Card stiffener and insertion tool

A removable insertion tool is provided for inserting a circuit board into a socket, wherein the insertion tool generally provides an increased surface area for handling the circuit board and further generally prevents a flexure of the circuit board during insertion. The insertion tool has a generally elongate stiffening member and laterally extending engagement member disposed at each opposing end thereof. The engagement members are operable to receive the circuit board, wherein the insertion tool generally provides a removable truss for the circuit board during handling or insertion into a socket. One or more of the engagement members and stiffening member may comprise a groove defined therein, wherein the groove further provides for selective engagement of the circuit board.