Product review (3 stars): Yes this tool is too pricey. It is basically ...
Yes this tool is too pricey. It is basically a modified pair of pliers and should cost so much. Someone here suggested zip ties to stretch the spring to install the outer ring, which worked well for me. Basically the ties act as a large handle for you to pull the spring apart to mount the spring and ring. For the inner spring/ring I also used zip ties. You can use two zip ties to stretch the spring so it can hook around the hook on the other end. Why two? The first one you can only get it so close. Then the second zip has more room to tighten things further that the first zip tie cannot. With enough tension you can pull the spring eye into the hook. Make sure it is set well in the hook at the deepest part, then with small cutters and maybe a screw driver to move things around, cut the zip ties. Use zip ties that a narrow width and long enough. Fat zip ties may take up all the room in the spring eyelet.