COMP Cams Valve Locks Eb 5/16in 7Deg - Set of 100Most people believe that the tang inside a valve lock holds the retainer and valve spring in place while the engine is running, but this isn't the case. The cross section of material in the tang is not strong enough to withstand open spring loads of 1000 lbs. or more. The sole purpose of the tang is to temporarily locate the lock, retainer and spring relative to the valve until the taper of the retainer can nest around the outside surface of the lock.