The tool that makes old compressors obsolete...

Valve Wizard is a specifically designed and patented valve spring compressor tool that fits air-cooled aircraft engine cylinder heads, allowing mechanics the use of both hands to work on springs, keepers, stems and guides, whether parallel or angle valves. Injection-moulded, high-impact composites with steel inserts and compressors, the Valve Wizard attaches quickly and dramatically reduces valve maintenance time.

The tool comes individually or as a set of three.

• Valve Wizard for Lycoming angle-valve engines
• Valve Wizard for Continental angle-valve engines
• Valve Wizard for Lycoming parallel-valve engines

Certified aircraft maintenance engineer Jolly Higdon, president of Airborne Flying Service Inc, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, has developed and patented a series of valve spring compressor tools for Lycoming and Continental piston engines.

The tool was invented by Higdon after years of frustration using the typical lever bars for which constant pressure against the spring must be maintained by one hand, leaving just one hand to access the top-end parts. With Valve Wizard, the cylinders remain bolted to the crankcase while relieving the tension on the springs, saving several hours labor per engine.

Higdon has been in the aviation and air ambulance, charter and cargo business since 1980. Airborne Flying Service, Inc. caters to an international clientele through its sizable fleet that comprises twin-engine propeller to Learjets. A subsidiary company, JollyTime Tools, Inc., has been formed to produce and market the Valve Wizard line of tools.

The US Patent Office awarded a patent for the design in December 2006. Full production began in May. Tools can be ordered direct through www.valvewizard.com, or by 888-825-9493 (888-Val Wizd).