Old New Member

**vaughn45** · May 14, 2017, 11:31 AM

I am attempting to post 3 Pics. of a tool that was produced by Sunnen Products Company. I think it was used for some kind of valve work either installation or removal not sure. Hoping someone in the forum knows or maybe has used it.

Attachment 17929

**Jon** · May 14, 2017, 08:07 PM

Hi vaughn45 - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Nice first post! We love a tool mystery. I'm going to put this post in our newsletter so everyone can take a look.

**tom63** · May 15, 2017, 12:32 PM

looks like a valve spring compressor,most likely for a flat head.

**EnginePaul** · May 15, 2017, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by tom63

looks like a valve spring compressor,most likely for a flat head.

Yup - That's what it is. Last time I used one like that was 1960 something.

**RickT** · May 15, 2017, 12:51 PM

It is used for removing/installing valve spring keepers. The spring is compressed, the washer is placed over the spring and onto the valve stem, grease is applied to the keepers to hold them in place, and they are placed around the valve stem with this tool. The spring is released, locking the keepers around the stem by the washer.I still use mine when things are a little hard to get at with just my fingers!

**thx569** · May 15, 2017, 02:28 PM

OOOOOOH, I wanted to say that. Yes valve spring removal tool.

**barsyl4041@netzero.net** · May 15, 2017, 05:58 PM

You are right Rick I have the very same tool and still use it for all sizes of engines. B.L.F.

**Jon** · May 15, 2017, 06:22 PM

You know, these "mystery tool" discussions that we see on this forum, and many others, are supposed to be long! Everyone puts in their best guess, nobody really knows for sure, and it often just still ends up a mystery.

On this forum, mystery tools don't stand a chance!

Nice work gentlemen

**KickStart** · May 15, 2017, 09:24 PM

I just opened my email to see the picture of the mystery tool. Even though I couldn't see a very big view, I suspected I knew right away what it was. I checked in here and see that valve keeper tool has already been said. I still have 1 or 2 of them, though I don't use them so much anymore.
I have a few types of specialty valtrain tools, like flathead spring compressor, and smaller engine flathead spring compressor, and a couple more I can't recall. Also some specific-make tools for valve adjustment.