Rope length for replacing valve springs.

I always try to give the retainer a little rap with a Harbor freight plastic (orange) hammer to help unseat the keepers. Cut some nice clean rags so you can stuff them in the head drain holes just in case you drop a keeper. Have a telescoping magnet to help pluck them out. Put some vasoline on the keepers to help hold them in place when you put it back together. I use a pick to push the vasoline covered keeper so it sticks in the valve groove.