Product review (4 stars): Get it and save yourself a trip to the ER
I absolutely hate how much this product costs but do yourself a giant favor and get it.  The tool might save you a trip to the emergency room (which costs way more than the tool).  Take it from me, I tried using zip ties as I saw mentioned by other folks but I very stupidly used zip ties that were too small and not sturdy enough.  One of the zip ties broke when I tried stretching the spring apart which sent my right hand flying into the side of my washer's sheet metal frame.  The end result was a trip to the ER, 4 stitches in the top of my hand, and now a nasty scar.  The truly sad part was I had tried to order this tool because other reviewers highly recommended it.  Unfortunately, I mistakenly bought the wrong tool (LG 383EER4004A) because it was called "Inner" Spring Removal Tool and the spring is located deeper "inside" my LG WM2101HW washer.  I didn't realize my mistake until I had taken the washer apart and then decided to forgo the tool and use zip ties since I had a giant pile of laundry that needed washing.  Anyway, I'm an idiot for using small zip ties.  MAYBE you can get away with larger ones.  But, why risk it?  I bought this "Outer" Spring Removal tool and was able to remove the spring in less than 10 seconds (even with a busted hand) and the same tool worked for removing the spring on the outside of my particular washer, too.  I'm giving the product 4 stars simply because it costs too much and the name is misleading.