For some reason, once the valve spring is compressed, I always struggle getting the locks in and out of the retainers. My fat fingers don't fit in there too good. I've seen some special tools before that seem to make it easy, plus keep ones fingers out of the danger zone. But I can't remember what it was. I'm talking racing valve springs, not those tools for stock springs that you just tap with a hammer. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Joel

I just use a rubber mallet to loosen them then use a magnet to get them out and the magnet to put them in and a
small screw driver to get them off the magnet

^^^ Yup, this.
Plus a bunch of rags everywhere so nothing drops into the engine.

That's the way I've been doing it for years. I'm ready to switch over to the easy way. Especially for installing them. I'm looking for info and feedback on the specialty tools that are supposed to make it faster and easier.

I now always use a big (3.0 lb.) brass hammer to tap the edges of the retainers before trying to compress any springs, even with 75 lbs. on the seats or 325 lbs. on the seats on a roller cam head
I've seen other shops use a 1/2 inch drive 5/8 or 11/16 socket over the center of the valve stem and tap it with a big hammer also to loosen the keepers up, they both work

The LSM stuff is hard to beat, I’ve even used the on car tools on the bench just because the control of the spring “danger zone” is so much more secure. The one I have works on my -1’s and 572-13’s. Jim

I would second that, LSM stuff is top notch and there is no fears of it coming loose.

I like how the LSM gives you plenty of room to get my fingers in there to get the locks seated, I still use a small dab of grease to stick them to my finger so I don't loose them
Gus

I use part of an LSM tool in the drill press.LSM does NOT make one for a hemi,but would be easy to do!