Valve keeper installation tool

Abstract

Valve keeper pliers that facilitate the installation of the two-part valve keepers in an internal combustion engine, the pliers comprising jaws and handles with a pivot point therebetween, at least two grasping pins per keeper projecting outwardly from a shoulder stop at a terminal end of each jaw, the pins adapted to abut an outer surface of a keeper, and at least one magnet substantially flush with each shoulder stop for engaging an end of a keeper, the magnet adapted to releasably retain a keeper in contact with its grasping pins while minimizing the magnetic attraction between the pins and the engine, whereby each keeper is retained in contact with its magnets and pins without requiring grip pressure to retain it in place allowing easier insertion of the keeper, particularly in cases where the keeper has more than one retention groove. The jaws are preferably offset from a plane created by the handles to facilitate reaching into the locations where the valve keepers must be installed. A spring means for biasing the jaws in an open direction is preferably provided. The pliers may be made from a substantially non-magnetic material whereby the tendency of the pins to be magnetically drawn toward the engine is minimized.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.