Stiffener tool positioning apparatus (1000) and method are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base (1002), a first flipper member (1016) and second flipper member (1018). The first flipper member is slide -ably attached to the base. The first flipper member is also configured to selectively attach a first mandrel (1060) thereon and to rotate the first mandrel. The second flipper member is also slide-ably attached to the base. The first and second flipper members are slide-ably positioned select distances from each other on the base in embodiments. The second flipper member is further configured to attach a second mandrel thereon and to rotate the second mandrel.