do you need a spring compressor for removing shocks and springs?

ek civic cxi. do i need to compress the springs before i remove the shocks and springs or do they come out in one piece?
thanks guys

if you're just changing over shock/spring combo, ie putting another shock/spring combo in then no, you wouldnt need one. but if you were changing your springs and keeping your current shocks, then yes, you would need a spring compressor. By all means DON'T take off the spring retaining nut without a spring compressor in place. If you are unlucky it could go mental around the room and possibly end up in one of your eye sockets

ok great. yes replacing with coilovers. thanks dude.