Lisle valve spring compressor, junk?

That’s a weird tool?!?
Also did you take a 3/4 socket to the retainer and smack it first to free the keepers from the stem and retainer?

I’ve always used the large c clamp style that holds the face of the valve. I’ve never even seen that style - it looks cheap. Almost like a door hinge spring remover for the Chevrolets from the 80’s.