[Babarsac]

The other day I was down in the basement taking apart my Garand for the first time. When trying to remove the gas plug the notches where the tool goes in were completely stripped\worn away. Any ideas how to get this sucker out?

I'm using this tool below:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=943125

[nbkky71]

I can't say that I've ever seen a gas cylinder plug so worn that it can't be removed. :what:

Unless the slots are completely worn/rounded, you might try using the largest flathead screwdriver that will fit the slot. You should be able to get some bite with a really wide tip.

Got a pic?

[Tim the student]

Can you post pics?

Where did you get it from?

[dmazur]

You may also need a "gas cylinder wrench" to support the gas cylinder so you don't damage it. Fulton Armory, Brownells, etc. have this.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=16744/Product/ARMORY_M1_GARAND_GAS_CYLINDER_WRENCH

Sometimes, a 1/4" socket extender will fit in the X-shaped slot pattern and allow applying a little more torque than the GI tool...

[heavyhands]

Not to take this away from the poster but I have a similar issue- my gas plug is on real tight and I can't budge it with a screw driver or the combo tool.

Is it ok for me to use an electric screw driver on it? Any danger of stripping the threads?

[Uncle Mike]

You may also need a "gas cylinder wrench" to support the gas cylinder so you don't damage it. Fulton Armory, Brownells, etc. have this.

You should use a gas cylinder wrench.....

Post some pix.

[CZguy]

Not to take this away from the poster but I have a similar issue- my gas plug is on real tight and I can't budge it with a screw driver or the combo tool.

Is it ok for me to use an electric screw driver on it? Any danger of stripping the threads?

A good rule of thumb is to always remove difficult hardware by hand, only using power tools after it's loosened. The power tool doesn't provide any more torque than you can do by hand it just moves (strips) faster. The key here is to find a tool that fits well, and then push hard enough so that it doesn't ride out of the slot while you are turning it.

Also righty tighty, lefty loosey. In other words facing the muzzle turn the gas plug to the left.

[skidooman603]

good advise CZ. Strippy Strippy:uhoh:

[Onmilo]

http://www.fototime.com/A44D0C30D849E31/standard.jpg
This collection of tools has yet to fail me on removing a stuck gas screw.
Gas cylinder lock wrench on left side of picture is an absolute necessity to prevent damage to the gas system.
The Phillips Driver has been ground to fit the slots of the gas screw exactly and will not round out or strip the gas slots like a plain socket extension will.
I also have a slotted driver for use on old style single slot gas screws.

A drizzle of Kroil Oil applied to the screw and allowed to soak for a bit will also aid in removal of a rust frozen screw.

[wojownik]

Question for the OP - Do you mean that you have a gas screw with the slots completely and totally worn away (nothing at all for a screwdriver or gas tool to grab onto?)

If that's the case, that gas screw slots are totally gone but the sides of the gas plug are exposed, you might need to very *carefully* grab the gas screw on the sides and rotate it out with a small vice grip. And order a new gas plug (you can get originals from many places - even eBay - or a Schuster DCM Adjustable from Brownells).

In any event, post a pic of the gas plug if you can. I've never seen one worn away that bad, even in a Century M1...

[heavyhands]

Thanks...now to order a wrench.

[Babarsac]

Here she it. I cant get a flathead or the tool to catch in there.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb134/babarsac/30-06/DSCF0006.jpg

[CZguy]

Babarsac,

Thanks for the photo that really helps. The gas plugs is not rounded and looks to be in really good shape. If you can't get a screwdriver to catch then you are possibly using too small a tool. Here's what I use, but Onmilo has the best foolproof setup.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/badgerone/Screwdriver.jpg

[christcorp]

Actually, what I use and it works perfectly, is a ratchet socket wrench. I don't even use a socket. The wrench itself sits in there perfectly. It helps if you can have someone old the rifle so it doesn't want turn while you're trying to turn the socket wrench. Or, you can hold the rifle between your legs if you have strong legs. If that doesn't work for you, forget the flat tip screwdriver, and go for a monster phillip head screwdriver. It's pretty big. This way you're making contact with 4 points on the plug instead of just 2 points. good luck. mike....

[skidooman603]

Make sure you use the Gas cylinder lock Wrench or you will end up with worse trouble...Ask me how I know :o

[James T Thomas]

A minor thing of procedure, but I have found with auto mechanics and plumbing too, that sometimes by first tightening the screw, nut or pipe; just a little, that it some how breaks it loose enough to then unscrew it in the opposite direction.

Sometimes.

[SlamFire1]

You need the gas cylinder wrench, which was not GI issue, and I recommend the GI buttstock cleaning kit.

Fulton Armory carries them both.

http://www.fulton-armory.com/MParts.htm

The device with a screw driver head was designed to remove that gas cylinder plug.

You put one of those cleaning rod sections through it and you have a lot of leverage.

Always install the gas cylinder lock with a bit of Antiseize on the threads.

If you don't, you will be repeating this experience :evil:

http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/accessoryphotos/cleanrods.jpg