Is there a trick to removing the Delta Ring on an AR carbine?

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Brenainn

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I am trying to install a free floating handguard on my Colt carbine. I've already taken off the gas block sight, and all that. Now I am down to taking off the Delta Ring which is proving to be a pain. It WILL NOT budge! Since I am cheap and also not quite prepared in the tool department just yet for such jobs, I do not have an Armorer's Wrench yet - so I am just using a large pipe wrench to try and turn the ring. I've searched the internet for ideas, but have found nothing.

I have mounted the upper receiver in a vice to help and added some grease but it just won't budge and it's so hard that I am afraid I'm going to ruin something.

Is there some kind of trick to removing this thing?

(Keep in mind I am not able to use the desired tools necessary because I don't have them)...

HELP!
 
Are you trying to remove the slip ring and spring or are you trying to remove the barrel nut?

(Keep in mind I am not able to use the desired tools necessary because I don't have them)...

Either get them or take it to someone who has them, like a gunsmith. You will most likely end up spending more to replace the parts you ruin then you would have spent on the tools in the first place.

Jeff
 
Yes I saw that thread - along with a bunch of others, thanks though... this is very frustrating. There is nothing like something like this to totally halt an excited attempt at installing or upgrading a rifle on your own... I thought I was doing good when I finally got the gas block sight off! :D
 
Are you trying to remove the slip ring and spring or are you trying to remove the barrel nut?

It's the barrel nut.

And yes, I am starting to think I better take it to someone, but I was so hoping for this the be a DIY job. I was trying to avoid paying someone to unscrew something for me! ;)
 
It IS a DIY job if you spring the $30 bucks for an armorers wrench.

A trip to the gunsmith to take it off & put the new one on will likely cost you a whole lot more.

Hopefully, you haven't already crushed or sprung the upper by clamping it in a vice and cranking on it with a pipe-wrench!

rcmodel
 
You need the wrench and eother an upper receiver vice block or a proper barrel block to hold the receiver or the barrel correctly. If you don't, you will be replacing some expensive parts. +1 to rcmodel.
 
I'm curious, where did you add grease that you thought it would help?

Well, not exactly grease... I put oil down around the barrel nut and the general area hoping that while banging, tugging, and turning it might work it's way into the threads, etc. and help aid in the loosening process. It has worked before on hard to remove bolts, etc.
 
How were you planning on re-installing your barrel if you do not have a wrench or proper method of holding the gun? The chances are you will damage both your existing parts as well as the new ones you are trying to install. Most free floating handguards replace the Barrel Nut and the Delta Ring with the Handguard screwing onto the new Barrel Nut with its own Ring. Positioning Pins orient the handguard and keep it from turning after installation. All in all not difficult ---- with the proper tools.

MMcfpd said:
I've cut a delta ring off with a Dremel.

Why would you do that?
 
You will not reinstall the ring, so I would grab it with a pair of Chanellock pliers. If you plan to reuse it get the proper tool!!
 
In the Army, as a Small Arms repairman

We used barrel blocks in the vice to hold the barrel, then used the wrench to loosen the nut. Never put the reciever in a vice!:what: It's only aluminium, after all. You may have already ruined your upper reciever! If you haven't already, stop now before it is too late!!!

You clamp the barrel in the vice, NOT THE RECIEVER!

Spend the few bucks for the armorer's tool, and get a torque wrench as well, you will need it to do a proper job of re-installing the barrel. Better yet, swallow your pride, open your wallet, and pay someone to do the job. Preferably somone who has the brains not to clamp the reciever in a vise and use a PIPE WRENCH!:what::cuss:
 
Originally Posted by MMcfpd
I've cut a delta ring off with a Dremel.
Why would you do that?

I had a Colt barrel nut that wouldn't budge. The torque wrench was over 80# when it the armorer's wrench slipped off and I decided it was pipe wrench time. That worked after more freezer time and a brief visit from the propane torch. I've done several barrel changes without much problem, but that one was exceptionally tight.
 
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