Just on the valve adjustment process.

When it comes to getting the valve head cover off, when it's not been removed previously - so seems most often to be using a gasket of applied silicone etc - whats the best approach for getting this off, which minimises destroying the valve cover by bending it?

Paint scraper? Heat Gun? Razor blade?

And then following on from that - do folks prefer to have a replacement gasket on hand (i.e the exact pattern in proper gasket material)? Apply some high temp silicone? Or just screw back on and watch for leaks?

Thanks in advance.