After struggling to the point of being ready to remove the cams to change the valve shims. I looked the situation over and decided that the cheap bucket tool from Ebay is too thick and where it sits on the bucket the edge is not sharp enough.

I am sure a physics major could describe why this is.

I ground down the sides of the end that holds the bucket, to about 2/3rds of its original thickness, highlighted in black, equal amount on both sides. And also filed the end that sits against the bucket, to give it a sharp edge.
Works like a charm, unbelievable! Almost looks like I know what I am doing.