Abstract: The invention is a tool for removing and installing valve springs in an overhead valve engine of the type having a stud adjacent the valve spring. In detail, the tool is a locking type pliers having a first jaw with an aperture therethrough for engaging the stud and a second jaw for engaging the valve spring, the second jaw having an opening therein sufficient to allow the valve retainer to pass therethrough. Thus that when the tool is installed with the first jaw positioned with the stud extending through the aperture and the second jaw positioned over the valve spring, the pliers can be actuated to a locked position causing the second jaw to compress the spring with the first jaw reacting the force applied to compress the valve. spring. Upon compression of the spring the valve retainer is freed from the valve spring retaining cap and can be easily removed.