Valve Spring Tools

I'm afraid I've only ever used the rough and rudimentary one in the red case. Mind you, I've only ever used it on pre 1980 triumphs and a few tractors (HDs).
It works a treat cause you can hold it in the vice while it holds the cylinder head so it allows you to use both hands to get the collets in and out. Which is a right fiddle sometimes. It was cheap and has lasted me years and years.

 

Red one ! Only one that will work !! Spring's on valves are recessed ? So you need something with a wide base/anchor. As you can't grab the spring with claws , as there's little or no space to pass claw leg's down ??

 

I bought one similar to this back in the 80's when I was rebuilding a Z1000 engine and it worked a treat. Also used it on a Ford Cologne V6 some years later.......

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254484496997?epid=8042275174&hash=item3b40754265:g:icIAAOSwxFVeJK4S

 

I've used something like that on my Triumph Bonneville America , when I did rebore to 904cc , I took opportunity to replace the exhaust valves , 92,000 kms old , it was originally designed for work on much bigger car cylinder head.
Works fine for smaller valves and head's , used a few bodged adaptors.
Got it done.

 

Here is my selection of spring tools, 2 of which can be used with the head still in situ.

 

I love doing rebuilds like this. Have you had a problem with the engine or are you just breathing new life into an old worn unit?