In the process of reassembling my engine after replacing the head gasket (finally!), and decided to install a new tensioner. I had stuck an allen wrench in the hole on the old one to keep the spring compressed, but now that I have to get the spring compressed through the hole on the new tensioner, I'm having trouble. I thought maybe I could lock the barrel end of the piece that goes through the spring into a vise or C-clamp and the press down on the tensioner to compress the spring, but even that method is questionable. What's the best way to do this? Thanks for any tips...

Zack
1980 245DL M46 272k
1988 745T+ M46 192k

I used my wood vice. The wooden jaw inserts don't mess up the merchandise. I held the tensioner assembly so it would slide together correctly while my son slowly turned the vise and inserted a 6d finish nail in in the little hole to hold the spring. Be careful. Don't let it slide out of the vice and fly in your face.
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Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.

Did it just this morning; clamp the tensioner in a vise by the tab with the hole, and compress the "barrel" and spring with a large pair of channel-loks.
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Jim McDonald