The Best Brake Caliper Wind Back Tool

Buying Guide

Whether you’re a professional auto mechanic or you simply enjoy completing your own vehicle repairs, you need a quality set of tools to get the job done right. If changing out your brake pads is on your to-do list, then you’ll need a brake caliper wind back tool set. It’s important that you know exactly what you’re looking for before you buy, which is why we created this helpful guide to assist you in your search.

The first thing you want to do is check that the brake caliper wind back tool is compatible with your vehicle. Some models come with a list of vehicles that the tool can be used with, while others come with a complete set of adapters that work on most vehicles, including both foreign and domestic.

Next, you want to make sure the set is designed to last by examining its construction. The Orion Motor Tech Disc Brake Caliper Spreader Set, 24-Piece, for example, is made from a solid carbon steel with a rust-proof and blasted finish. Not only will this set stand the test of time, but it also won’t break when dropped accidentally.

Since most brake caliper wind back tools are sold in a set, you’ll want to take inventory of what you’re getting. The MOSTPLUS Universal Disc Brake & Piston Set, 22-Pc comes with 18 disc adapters, right and lefthanded thrust bolts and two retainer plates. Like most other brake caliper wind back tool sets, you’ll also get a heavy-duty plastic storage case that keeps the pieces neatly organized.

Finally, check to see if the brake caliper wind back tool set has any added features that make replacing the brake pads easier. There are models that include a pair of complimentary rubber gloves. Some use a pneumatic compressor tool with a swivel handle that turns both clockwise and counterclockwise. That means you can use it on both the right- and left-hand threaded pistons.

• Always clean each of the brake caliper wind back tool pieces before placing them back in their case. You can do this quickly with a tube of stainless steel cleaning wipes. Another option is to use a bit of WD-40 and a lint-free rag.
• It’s good practice to inspect your brake pads at every oil change. This is sort of like changing out the batteries in your smoke detector every season. You want to replace the brake pads before they become dangerous to use, not after.
• The amount of time it takes to wear out your brake pads is dependent upon several factors. How often you drive, what type of terrain you drive on, how hard you brake and the speed at which you drive all play a part in determining how quickly your brake pads wear thin.
• Since most brake caliper wind back tool sets come with a different number of pieces, you can’t accurately compare prices without first finding out how much you’re paying per piece. When you divide the total cost of the set by the total number of included pieces, you’ll get this figure. The Orion Motor Tech Disc Brake Caliper Spreader Set, 24-Piece and the MOSTPLUS Universal Disc Brake & Piston Set, 22-Pc and the most affordable sets among the bunch. You’ll pay more for a model that comes with a pneumatic compressor tool.