This is a really really stupid question i know but i need to ask it anyway

When gapping 071's (using feeler gauges) i keep finding that due to the angle you have to gap them i keep flattening the corner of the centre electrode. I'm running them at 1mm hence having to open them quite a bit and not just put them in straight out of the box.
Is there a better tool or process or am i just using too much pivot force against the electrode?