How do I remove the handgurads on my Ar without a special tool?
- Thread starter Glock22
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LiquidTension
Member
Just grab the Delta ring and push/pull it toward the receiver. It's easier with two people, and very simple with the tool. If you've got some drum sticks sitting around (who doesn't?) you can place one on either side and grip them in your hands, squeeze, and push down while someone else removes the hand guards.
I got my tool for about $12 and even though I've only used it twice it was worth the money.
I got my tool for about $12 and even though I've only used it twice it was worth the money.
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Time to build up that finger strength!
Sorry, no easy way around it. Here are some tips though. Keep the rifle secured against something. That way you can maximize the force you put on the delta ring and not waste any of your energy by having it absorb into your leg or whatever else you brace it against. That will make it easier.
Get a good grip. Use as much force as you can. You should have one hand on the handguard to begin pulling it out, or wiggling it out once you get the deltaring low enough. You can use two hands to help get the ring started, and then one to keep it down while you pull the guards off one at a time.
You don't need to fully compress to get the handguards off. If you can wiggle them off over the delta ring it will save you having to press it all the way down.
Some springs are very stiff and it is very difficult. Over time, they will soften up.
Sorry, no easy way around it. Here are some tips though. Keep the rifle secured against something. That way you can maximize the force you put on the delta ring and not waste any of your energy by having it absorb into your leg or whatever else you brace it against. That will make it easier.
Get a good grip. Use as much force as you can. You should have one hand on the handguard to begin pulling it out, or wiggling it out once you get the deltaring low enough. You can use two hands to help get the ring started, and then one to keep it down while you pull the guards off one at a time.
You don't need to fully compress to get the handguards off. If you can wiggle them off over the delta ring it will save you having to press it all the way down.
Some springs are very stiff and it is very difficult. Over time, they will soften up.
Try to hold the delta ring down until you can get one side half way out, then try to use whatever leverage you can get to lower the other side and you should be able to pull down the other one and pop both halves out.
I would recommend soft cursing, let it out but don't wake the neighbors whilst removing your handguards.
I would recommend soft cursing, let it out but don't wake the neighbors whilst removing your handguards.
Cannonball888
Member
I never needed a tool for handguard removal in the Army. Just use your hands. If you can't do it then work out at the gym until you are able. 
GLOCK45GUY
Member
Same in the Corps, but those rifles have been used and abused. Try taking the hand guards off of a new rifle/delta ring some time. You can still get it off wit henough force, but it' definately harder.
R127
Member
I am not the biggest AR fan in the whole world to say the least but I do have a lot of experience with them. This is the technique that works easiest for me.
Kneel with the butt of your AR between your knees and against the ground to stabilize it. Push the heel of your palms against the ring. In this position you can use more of your weight and torso muscles against it. Once you have depressed the ring rotate wrists forward or backward to pop out one half or another. You have to sort of catch the handguard on the meat of your hands. You'll probably have to experiment a little to get it right but once you have the rifle in your hands it should be apparent how this technique works.
Kneel with the butt of your AR between your knees and against the ground to stabilize it. Push the heel of your palms against the ring. In this position you can use more of your weight and torso muscles against it. Once you have depressed the ring rotate wrists forward or backward to pop out one half or another. You have to sort of catch the handguard on the meat of your hands. You'll probably have to experiment a little to get it right but once you have the rifle in your hands it should be apparent how this technique works.
IronSightRot671
Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2006
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- 221
Get a good grab on the delta ring. then get a Flat head screwdriver 4'' 102mm is what I use. wrap a oil/rag/cloth etc, around the tip of screwdriver. then pop off those bad boys.
I'm assuming you use standard GI handguards.
Pull back the delta ring, and keep holding it back. Make sure it is back far enough to expose the rear of the handguard, pull up and out. Then do the same with the bottom (I have found that it is usually easier to do the top first). Sometimes, if they run tight, it helps to take the handguards off while the upper and lower are together- dig the butt into the ground for more leverage. If you can't get it solo, there is also a buddy plan based off the same basic operation.
To reinstall- Slide the front of the handguard into the slot that is up against the FSB Pull back the delta ring- keep it held back, and get the handguardin as far as possible. Then give a good thwack with your palm (pretty much cursory) to get it all the way down. The thwack should be at the rear of the handguards. Repeat with the opposite end.
Pull back the delta ring, and keep holding it back. Make sure it is back far enough to expose the rear of the handguard, pull up and out. Then do the same with the bottom (I have found that it is usually easier to do the top first). Sometimes, if they run tight, it helps to take the handguards off while the upper and lower are together- dig the butt into the ground for more leverage. If you can't get it solo, there is also a buddy plan based off the same basic operation.
To reinstall- Slide the front of the handguard into the slot that is up against the FSB Pull back the delta ring- keep it held back, and get the handguardin as far as possible. Then give a good thwack with your palm (pretty much cursory) to get it all the way down. The thwack should be at the rear of the handguards. Repeat with the opposite end.
Taking it off is no big deal. Putting it back on can be a PITA with a strong spring. Having someone else hold the gun while you do it is nothing to be ashamed about; I spend plenty of time in the gym, I just don't want to drop my rifle while wrestling with the spring.
BozemanMT
Member
free float baby!!!
it's not that it's strength, it's that it takes 3 hands.
it's not that it's strength, it's that it takes 3 hands.
highlander 5
Member
The hand guards on my AR didn't sit right when new got a friend to help remove them,PITA is putting it mildly.:banghead::banghead::banghead:
Got them off with difficulty found huge burrs on them filed and sanded the burrs off went back on somewhat easier but I have no immediate plans to remove them again.
Got them off with difficulty found huge burrs on them filed and sanded the burrs off went back on somewhat easier but I have no immediate plans to remove them again.Joe Demko
Member
It's a lot easier with a friend or the special tool when you are dealing with commercial AR's. They all seem to come with Godzilla-strength retention springs.
Just a thought...unless there is a pressing reason to do so, I just don't take them off my AR that wears them (the other wears a free float tube). Unless you've really been dragging it through the mud or otherwise getting the exterior really filthy, there isn't much under the handguards that requires your attention. On the rare occasions when I take mine off, I just get a friend to help.
Just a thought...unless there is a pressing reason to do so, I just don't take them off my AR that wears them (the other wears a free float tube). Unless you've really been dragging it through the mud or otherwise getting the exterior really filthy, there isn't much under the handguards that requires your attention. On the rare occasions when I take mine off, I just get a friend to help.
cracked butt
Member
Hmm, never had a problem removing or reinstalling them, then again I've never had a problem usign a mosin-nagant safety either
This can tell you how to make your own handguard removal tool for a few dollars.
redneckrepairs
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I second cee's suggestion . It is easy to find mild steel rod ( if you are white collar just troll construction sites , dont troll machine shops they dont waste much . Once you have some mild steel identify if it is rebar , this is not hard , rebar has ridges , much like ruffles but the ridges go around instead of along . ( it is unlikely to be rebar simply because when folded rebar is too big to fit a mag well in common sizes lol ) . None the less if rebar grind off the sticky up parts where it may contact the soft ar receiver . Now i suggest you do this by turning the rod against the grinding medium but anyway you get smooth to the reciever is fine by me . Heck if you are a true hands on shop smith you will bend the jig then bastard file all the ridges down to smooth as a baby's bottom . Point is dont fight it , dont spend a lot of money , get the plans , or if your feeling especially inventive dont , and build one . If your super cheap it can be done for the cost of a propane torch and a bastard file which you allready have , or can be purchaced for 50 bucks or so ... Oh hell the tools alone cost what the " tool " would to order then there is the pain in the ... My point is that there are few safe shortcuts when it comes to working on or maintaining firearms , you pay either by the sweat of learning and making or the sweat of others doing the same . IMHO you should scrounge mild steel rod and build your own tool Itmay only get used a time or two , but that isnt the point is it ? In spite of what i said it can be done with a proper leingth of bar stock a vice , a hammer , and a file . just be sure and not leave any burrs that may mar your lower . That is not how i would do it but you can lol . Also honestly to do it by yourself your going to need a tool to lock into the magwell and compression lock onto the delta ring in order to be able to reliably remove and replace handards . You can buy it or build it , its your choice .
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