A gripping mechanism extends from a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a fixed handle, a pivotally connected movable handle, a releasable locking mechanism, and the upper section of two opposing L-shaped arms. The lower section of each arm extends from the clamping mechanism to connect to a pair of lugs to form the gripping mechanism. Each lug includes an elongated member and a gripping surface for gripping a valve box cover lid. The gripping mechanism is manipulated to pivot the arms and move the gripping surfaces into place to grip the valve box cover lid. Once the gripping surfaces grip the lid, the arms are locked into a fixed position relative to one another to facilitate the separation of the cover, the lifting of the cover, and the transportation of the cover from the valve box.