Patent ID: 7185408

Claim:
A tool for mounting a snap ring to a sink flange for supporting a garbage disposal below a sink, said sink having a top surface, a bottom surface and a sink drain opening having a central axis and extending between said surfaces, said sink flange having a flange lip supported by said top surface about said sink drain opening and a flange body having a cylindrical shape for extending coaxially through the drain opening to a lower end having an annular groove for receiving said snap ring, said tool comprising: a) a keeper for temporarily securing a platform adjacent said flange body lower end below said sink bottom surface, b) said keeper including a head portion for engaging said sink flange adjacent said top surface of said sink and a leg portion extending from said head portion through said flange body for engagement with said platform, c) said platform including loading means, biasing means and a connector, d) said loading means being arranged to hold said snap ring in an expanded condition for insertion in said annular groove, e) said biasing means being operable to displace said snap ring from said loading means into said annular groove, f) said connector being operable to releasably connect said platform to said leg portion whereby said head portion temporarily secures said platform adjacent to and axially aligned with said lower end of said flange body for axial movement of said snap ring into said annular groove upon operation of said biasing means.