Line your piston into your cylinder and slowly push it inside.
- Install the piston and remove the ring compressor once it’s installed.
Tapered Ring Compressor
- Put the compression tool around your piston.
- Push the piston into the cylinder slowly. Your compressor tool may have a grip for the purpose.
- The rings will slowly get compressed as you push in your piston.
- Remove the piston ring installer once your piston is inside the cylinder.
Top 5 Best Piston Ring Compressors
1. Alltrade 648433 Piston Ring Compressor
- Piston Ring compressor (2" - 5")
- For compressing rings on pistons 2" In diameter.
- Ratcheting lock mechanism with fingertip release lever.
- Made from quality materials
- Durable and long lasting
Alltrade 648433 is an ideal small engine piston ring compressor. You can use the piston rings installation tool for rings of 2 to 5-inches in diameter. The compressor is an expanding type and comes with a ratchet lock for adjusting compression. You also have a neat fingertip release lever for easy operation.
Installing pistons is super easy with Alltrade small engine ring compressor. It features nibs on the base so that the tool never goes inside the cylinder. The tool is built with durable materials and will last for years to come.
Alltrade piston ring compressor complies with ANSI standards for the highest reliability.
2. Performance Tool W89410 Piston Ring Compressor Set
- Includes six sizes of bands for multiple applications.
- Sizes SAE: 2 7/8 to 3 1/8", 3 1/8 to 3 3/8", 3 3/8 to 3 5/8", 3 5/8 to 3 7/8", 3 7/8 to 4 1/8" and 4 1/8 to 4 3/8".
- Sizes Metric: 73 to 79mm, 79 to 86mm, 86 to 92mm, 92 to 98mm, 98 to 105mm, 105 to 111mm.
- Replacement part availability.
- Sizes Metric: 73 to 79mm, 79 to 86mm, 86 to 92mm, 92 to 98mm, 98 to 105mm, 105 to 111mm.
You can surely do a neat job of installing your piston using the Performance Tool ring compressor. The tool can support the installation of pistons from 73 to 111mm. These piston ring tools for compression are self-locking and devoid of any hassles. You don’t need to tighten or loosen your compressors anymore.
The piston ring compressor kit also comes with pliers to install the compressor bands. Everything is packed neatly in a box for easy storage. You also have a lifetime warranty on the product for complete peace of mind.
The ring compressors work for modern engines as well as old ones. You may even install pistons in your 1947 tractor with full ease.
3. ABN Adjustable Ratchet Piston Installer Tool
- EASY PISTON RING INSTALLATION: The ABN 3” Inch Piston Ring Compressor is a ratchet-type lock mechanism with fingertip easy release thumb switch lever, hex spanner, and adjustable safety screws to allow for safe and quick install of piston rings by simple ring compression; Not intended for expanding piston rings
- DAMAGE-FREE: Perform engine rebuilds and use this compressor for proper installation of the piston and rings in the cylinder without twisting or damaging parts; Perfect fit on the piston and a positive locking action to compress rings and allow installation of pistons into cylinders
- WORKS ON VARIOUS PISTONS: Designed for use on the most common automotive piston and ring diameters ranging in thickness from 2.1-inch to 6.9-inch (53mm to 175mm); Small enough to use on small engines such as push mowers and riding mowers; Large enough to use on machine tractor pistons
- EASY TO USE: Use an oil lubrication (not included) on ring and piston before compressing; Place piston inside the cylinder, tighten the compressor, lightly tap the piston into the bore with a rubber mallet (not included) while holding downward pressure on compressor
- BUILT TO LAST: Constructed from spring steel for maximum strength and longevity that resists corrosion
ABN compression ring tool is another worthy candidate that deserves to be on your list. This is also an expandable piston installer with a ratchet locking mechanism. You also have a handy lever to release your compressor with the touch of your finger easily.
ABN piston ring installer tool serves the needs of various engines. You can use it for pistons measuring 53mm to 175mm. So, it is suitable for your car, bike, and even small push mowers. You won’t need anything else once you have this ring compressor in your kit.
4. Plum Garden Car Engine Piston Ring Compressor Tool
- Installs and removes piston rings up to 6.4mm (1/4") without twisting.
- Adjustable from 2-1/8" to 7" (53mm - 175mm),Sprung mechanism for fine control.
- Nickel-plated carbon steel for corrosion resistance and comfortable vinyl-dipped handles.
- Proper Fit On The Piston And A Positive Locking Action Fits Sizes 53mm-175mm (2 1/8 To 7")"
- Piston ring disassembly process, expanding the piston rings, easy to use, safe and reliable.
Plum Garden is among the best piston ring compressors you can buy. It’s a top-selling product with lots of positive reviews and high ratings. You can use the tool for installing pistons between 53mm-175mm.
This is also an expandable compressor with ratchet locks and a release lever. You also have a spring mechanism to adjust your compression levels finely. You even get piston ring pliers along with the tool to make your job easy.
Plum Garden ring compressor is made of carbon steel to eliminate worries of corrosion. It also comes with vinyl-dipped handles for extra convenience.
5. Lisle 21700 Wrinkle Band Ring Compressor
- Package Dimensions: 23.37 cms (L) x 11.68 cms (W) x 23.37 cms (H)
- Product Type: Ring
- Package Quantity: 1
- Country Of Origin: China
Lisle ring compressor is one of the easiest to use piston ring removal tools. The wrinkle band sits cozily around your rings and provides a snug fit. You need to set the adjustment screw only once to work on all of your pistons. Plus, the wrinkle band ensures your compressor never interferes with the cylinder ever.
The compression tool is made with durable steel for ultimate strength and freedom from corrosion. You can use it for pistons with diameters between 3 to 5 inches. The price is also highly affordable and light on your pockets.
Final Thoughts
Determine the size of your piston, and then choose the right ring compressor. You can pick any product from our list for complete satisfaction and quality. Be sure to follow the right steps while installing your piston using ring compressors. Use lubrication to avoid any damage to your piston or tools, and make installation easy.