Car valve collet insert tool

thingiverse

I've created my own version of a tool for fitting valve collets on valve stems, inspired by a commercially available model that eliminates the need for spring clamps. To get started, insert the printed piece into a 15 mm hex socket, which I've used from the Powerfix 94-piece socket set. The procedure for installing valve collets is straightforward: 1. Place an extension on the hex socket to make it easier to work with. 2. Position a rag underneath the valve to be worked on to prevent any damage. 3. Insert the valve spring and retainer onto the valve stem. 4. Loosely place the collets in the valve retainer. 5. Put the hex socket with the printed piece over the valve stem. 6. Lean your body weight onto the hex socket, using a block of wood to distribute the pressure if needed. 7. Apply enough force for the valve spring to compress and the collets to snap into place within the groove on the valve stem. It may take several attempts and some trial-and-error with rag placement to get it right.