Cal-Van - Allstart Brake Spring Compressor

Drum brake service comes down to managing spring tension. Retaining springs hold brake shoes against the backing plate, and working with them by hand or with makeshift tools is a common way to slip, pinch a finger, or damage hardware. A purpose-built brake spring compressor solves that problem, and Cal-Van - Allstart has been making specialty tools for this kind of job for decades.

About Cal-Van - Allstart Brake Spring Compressors

Cal-Van Tools is the automotive specialty hand tool brand of Horizon Tool Inc. in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company manufactures and distributes four hand tool brands: Cal-Van Tools, All Start, Mighty Seven, and KT Pro. That is why you will see the Allstart name alongside Cal-Van on many of its tools. The brand's focus is on helping technicians and DIYers solve specific repair problems, rather than on general-purpose tooling.

In the brake spring compressor category, the Cal-Van line is built around the 369 Brake Spring Compressor. Listings for the 369 describe it as removing brake shoe retaining springs in the 5/8" to 11/16" range. That makes it a focused tool for the retaining springs and hardware found on many drum brake assemblies, and it is a more controlled option than pliers or screwdrivers.

Why a Dedicated Compressor Matters

Retaining springs and cups are small, under tension, and easy to launch across the shop. A compressor lets you hold the spring and cup, rotate them to release or seat the pin, and let the tension off in a controlled way. The benefits are practical:

• Safer handling of spring-loaded hardware during drum brake service
• Less damage to shoes, pins, and backing plates from improvised prying
• Faster, more repeatable reassembly when you are doing several wheels in a row

Related Cal-Van Brake Tools

The Cal-Van range also includes vehicle-specific brake spring tools. One example is the 364 Toyota Brake Spring Tool, which is designed for removing and installing brake return springs on Toyota drum brake systems. If you work on a mix of makes, it is worth pairing a general retaining spring compressor with a platform-specific tool where one is available.

Build Quality and Warranty

Cal-Van states that its products are engineered and manufactured to high quality standards, and most tools are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty covering defects in manufacturing and materials. Check the packaging or the manufacturer's information for the coverage that applies to a specific tool.

Shopping Tips

• Check the spring or cup size your vehicle uses. The 369 is aimed at the 5/8" to 11/16" range.
• Decide whether you need a general compressor, a vehicle-specific tool, or both.
• Inspect the brake hardware while the springs are off. Worn springs, cups, and pins should be replaced as a set.
• Wear eye protection. Even with the right tool, springs can release unexpectedly.

To compare other makers' designs, browse the full Brake Spring Compressor category. For more of the Cal-Van - Allstart lineup, visit the Cal-Van - Allstart brand page.