My makeshift Handguard Removal Tool

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nexqunyx

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I recently removed my quad-rails and replaced the original handguards back on my AR to prep my gun for sale. Then I noticed that my weld spring in the delta ring has broken. I ordered a new weld spring...installed it...works great, but MAN this thing is tight! (no no...I'm no weakling :p ) The spring has some stiff tension to it- as I expected on a new spring.

Anyway, now it's really tough to pull back on the delta ring...really awkward with just two hands. I thought of purchasing a handguard removal tool. Problem is- they are a bit pricey ($30-40) for something that I will hardly use. I saw a video on Youtube on how to make one, but I don't have tools and resources to make one.

While I was walking around Canadian Tire, I came across a Track Panel Hook for $7 that resembles a removal tool. It's 9" long with a metal frame and rubber-coated sleeves. I said to myself "this might just work!". Took it home with me...and tada! Works like a charm!:D

Thought I'd share my humble discovery to you folks in case you're thinking of getting one.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF ACTUAL HANDGUARD REMOVAL TOOLS:
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HERE IS MY SOLUTION (TRACK PANEL HOOK)
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Dude, I was going to say it's a little ghey that you can't pull it back with your hands and if you can't just buy the tool.

However..............

I see your point about only doing it maybe once or twice (for the average person) and good on you for figuring that out and making it work.

I've never coughed up for the tool from Brownells either so..............
 
That's great, thank you for sharing. The problem I have is that my handguard spits into left/right hand sections not upper/lower sections. Any suggestions?

M
 
Haha! Yeah "ghey" indeed! Trust me...for a guy that's physically fit, I felt like a lil boy trying to yank this spring back. :p Trust me when I say- it's freakin tight!

Farmboy said:
Dude, I was going to say it's a little ghey that you can't pull it back with your hands and if you can't just buy the tool.

However..............

I see your point about only doing it maybe once or twice (for the average person) and good on you for figuring that out and making it work.

I've never coughed up for the tool from Brownells either so..............
Click to expand...
 
I don't think the configuration of the handguards- whether it's top and bottom, or left and right would matter. Once you get the delta ring far back enough, you should be able to remove any handguard configuration easily.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

gnmontey said:
That's great, thank you for sharing. The problem I have is that my handguard spits into left/right hand sections not upper/lower sections. Any suggestions?

M
Click to expand...
 
nexqunyx said:
I don't think the configuration of the handguards- whether it's top and bottom, or left and right would matter. Once you get the delta ring far back enough, you should be able to remove any handguard configuration easily.

Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

The tool gets in the way.
 
Heh that is a different use for a hanger. Some one once said that channel lock adjustable pliers work well. That's what I use, just turn them backwords, put the rubberized handle on the delta ring and squeeze and pull down. Works well on my norc that if it was not for that it would be a two person Job
 
Buzzballer said:
Heh that is a different use for a hanger. Some one once said that channel lock adjustable pliers work well. That's what I use, just turn them backwords, put the rubberized handle on the delta ring and squeeze and pull down. Works well on my norc that if it was not for that it would be a two person Job
Click to expand...

Heck of a good idea. Thanks, I'll try it. With out some sort of aid it is a two person job.

M
 
Yes yes! A channel lock adjustable pliers would work fine too! Good for you:)


Buzzballer said:
Heh that is a different use for a hanger. Some one once said that channel lock adjustable pliers work well. That's what I use, just turn them backwords, put the rubberized handle on the delta ring and squeeze and pull down. Works well on my norc that if it was not for that it would be a two person Job
Click to expand...
 
Haha! Yeah "ghey" indeed! Trust me...for a guy that's physically fit, I felt like a lil boy trying to yank this spring back. Trust me when I say- it's freakin tight!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I hear ya!! Done a couple where I was like "WTF"!!!!
 
+1.

Every time I have had to tear down the rifle I built I enlist the roommate. "Dude, push down on that". He is a former Navy EOD so pretty familiar with the platform and he can't do it himself either. I'll be looking at the hardware store this week.

Thanks for the suggestion.
 
It's not so much that it's hard to do or using a tool means you are weak. It's just awkward to do with only two hands, you need 3. Two hands to push down evenly and one to remove the hand guards.

Anyone complaining you are weak sounds like a typical meathead with more brawn then brains.

Work smarter, not harder.
 
Between removal and installation, it looks like it works well. I don't think I'd add this tool to my inventory despite it's clever appeal. Thanks for the note though. If you come up with a way to automagically build a lower from a Canadian Tire catalog, let me know! Heh heh.
 
Armedsask said:
It's not so much that it's hard to do or using a tool means you are weak. It's just awkward to do with only two hands, you need 3. Two hands to push down evenly and one to remove the hand guards.

Anyone complaining you are weak sounds like a typical meathead with more brawn then brains.

Work smarter, not harder.
Click to expand...

Bingo.
 
Now that I found it on the Canadian Tire web site...I feel like a real dummy not figuring out that it's a bloody hook for tools (crochet a outils). Thanks again for sharing your find, saving a buck these days is not always easy with the price of gas, groceries and all the necessary things in life that make us push back buying new toys.
 
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