Some people do things the hard way because it gives them a greater sense of accomplishment. Others do things the hard way because they don’t know there is an easier way. Whichever camp you fall into, allow us to spend a few words explaining all the joys and benefits of a Hydraulic Valve Lifter Tool (available now from Helton Tool & Home for just $11.95). Any mechanic who has found need of repairing the hydraulic valve lifter in their engine will immediately understand the value of this tool. For everyone else, let us take a brief moment to enlighten.

Within the cylinders of an engine reside several lifters—little thumb-sized pieces of metal through which engine rods move up and down. These lifters serve to maintain zero valve clearance and protect rods from damage on the downward distribution of engine pressure. When one of these lifters needs to be repaired, it can be an extremely challenging (if not impossible) task to reach down between the camshaft and each engine’s valve and access the part. While some mechanics have gotten by using wire hangers or other long, narrow “tools,” there’s no comparison between these rudimentary efforts and the quality craftsmanship afforded by the Performance Tool brand Hydraulic Valve Lifter Tool – part number W80566.

Once the intake manifold has been removed (where necessary) and the rocker covers, rocker arms, and push rods have been set aside, this tool is snaked into the hollow center of the hydraulic valve lifter. The user simply pushes the knob on the tool’s end to engage the tips of the tool into the grooves within the valve lifter. Once engaged, the user pulls up gently and is able to perform the required service to the part. When service is complete and it’s time to replace the hydraulic valve lifter, this tool performs the exact same way in reverse, making the entire process of removing and replacing a hydraulic valve lifter a walk in the park.

Get yours here, and start doing one more thing the easy way.