Any tricks to doing this? I know there are tools available, but I'll likely only do this once, so I don't want to shell out on something unnecessarily.

Assuming we are talking traditional AR handguards? No trick. Push down on the slip ring and lift it up and out. the issue is that the amount of pressure is more than you think.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:
Assuming we are talking traditional AR handguards? No trick. Push down on the slip ring and lift it up and out. the issue is that the amount of pressure is more than you think.

Yeah, I noticed. Hence my post LOL

Yup, seen those, but refer to my OP. Ill buy one and then be stuck with it since I neither build nor customize ARs, I just need to get the guards off and back on, once.

The Wheeler tool makes it very simple. $14 at Midway. I know you don’t want to buy the a tool for this but I don’t really know of an easy, tool less way to do it.

I deleted my post after I realized you said you didn’t want to buy the tool. I’ve done it with out the tool. It’s not impossible by any stretch, just more difficult.

quote:

Originally posted by badcopnodonut!!:
The Wheeler tool makes it very simple. $14 at Midway. I know you don’t want to buy the a tool for this but I don’t really know of an easy, tool less way to do it.

With shipping and tax it's nearer 25 bucks, but thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Pyker:

quote:

Originally posted by badcopnodonut!!:
The Wheeler tool makes it very simple. $14 at Midway. I know you don’t want to buy the a tool for this but I don’t really know of an easy, tool less way to do it.

With shipping and tax it's nearer 25 bucks, but thanks.

If you were close to me I’d loan you mine.

The TM doesn't have a tool. In any case if you are struggling the best I can suggest is get a friend.
If your still in trouble after that you can easily make the tool with a little rod.

^^^Yeah, get an extra pair of hands.

One of you pull down the ring, the other remove the handguard from the retainer.

If you can muster it, it can still be done with one person.

As far as tools, an old buddy of mine actually made one from a wire coat hanger. He basically yoked the coat hanger around his neck, fed the hook into one of the holes in the handguard and pulled his neck back while he used both hands to pull on the retaining ring.

quote:

As far as tools, an old buddy of mine actually made one from a wire coat hanger. He basically yoked the coat hanger around his neck, fed the hook into one of the holes in the handguard and pulled his neck back while he used both hands to pull on the retaining ring.

^^^^^^^^^^^^
How much was the chiropractic visit after that? I only ask because I used to do such things. My LGS does not charge for stuff like that. Guys at the range are always a big help with this kind of stuff.

Thanks all. Got it done.

Have an assistant use the rubber coated handles of a large set of channel-locks to trap the ring and push it down.

The next time I needed to do one, I bought a proper tool.

I’ve never understood the tools made for this, unless we are talking a1 type slip rings vs A2 (and xm177) delta rings. Even then, tools are not required. Do one handguard piece at a time. It’s very easy.

Too late to the party, I just read your thread, I've got one in case you might need one again.

quote:

Originally posted by Some Shot:
...Use the rubber coated handles of a large set of channel lock pliers to trap the ring and push it down.

+1... This has always worked for me but I too eventually just bought the proper tool.

I accomplished that on my first one about 40 years ago,I was strong and tough then.
Now I am a tired old man but I have had one of them tool thingys for 39 years

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by Some Shot:
...Use the rubber coated handles of a large set of channel lock pliers to trap the ring and push it down.



+1... This has always worked for me but I too eventually just bought the proper tool. Smile

Same here. I can use my forearm to push down on the channel locks and be able to use the same hand to remove/install the new ones.

yep - channel locks - sit in chair with butt of rifle on ground - hook leg over jaw end of channel locks and use one hand to push down the handles- other hand pulls the handguard off - im also too cheap to buy a tool for a one time use because i dont regularly swap handguards - one and done

quote:

Originally posted by 45 Cal:
I accomplished that on my first one about 40 years ago,I was strong and tough then.
Now I am a tired old man but I have had one of them tool thingys for 39 years

My story too. I did mine once years ago, I’m pretty sure I don’t have the hand strength to do it now. Arthritis is robbing me of several skills I used to have.