What is a ring compressor used for?

Answer by  Gunrunner (561)

A ring compressor is used to compress the piston rings into the ring grooves of the piston so the piston will slip into the cylinder. They are usually made of thin flexible metal mounted to handles and have a tapered edge at the bottom. They are used when building or rebuilding an engine.

Answer by  oddflash (902)

It is used to make a ring small enough to fit inside of a cylinder by compressing it to a diameter smaller than the inside of the cylinder.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

A ring compressor is a tool used to help install pistons into a an engine. Piston rings are split so they can be installed into the groove in the piston. The ring protrude from the piston so that the piston will seal to the cylinder wall. The compressor pushes the rings in as they slide down into the bore.