A tool and method adapted to facilitate access to a hot runner system in an injection molding system wherein the hot runner system includes one or more injection nozzles projecting away from a hot runner surface. The tool includes a first plate structure having one or more nozzle acceptance openings adapted to engage the injection nozzles. A second plate structure is disposed in opposing, spaced apart relation from the first plate structure. One or more elongate spacers are disposed in connective spacing relation between the first plate structure and the second plate structure.