What is the purpose of the tang on a valve lock?

The tang on a valve lock is primarily for temporary positioning. Its main job is to hold the lock, retainer, and spring in place relative to the valve until the retainer's taper can seat around the lock, creating a more secure collet effect.

How do I know if these valve locks are the correct size for my valve stems?

It's critical that the valve locks match your valve stem size. If the two halves of the lock fit together without a gap, they are too large. If they fit tightly to the stem and leave a gap between the middle of the lock and the stem's outer diameter, they are too small.

Are these valve locks suitable for high-performance engines with heavy valve springs?

These locks are recommended for street applications with lighter valve spring loads. For engines with very high spring pressures, exceeding 1000 lbs, you may need a different type of valve lock designed for those demands.

COMP Cams Valve Locks Single Groove 11/32in 601-8

Name: COMP Cams Valve Locks 11/32in Single Groove
Brand: COMP Cams
Price: 12.95 USD
Availability: InStock

COMP Cams Valve Locks 11/32in Single Groove

$12.95

On Backorder

Order now to reserve yours — we'll ship as soon as stock arrives. Full refund if we're unable to fulfill.

COMP Cams Valve Locks 11/32in Single Groove. Hardened steel locks for stock engine rebuilds.

Key Features

Fits 18+ vehicle make/model combinations.
Constructed from hardened steel for durability.
Features a 7-degree angle and 11/32-inch valve stem size.
Single groove design for secure retainer engagement.
Intended for stock engine rebuilds and street applications with lighter valve spring loads.
Includes 8 pairs of valve locks.

⚠️ CA WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. Learn more

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Product Details

These COMP Cams valve locks are made from hardened steel and feature a 7-degree angle with a 11/32-inch stem size. They are designed as a direct replacement for stock engine rebuilds, especially for street applications where valve spring loads aren't excessively high. It's crucial that your valve locks match your valve stem size precisely; if the two halves of the lock fit together without a gap, they are too large, and if they leave a gap between the middle of the lock and the stem's outer diameter, they are too small. The tang on the valve lock's purpose is to temporarily position the lock, retainer, and spring until the retainer's taper can seat around the lock, creating a collet effect that secures everything in place.

This set includes 8 pairs of these single-groove, 7-degree street locks, suitable for a variety of classic GM vehicles. While the tang helps with initial placement, the primary holding force comes from the retainer's taper engaging the lock. This design ensures that as spring pressure increases, the collet effect actually strengthens the lock's hold on the retainer and valve stem.