Handguard Removal, Ouch.

[Scopes]

So I went to install my front grip today on my MOE, and man was that delta ring hard to pull down. Even with two hands I could barely clear the lower guard tabs. Based on what I have read, I should be able to do on my own. I think even one person holding the ring down and another pulling the guard off would be tough. It seems silly to buy a tool to accomplish this, but I guess I have to.

This one seems good. Aim Sports Ar15 Delta Ring Wrench Removal Tool

 

[tcon]

I've done many stock removals and installs. Removal, I do the lower half first and the the upper half. Installing, the upper half first and then the lower. I've had some that the spring seemed stronger but after regrouping and holding my mouth right I always got that lower on/off with hands only.

 

[sgtsandman]

If you don't have help, that delta ring tool comes in handy.

 

[JaPes]

AR Delta Ring Compression Tool - YouTube

 

[Scopes]

AR Delta Ring Compression Tool - YouTube

Yep, that was pretty much my reaction. This seems to be the only model that holds up. $33 shipped, geez! Handguard Tool : AR-15/M16 HANDGUARD REMOVAL TOOL | Brownells

 

[jkasch]

I've used a $10 one I got on Amazon a dozen times. No issues. Still works like new.

 

[JaPes]

The one I used in that video was $9. It's removed many a handguard.

 

[Steve_in_PA]

Time to eat some spinach

 

[sgoss66]

I bought the less-expensive AIM sports one, too, from Amazon, knowing I wouldn't have to use it that often. It's worked out fine for me. Definitely makes the job easier, though I did do it once without the tool. Harder to do, but do-able.

Steve

 

[Kadonny]

Yup, get a tool.

Hehe, how funny does that sound.

 

[Maddmax]

The one I used in that video was $9. It's removed many a handguard.

It's like the barrel nut wrench for the 15-22. When you need one, you need one. Then don't forget where you put it.

When it comes down to it (besides cleaning), there are quite a few "specialty" tools that rarely get used on the Modern Sporting Rifles until you actually need them.

 

[dmar]

One thing that I've found that makes a difference is to be sure that you have the butt stock on ground/hard surface when pulling down on the delta ring. With the butt on the ground you can really leverage your weight down, and the hard surface makes sure there is no cushion allowing even a little bit of spring play to come up.

Now, I've got the strength of 3 men , and have replaced the guards without the tool, but I did buy a tool last year, and find it much easier to use it. Pretty inexpensive, and works great...

 

[rtquig]

I use a large pair of water pump pliers with a rubber coating on the handles.

 

[Scopes]

Well, my man card has been restored. I tried again, under LED lighting, and saw I was clearing the MOE guard fine. It was just the first removal of the guard that was the issue. I added my grip, reassembled, and tried again. This time I did it with ease.