A tool for removing shaft seals without damage to either the seal or the fitting has a flat strip body with a hand grip at one end and with a shaped head angled at 160 deg. to the handle. The head has a trapezoidal shape with the tow short sides at right angles to the outer side. A hook is fitted at one end of the outer side and a round stub at the other end. The stub is fitted with a cylindrical bearing. The hook end is inserted into the hole in the shaft seal and tilted to lift the seal. The tool is rotated, with the thrust bearing running around the outside of the seal housing, to progressively lift the seal without damage.