Abstract: A seal protector (10) embodying the concepts of the present invention is employed to guide the insertion of a drive axle (not shown) through the central opening (33) of a seal (31) and to protect the seal (31) from any injury that might be occasioned to the seal (31) by virtue of any sharp edges and/or burrs that might be present on the drive axle being inserted through the seal (31). The seal protector (10) incorporates a sleeve (35) having a proximal end (36) and a distal end (38). Handle means (44) are operatively secured to the proximal end (36) of the sleeve (35). A parting groove (50) extends between the proximal and distal ends (36, 38) of the sleeve (35) to permit the annular integrity of the sleeve (35) to separate by the application of a radially directed force to the handle means (44). A radially oriented reinforcing flange (42) may extend circumferentially of the proximal end (36) of the sleeve (35), and if so, it would be provided with a radially oriented, second parting groove (55).