Best exhaust spring tool

I use a set of needle nose vice grips. I grind a little notch in the end of the jaws to fit the spring, then tighten the jaws over the spring end. No more slipping..

I have a long shaft, Small Flat Blade Screwdriver that I heated up the tip of the blade Cherry-Red and bent into a tight "J" Hook with some Round nose pliers.

It works like a champ and they don't put nicks in the spring.

I have an assortment of tools used for handling exhaust springs but the one I use most often is a 3' length of parachute cord. 

I’m using a brake spring t handle puller now. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/performance-tool-brake-spring-hook-tool-ampere-w86557/9010310-p?product_channel=local&store=6658&adtype=pla_with_promotion&product_channel=local&store_code=6658&&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0dnfp9L4_wIVJQezAB0chAIBEAQYAyABEgLdBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

I use a 12" needle nose pliers with grooves cut into both sides of the jaws so they don't  slip. They work well on all mountings of springs and allows you to use all your arm strength and or body weight. Makes installing and removal easy. The hooked pull type on works on certain types of mountings.