Mill some damn wrench flats onto your barrel nuts.

I don't want your jank ass, one time use, manufacturer specific, convoluted barrel nut wrench.

I have a big ass adjustable wrench. Big wrench flats don't slip.


Armalite seems to be the only manufacter who has figured this out but they didn't make the diameter that I needed to shroud a 9mm can so they were't an option this time.

For Pete's sake.

And so as it is written make is so.

Engineers. Designing for production with no regard for maintenance. IMO every engineer should have to work at least a year in a shop before they're allowd to design anything, that way the mechanics can either teach him how to design stuff that's workable, or if necssary beat him to death with a wrench before he gets turned loose to foist some design abomination on the world.

Because they're assholes.
My Wilson Combat 15" rail nut has 1 3/16" wrench flats but narrower than anything other than a Bonny wrench which is just a stubby.
Had to grind a wrench to fit.

At least the IMI one I replaced it with came with a wrench.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: powermad,

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
Engineers. Designing for production with no regard for maintenance. IMO every engineer should have to work at least a year in a shop before they're allowd to design anything, that way the mechanics can either teach him how to design stuff that's workable, or if necssary beat him to death with a wrench before he gets turned loose to foist some design abomination on the world.

Exactly!

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
Engineers. Designing for production with no regard for maintenance. IMO every engineer should have to work at least a year in a shop before they're allowd to design anything, that way the mechanics can either teach him how to design stuff that's workable, or if necssary beat him to death with a wrench before he gets turned loose to foist some design abomination on the world.

They must have at least one good engineer at Armalite. Their current offerings have BIG wrench flats, do not require you to index the barrel nut for the gas tube OR to align the handguard. And the handguard has large integral anti-rotation tabs.

The only problem is, they stopped selling them a ala carte and now you can only get them on their complete uppers.

Shame, they are one of the best HGs on the market.

Oh, almost forget. Their clamping screws don't thread into the aluminum, begging to be stripped out. They have steel nuts that nest into machined ports in the aluminum which, even if you did manage to strip one, which would be almost impossible being steel on steel with a small screwdriver, it could be easily replaced.


Most of the HGs on the market are pathetically executed.

I like my collection of barrel nuts and jam nut wrenches. I gaze upon them hanging on the pegboard and think... "I have no idea which one of those is for what. Do I even own those rifles/uppers anymore?"

I think the only one I can identify by sight if the jam wrench nut for the older YHM tubes.. which I haven't owned any of in 12-15 years.

I'm pleased with the IWI handguard.
Well made and comes with a wrench.

Unlike the Geissele one I was looking at that cost $100 more and you have to buy the wrench.

Easy install, torque the barrel nut, slide on the HG and tighten the screws in the steel locking insert.



Even with the wider bottom Arca rail it's solid and sleek with 7 M-lock positions.
No sling pocket in them but that's fine with me as I use something else.

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
For Pete's sake.

I concur. Excellent rant that should be transferred to all related/ similar situations. Make it easier on the end user dammit. For my sake!!!

If you want a first class hand guard that features a barrel nut with big wrench flats then take a look at Gibbz Arms. BTW, they also make some very sweet side charging uppers.

quote:

Originally posted by powermad:
I'm pleased with the IWI handguard.
Well made and comes with a wrench.

Why do they want you to use a spanner wrench when some simple flats are easier and far less likely to deform the barrel nut?

Even if they included it, you paid for it.

quote:

Originally posted by powermad:
I'm pleased with the IWI handguard.
Well made and comes with a wrench.

Unlike the Geissele one I was looking at that cost $100 more and you have to buy the wrench.

Easy install, torque the barrel nut, slide on the HG and tighten the screws in the steel locking insert.



Even with the wider bottom Arca rail it's solid and sleek with 7 M-lock positions.
No sling pocket in them but that's fine with me as I use something else.

Aside from my disdain for convoluted barrel nut wrenches, that handguard is nice. Arca is the way.