BBC Water Pump Bypass Fitting

[Bill Pritchard]

Is there any kind of special tool made for removal and/or installation of the water pump bypass hose fitting in a big block Chevy? This fitting has a slot in the one end, and I'm sure many (if not most)of these fittings have had a large screwdriver used for installation.....but the potential for damage or distortion of the fitting end would seem to make this a less-than-ideal choice.

Trying to remove an old one from a water pump that has been used for years is 'mission impossible' with a big screwdriver. A huge vise-Grip or ChannelLock pliers would undoubtedly work, but would also destroy the fitting. Any suggestions?