Spreading tool having a spreader portion with a cam profile and an associated method

A spreading tool and an associated method are provided to permit members that are biased toward one another to be separated in an efficient and a controlled manner. One example of a spreading tool includes a handle portion and a spreader portion coupled to the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The spreader portion includes a cam profile defining a cam-lobe center line. The cam profile may also define a width perpendicular to the cam-lobe center line and a length parallel to the cam-lobe center line. In use, the spreader portion may be inserted between the two members such that the width of the cam portion separates the two members. The handle portion may then be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the spreader portion until the two members are separated by a distance greater than the width of the elongate cross-sectional cam profile.