AR-15 handguard removal tool?

I've got two AR's, one with handguards so tight that the Delta ring was already three quarters the way down when they were on the rifle. They were an absolute b***h to try and take off. Eventually pulled them off and purchased a new pair that for whatever reason, fit like they were made for the gun. As much as we like to think, I don't think they are all made the same.....................long story short...........try an different pair.
 
I JUST field striped my first M4 / AR15. Thanks youtube!
BUT I did not get the handguards off....seem to be a real #####. Do you NEED the handguard removal tool?

ALSO, how often is it necessary to remove the handguard such that you can CLEAN in that area? (the gas tube, etc).

Every single time?

thanks.
 
NorCalDustin said:
1) you do not NEED the handguard removal tool
2) I never take my handguard off... Ever.
Click to expand...

the gas tube never needs cleaning?
im used to my vz58...take the piston out, do my best to clean that short little tube that vents gas to the piston.

havnt seen the ar15 tube yet, im sure its narrow. perhaps pipe cleaning straws etc.

you dont clean the gas tube?
 
I needed to drill a hole in the hand guard to mount a rail/grip and couldn't get the ring off my M4 either so I took my acetylene torch and made a removal tool out of drill rod.
 
This is how I did mine by myself....

Looped rabbit wire through vent holes in handguard and secured.
Drive a nail in my work bench.
Tied rabbit wire from the handguard to the nail.
With gun standing up, pressed down on ring.
When guard clears ring, tip the gun to the side and the wire pulls the guard off.
Repeat for other side guard.

Putting them back on was a lot harder, took 2 people.
 
I got one from Brownells, theres a couple different ones they sell. Read the reviews one is better than the other and cheaper.
 
fabsports have them.they work but i can't compare them to other types.they are tapco brand and 25 bucks.the norc m4gery handguard spring is VERY strong and difficult to remove.i wouldn't even try to put the handguards back on without the tapco pliers.be advised that you may have to dremel/chamfer new hanguards to fit the m4gery.i know the magpull MOE handguards require fitting,but they are probably the most inexpensive(cheapest) way of putting a new hanguard/front grip on...
 
Just did mine as I was reading this thread, Nork M4, took me about 5 minuets of good solid cursing but I got it done with no tools. I placed the stock between my legs on my chair and pulled down on the ring, then tilted it so the top piece would clear. Then the the same to the bottom one.
Putting them back on is a little trickier. But it is doable.
 
CanadianReich said:
the gas tube never needs cleaning?
im used to my vz58...take the piston out, do my best to clean that short little tube that vents gas to the piston.

havnt seen the ar15 tube yet, im sure its narrow. perhaps pipe cleaning straws etc.

you dont clean the gas tube?
Click to expand...

Your gas tube never really needs cleaning unless you've spent time in a swamp with your gun underwater, and even then I dont think it would need cleaning.

You see, every time you fire a round, so much gas is fired through the gas tube that it almost cleans it out. In other words, any clogs or carbon that's starting to build up, gets blown out the tube.


That being said, for the last year I've been taking a long, white pipe cleaner and checking how dirty my gas tube from the Upper receiver (i.e., without removing the gas tube) once every 5,000-10,000 rounds. ---This has kinda become an experiment of mine.

What I have found is that each time, the pipe cleaner gets a little dirty (just barely) but is still fairly clean. I've done this several times now with several guns.


Frankly, I've seen AR-15 Uppers that have 20,000+ rounds through them that have never had the gas tube cleaned. And they still seem to work just fine.


My suggestion: If you really want to see how dirty your gas tube gets, wait until you have 5,000 or 10,000 rounds down the pipe and then check it, but clean it from the upper and dont remove the gas tube. Otherwise, dont clean it... It's probably the last part on your gun you have to worry about cleaning.
 
NorCalDustin said:
Your gas tube never really needs cleaning unless you've spent time in a swamp with your gun underwater, and even then I dont think it would need cleaning.

You see, every time you fire a round, so much gas is fired through the gas tube that it almost cleans it out. In other words, any clogs or carbon that's starting to build up, gets blown out the tube.


That being said, for the last year I've been taking a long, white pipe cleaner and checking how dirty my gas tube from the Upper receiver (i.e., without removing the gas tube) once every 5,000-10,000 rounds. ---This has kinda become an experiment of mine.

What I have found is that each time, the pipe cleaner gets a little dirty (just barely) but is still fairly clean. I've done this several times now with several guns.


Frankly, I've seen AR-15 Uppers that have 20,000+ rounds through them that have never had the gas tube cleaned. And they still seem to work just fine.


My suggestion: If you really want to see how dirty your gas tube gets, wait until you have 5,000 or 10,000 rounds down the pipe and then check it, but clean it from the upper and dont remove the gas tube. Otherwise, dont clean it... It's probably the last part on your gun you have to worry about cleaning.
Click to expand...

gold, pure gold
 
After nearly breaking my finger with a pair of channel lock pliers, I swallowed my pride and bought a handful of handguard removal tools. The way I see it, it's cheaper than hiring a Private Recruit to break in the delta ring for me :)

Absolutely a good call. Very easy to use, doesn't scratch the heck out of the delta ring, and I don't have to worry about accidentally crushing the gas tube.

100% worth it.

I bought a few and have the spares up for sale in the EE here:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=666205
 
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