I made a tool from a pair of pliers like the ones that came with the car's tool kit--they're skinny, but strong. Grind a groove in each half to grab the upper lip of each lifter. High mileage motors may have a build up of oil sediment on the lower part that doesn't ride in the lifter slot but you shouldn't have that problem. I use a spray solvent to help get those that have a build-up--rotating and lifting and lowering and spraying till the stubborn ones come free. -- Dave