A tool for breaking tabs of a vertebral bone anchor can include a tip, a first rail, and a second rail. The tip can be positionable over a housing of a vertebral bone anchor. The first rail can be pivotably coupled to the tip and can extend proximally away from the tip. The first rail can be configured to receive a first extended tab therein. The first rail can be pivotable with respect to the tip between a first upright position and a first outward position to break the first extended tab from the housing. The second rail can be pivotably coupled to the tip and can extend proximally away from the tip.