Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a side pocket mandrel includes an orienting sleeve having guide surfaces that lead to a longitudinal slot which forms, together with an adjacent longitudinal recess in the mandrel, a T-shaped channel that cooperates with projections on the arm of a kickover tool to precisely align the gas lift valve with the receptacle bore in the mandrel. The kickover tool includes an assembly of pivotally mounted upper and lower arms with the lower arm being pivoted to the tool body. The lower arm includes a locating finger and transversely extending projections that engage and slide in a T-shaped channel of the mandrel to achieve precise alignment of the valve with the receiver bore.