Lisle Piston Ring Compressor

Lisle Piston Ring Compressor FAQ

What type of piston ring compressor should i buy?

The most common piston ring compressor you’ll find in a race shop is the tapered style. They work wonders during piston installation. Summit Racing offers a huge range of examples in an equally huge range of bore sizes. (Image/Summit Racing)

How do ring compressors work?

Here, the ring compressor is machined from aluminum with a tapered internal shape. This allows the rings to compress gently as the piston is pressed (or tapped) into the cylinder bore. Some of the better quality examples have a positive grip on the outer surfaces that allows you to hold the compressor solidly as you work the piston into the bore.

How do you install a piston on a tapered ring compressor?

An easier way to install pistons is with a tapered ring compressor. Here, the ring compressor is machined from aluminum with a tapered internal shape. This allows the rings to compress gently as the piston is pressed (or tapped) into the cylinder bore.

How does a summit racing compressor work?

Finally, Summit Racing offers a series of adjustable tapered ring compressors. These are essentially split tapered ring compressors with a large band clamp on the outside. In use, you insert the piston and ring combination, tighten the clamp to fit and then drive the piston into the bore.