Originally Posted by
goldex420
i didnt use a compresion tool i just but the air ratchet on it and ziped it off but be careful that fucker will shoot. it shot across the shop about 10 feet i hightly dout it would stick in a tree homie. slamin civics since 92
I don't like this method because you can potentially bork the threads of the strut shaft and the nut (although the nut is replaceable). Plus, it's just dangerous.
If you don't want to use a spring compressor, then you should use the "leave the top hat bolted to the car and jack the knuckle/arm" method. If I had to do this again, I think I go this route as I think it keeps things aligned better.