Abstract: The method of facilitating assembly and disassembly of valves in a cylinder head uses a gripping tool which has a base consisting of a flat ring onto which are mounted three posts extending upwardly therefrom. Rotatable and slidable clips with magnets are mounted on at least two of the posts to capture the loose key bolts. A plate is attached to the top of the posts and a clip may extend upwardly therefrom to permit attachment of an adapter for use with a drill press. The flat ring is centered over the top of the valve stem and key bolt and rests on top of the upper cup which presses against the top of the ring which retains the spring. Force applied to the top of the tool presses down on the upper cup, compressing the spring to release the key bolt. For re-assembly, a centering ring holds the spring centered with the cam bucket bore, providing the contact surface for the flat ring.