Review on 🔧 OTC 4572 Large Valve Spring Compressor - Efficient & Durable, in Sleek Black Design by David Elam

I am restoring a 1984 Porsche 944, took the engine apart last year and am working on putting it all back together. A lot of work was done on this project and the production of valves was on the agenda. I first tried the "cheap deal" at Harbor Freight and its "pinch and squeeze" design just didn't work - the one at Napa did a better job but still isn't good enough - Porsche uses one double spring on its valves so you need something that will do a complete clamp. I then tried the local tool rentals (they had a monster - and shouldn't go to your head), a couple of pawnshops, Pep Boys and finally a place called Performance Auto where I 'borrowed' one. This tool almost worked, but damn it if it didn't bend, stretch, and basically suck out the springs - it worked, but I knew I needed something better to put the valves back in once I'm done. worked on them - so I returned the "borrowed" tool and started digging and found this one. This tool was heavier than the "borrowed" one but not as crazy as the tool rental - what they had would have been perfect for a tractor I think. None of the others I've seen unless I spent $120 in Napa would have had a chance - and they weren't much different from the borrowed ones. This tool did a really good job - and I even made the mistake of installing 7 out of 8 valves before realizing I forgot to install new valve stem seals! This tool makes it easy to remove valves, install gaskets, and reinstall. Does it close valves? Type - the clamp nozzle with handle is more for placement and positioning - the actual work is done with the screw nozzle opposite the handle. What about the tool flexibility? nothing to discuss. This thing is heavy metal - about 3/8 inch thick all the way around, including the rotating rods near the handle. It didn't flex at all - and the Porsche springs were taut springs too - the smaller tools were "sloppily" made by the cylinder head, bent, warped and otherwise didn't do their job, all because of this old Porsche, but the tooling stood tight and squeezed. I would recommend this tool to anyone working on an engine that needs to insert valve heads - this tool makes the job easier.