Abby.Normal thanks for the reply. Slight misunderstanding. Shouldn't the
plate you mention be placed over the exposed end of the outer pad so the
clamp will sit on a flat surface instead of over the retaining spring
which would be an unstable fit. The piston sits inside of the caliper and
nothing can be placed on it. Isn't that why the clamp is placed from the
outer pad to the back end of the caliper to depress the piston?

When depressing the piston into its' bore to remove the front pads the
outer pad retaining spring that is secured to the pad does not allow the
c-clamp or bar clamp end to be placed flush against the pad. Is it ok to
secure the clamp end directly over the spring to depress the piston?
Can the other end of the c-clamp or bar clamp be secured on any other part
of the caliper other than the back end near the brake hose?