Shon is correct about the angle of the "crowbar" type tool causing the problem.

The other tool has a curve which is drawn down the side of the rocker rail as the spring is compressed. To compound the problem, a rocker bolt is normally used with that tool instead of a heat treated stud, which stresses the limited number of engaged threads too much. The angle of that tool forces the bolt toward the spring and can easily damage threads or break the bolt/stud.

As Shon pointed out, my design has no curve so the compressing force is longitudinal on the stud. The stud also has full thread engagement to eliminate the possibility of damaging threads.

Tim's tool is far superior in design and it would be virtually impossible to break the stud or damage the head during normal use.

 

Guys I still have plenty of these in stock ready to ship out to you.

 

I need one...check your pm's TIM

 

Checked and taken care of. Thanks

Everyone, I will be out of town untill Monday Evening. If anyone want's one just send me your payment and I will ship out on Tuesday 7/5/05

Tim

 

Hey guys, I wanted everyone reading this to know I had a great experience with Tim and his valvespring tool. His Customer Service was fantastic and the tool it self was quick and very easy to use and for the price I see no other route to take in change valvesprings.

Adam

 

Still have some tools left, let me know if anyone needs one

Tim

 

Well, I must say Tim's Tool is simply awesome !

I've started my cam swap yesterday, and today I just swapped my springs for new Patriot Golds.

Tim's tool worked like a charm. Spring compressed enough to lock the new keepers, and made the "spring/retainer" assembly centered around the valve stem very nicely. Oh - and I used the TDC method to keep the valves up.
Again, the best thing about Tim's tool, is that you have a lot of clearance, even under the cowl. I had no problem with the rear ones at all.

I highly recommend this tool.

Here's a couple pics from today:

 

You guys need to check out the new crane cams LS1 valve spring tool. Best on the market, and easy to use.

 

There is one small advantage and three considerable disadvantages to the Crane Tool.


Advantage:
You can change two springs at once, saving a little time.

Disadvantages:
(1) It costs several times as much.
(2) It is taller and therefore more difficult to use in the confined space on the rear of the engine.
(3) It creates a sideways twisting force on the two bolts that mount the tool to the head, creating the potential for thread damage to the rocker pedestals.

 

I've got it and love it.... and its not too tall... in fact the under cowl springs are easy.... its just trying to put the damn locks back on is whats hard

 

Thats what I meant when I said the Crane tool is more difficult to use in the confined area. They mount their stud right between the springs and correctly placing the keepers on the back spring is difficult without dropping or losing them.

My design is flat with no raised areas to have to work around!

 

ah yes....

yours would be handy for the back ones... thats why we need BOTH

 

I've changed springs on my motor and i know how much of a PITA the keepers are to get back lined up in there.The crane has to be a pain when you have four keepers to line up.

 

I used the crane one on my friends car, did all 16 springs in about 2 hours. and the crane cam compressor has a grove on the bottom side that sits on the head bolts and does not let any thing twist.

 

Guys, I made up another batch so I have plenty ready to ship. I ship the next day that I receive a paypal payment. Let me know if anyone wants one.

As a side note. The average person can do all 16 springs in 1.5 hours with my tool, and my tool is $ 70 dollars cheaper then the others on the market.

 

Let me know when the LT1 edition is made up, I will purchase one.

 

No problem Shon. I have a couple of prototypes I made up but haven't had a LT1 or time to test them out on. I will let you know via PM once I try it out and all goes well within the next month.

I will out of town for 2 weeks starting July 29. If anyone wants a tool please buy them now since my last day to ship will be this Thursday afternoon until I get back around the 11th of August.

 

If you need a test subject, let me know....I used the LS1 tool last time on the LT1 head and have others that want VS changes....

 

Going to be send you some money tomorrow for a tool.

 

Money Sent!