Need help removing tube handguard...

[zykopat]

Hey,
just got a RRA Predator Pursuit upper (thanks to Mark) and I'm trying to remove the tube handguard (to replace it by a DD Lite 12.0).

The darn thing won't move a bit. I tried to heat it with a hairdryer and de-torque it with a strap wrench but nothing happens except the strap loosing some rubber. What can I do? I'm about to loose patience..

 

[Armedsask]

The ring with the slots is a jam nut that locks against the hand guard. You have to back it off towards the receiver. Then simply spin the hand guard off.

 

[RobAK]

Also, in addition to what Armedsask posted, if it's anything like the free float sleeve that was on my RRA NMA4 upper, expect a lot of red loctite.
My sleeve had several inches of the stuff and it took a torch and a lot of elbow grease.

 

[crazy_arctic_hero]

@ RobAK
How hot do you have to get it before the loctite gives?

 

[RobAK]

I couldn't tell you an exact temp, but we used a propane torch for a few minutes, then took a strap wrench to it (I'm not sure if it's the same set up on this sleeve).

 

[zykopat]

Is there a special tool needed to back off the jam nut?

 

[ajayofcanada]

This might help, it works for me.

 

[crazy_arctic_hero]

@ RobAK
Thanks for the tip, just removed my free float tube like 10 mins ago. Using a propane torch, worked really well but yeah....... you need to keep the heat on it. Using a strap wrench didn't work the greatest but using THICK work gloves solved the problem.

 

[zykopat]

Pretty encouraging news! I ordered the jam nut wrench and I'll guess I'll have to get my hands on a propane torch... I'll post when done...

Thanks guys!

 

[zykopat]

Yahooo! I did it! Got a propane torch and heated the tube around the barrel nut, heard the metal "clinking" and then took 2 pairs of gloves and turned the sucker. At first the jam nut was turning with the tube but it eventually gave up and the tube came by itself.

The strap wrench was absolutely of no use. So for you guys trying to remove a tube handguard, just get a torch and some thick gloves. I had ordered the jam nut wrench (last thursday) but didn't need it after all.

I have a last question: I plan to sell the tube handguard on the EE and I was wondering since I heated it, could that have done some harm to it? Let me know.

Now I'm just waiting for the DD lite 12.0 to get here...

Thanks again!

 

[rivetc78]

Now take that barrel and cut 7.5" off

 

[zykopat]

Now take that barrel and cut 7.5" off

You don't cut a nice barrel like that... besides I'm building a DMR.

 

[crazy_arctic_hero]

I don't think there's any damage done to it, I managed to clean my free float tube/jam nut and it still screws on snug. The finish is in good condition too, although its a slightly more "matte" black around the jam nut area which I heated up...... but it might just be me.

FYI, i hope you have a barrel nut and delta ring assembly for that DD rail

 

[zykopat]

No need to worry about that, the DD Lite series come with their own barrel nut and there's no need for the delta ring stuff.