View Full Version : Best handguard removal tool?
Doc Safari
11-25-14, 13:34
First of all, please don't waste your time if you're going to post "you don't need a tool." This is for my girlfriend who has hand strength issues.
I have owned the Brownells tool for years, and it's okay, but the rubber coating tears pretty easily. We bought a cheapie at Academy Sports that got so bent out of shape with its first use that it went right in the trash.
Those of you who use or have used the tool to compress the delta ring and remove/replace the handguards, which one do you recommend?
I bought one from Cabelas and had the same problem, plastic tears and metal not strong enough. I gave it away after one use, but I've never seen a professional armorers tool available anywhere.
treadwisely
11-25-14, 14:21
I bought a tapco one a while ago and haven't had issues with it.
Doc, Just a question, does your girlfriend usually remove the handguards to clean on her own? Back in the day when we had them in the military it frequently took 2 people to remove them anyway. If it's regular cleaning, maybe but to replace the handguard you may be able to just help her. I'm not suggesting you don't need them, just asking as over the years I've got literally thousands of dollars of tools/gadgets I thought I needed and now wish I never bought.
Doc Safari
11-25-14, 14:26
Doc, Just a question, does your girlfriend usually remove the handguards to clean on her own? Back in the day when we had them in the military it frequently took 2 people to remove them anyway. If it's regular cleaning, maybe but to replace the handguard you may be able to just help her. I'm not suggesting you don't need them, just asking as over the years I've got literally thousands of dollars of tools/gadgets I thought I needed and now wish I never bought.
She wants a tool to have on hand in case she needs to remove the handguards and I'm not around. She watched me used my Brownells tool and immediately wanted one. I'd get her one of those, but they are out of stock right now and I'd rather get her a better one for Christmas. The one Brownells sells by Darrels Custom gets high reviews, but of course they're out of that one also.
RVTMaverick
11-25-14, 14:56
Hey Doc.,
Check this out, hope it's something that will help...?
Peace Jeff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON5DJ_p7LGQ&feature=player_detailpage
I've only used the MI one and it worked great. However, the rubber does tear off after repeated use. I just wrap electric tape in the worn areas now if needed.
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=147
I have owned the Brownells tool for years, and it's okay, but the rubber coating tears pretty easily.
Not sure what ID you will need, but look for a store selling rubber air hose in short lengths(or, better yet, find some scrapped) that will sleeve over the arms on the tool.
Other types of lines may work as well, but I know the air hose exterior is grippy after having the same problem you have with a gun show pick up tool.
Moose-Knuckle
11-25-14, 17:48
I bought a tapco one a while ago and haven't had issues with it.
Same here, I have had some handguards/delta rings that would not budge. My father had one even a gun smith had a hell of time getting off to install a RIS on a Colt.
The Tapco one works everytime for me.
If you don't want to buy a purpose made tool you can do it with a pair of Channel Locks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoHJ3ziovww
This is the one I have but I do not remember where I got it. It has taken off many a hand guard.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
That looks lIke the Brownells version
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/handguard-tools/ar-15-m16-handguard-removal-tool-prod1547.aspx
If you don't want to buy a purpose made tool you can do it with a pair of Channel Locks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoHJ3ziovww
Don't get any easier than this.
Slvr Surfr
11-30-14, 05:53
Plus one on the Darrel tool from Brownells. The rubber looks user replaceable.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/handguard-tools/ar-15-m16-handguard-removal-tool-prod1547.aspx
texasgunhand
12-02-14, 18:36
How about using fuel hose ? Its cheap and easy to get, seems like 3/8 would do it..
This is the one I use.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ar15-Handguard-Installation-Tool-p/tool%20handguard%20installation.htm
Been using this one for years: https://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails.cfm?inventorynumber=90
When the tab gets worn, just put more electrical tape on it. The tubes are already covered with durable fuel line type hose.
Averageman
12-03-14, 08:13
You could do a preemptive coating of heat shrink on the rubber before using it which would not be as thick as rubber fuel line but would put a tough coating over the rubber surfaces that would make it quite a bit tougher than as it comes to you stock.
Recoating the surface with heat shrink as necessary after wear would keep it working for you for quite some time.
Doc Safari
03-13-19, 14:08
I'm resurrecting this one. I don't have the packaging anymore so I can't tell you what brands I've been using, but I've thrown out two different makes of handguard tool over the last few months because the rubber coating tears and eventually causes scuff marks on the delta ring.
This is frustrating!
Isn't there one tool universally acknowledged as "the best" and won't mar the rifle?
Aside from the 4.5 year old resurrection. Why are you using a tool to remove the handguards?
I'm resurrecting this one. I don't have the packaging anymore so I can't tell you what brands I've been using, but I've thrown out two different makes of handguard tool over the last few months because the rubber coating tears and eventually causes scuff marks on the delta ring.
This is frustrating!
Isn't there one tool universally acknowledged as "the best" and won't mar the rifle?
Doc Safari
03-13-19, 14:11
Aside from the 4.5 year old resurrection. Why are you using a tool to remove the handguards?
They are often too stiff for me to remove without a tool with my hand strength and I often need to remove them when no one is around to help.
Why are you often removing them?
They are often too stiff for me to remove without a tool with my hand strength and I often need to remove them when no one is around to help.
Doc Safari
03-13-19, 14:19
Why are you often removing them?
I have one rifle that I have been trying out different handguards on. I also like to remove them and put a light coating of oil on the metal parts (barrel, handguard cap, etc) if I've been out to the range on a really damp day.
I've thrown out two different makes of handguard tool over the last few months because the rubber coating tears and eventually causes scuff marks on the delta ring.
If they are ones like this one, I have a couple of suggestions: https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/handguard-tools/ar-15-m16-308-ar-handguard-removal-tool-prod24202.aspx
1) go to the local hardware store and buy a foot of tubing that just fits over the end (which probably still has coating on it) Heat it up and slide it on. Use dish soap or something like ALG Go-Juice as lube if neded.
2) order shrink wrap: https://www.heatshrink.com/heat_shrink_tubing/d_4ft.asp
3) use plastic dip: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasti-Dip-14-5-oz-Black-Plasti-Dip-11603-6/202196703
or, best solution:
4) duct tape.
I actually measured my hand guard removal tool - it was right at .370 which is about 3/8"
Personally, if the rubber coating on mine ever wears through, I already have duct tape.
Doc Safari
03-13-19, 17:14
I have actually used duct tape to cover the shredded spots in the rubber. It works for a while then tears too. I also find myself having to bend the arms inward as they get sprung outward. It takes a couple years for them to get really bad enough to throw out, but I would have thought in the 21st century somebody would have come up with a better tool by now.
A guy showed me the Delta Kwik handguard removal tool. It's quick and easy to use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCqdsqJ_ozs
Their website- https://deltakwik.com/
Downside is cost- $80
https://godubbys.com/delta-kwik?olsPage=products
wetidlerjr
03-14-19, 05:36
I have actually used duct tape to cover the shredded spots in the rubber. It works for a while then tears too. I also find myself having to bend the arms inward as they get sprung outward. It takes a couple years for them to get really bad enough to throw out, but I would have thought in the 21st century somebody would have come up with a better tool by now.
These videos might help. I have not tried either of these methods myself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IX0BvPW2uI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D0fY0fUsKg
The issues you may have with the coating wearing off can be solved by hitting the hardware store and buy the appropriate sized rubber tubing. You could also make a yoke from wood and with the rifle assembled, push with the body forward from the butt and use both hands to remove.
Was going to say if you needed it to pick up a can of triactin haha
RVTMaverick
03-14-19, 08:21
For price, (and I say this because most everyone already has this tool LOL) The Winner (Page 1 back in 2014-is Stevel's FIND>> SHOWING the use of CHANNEL LOCKs! LOL
Over ALL WINNER for a Modern day Tool and how Sweet it IS MistWolf! >>>
A guy showed me the Delta Kwik handguard removal tool. It's quick and easy to use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCqdsqJ_ozs
Their website- https://deltakwik.com/
Downside is cost- $80
https://godubbys.com/delta-kwik?olsPage=products
Straight Shooter
03-14-19, 09:01
Ive found that manipulating the ring up and down several times and just holding it down a few times loosens it up to where further use is a lot easier. I just changed HG's last week on a new rifle and it was stiff as all hell. I just fooled with it for a bit by working it up & down and holding it down, then it was easy.
Doc Safari
03-14-19, 10:59
A guy showed me the Delta Kwik handguard removal tool. It's quick and easy to use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCqdsqJ_ozs
Their website- https://deltakwik.com/
Downside is cost- $80
https://godubbys.com/delta-kwik?olsPage=products
I think that's exactly what I need. Thanks for the post.
My goal is not wanting to mar the finish on the delta ring and that tool looks to be the least likely to cause any issues.
Doc, I say this with brotherly love, but the doctor can prescribed meds for OCD......for goodness sake, it is a Colt, Colt makes war horses not show ponies.
Doc, I say this with brotherly love, but the doctor can prescribed meds for OCD....
Wannabes call it OCD. Those who are actually part of the fraternal order have CDO, which is very much like OCD but is in the proper alphabetical order.
Doc Safari
03-14-19, 12:38
Doc, I say this with brotherly love, but the doctor can prescribed meds for OCD......for goodness sake, it is a Colt, Colt makes war horses not show ponies.
Well, why put scratches on it if you don't have to? I've posted this before, but I'm over 50 years old and ten years from now I may sell off most of my collection because I won't live long enough to wear out all my firearms. It'd be nice if I had been able to keep most of them in really nice condition. I'm willing to have one or two that get beat up, but I don't want it to become the norm.
Well, why put scratches on it if you don't have to? I've posted this before, but I'm over 50 years old and ten years from now I may sell off most of my collection because I won't live long enough to wear out all my firearms. It'd be nice if I had been able to keep most of them in really nice condition. I'm willing to have one or two that get beat up, but I don't want it to become the norm.
I guess we are all different, just getting ready to cross the divide to 65, I figure that I have 10 years of literally running around before I need to worry about slowing down enough to downsize.
A guy showed me the Delta Kwik handguard removal tool. It's quick and easy to use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCqdsqJ_ozs
Their website- https://deltakwik.com/
Downside is cost- $80
https://godubbys.com/delta-kwik?olsPage=productsSounds like a good reverse group buy. Everyone puts in a dollar and whenever you need it you post up and whomever has it ships it to you.
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Moose-Knuckle
03-15-19, 03:59
I'm resurrecting this one. I don't have the packaging anymore so I can't tell you what brands I've been using, but I've thrown out two different makes of handguard tool over the last few months because the rubber coating tears and eventually causes scuff marks on the delta ring.
This is frustrating!
Isn't there one tool universally acknowledged as "the best" and won't mar the rifle?
Your local big box home improvement warehouse stores and even some Walmart locations will sell a product called PLASTI DIP. It is an air dry specialty rubber coating originally invented to dip hand tool handles in to give them a non-slip insulated gripping surface. Now dudes do their whole cars in the stuff LOL. Should work famously on your AR handguard removal tool.
I like the Midwest Industries tool other than the rubber coating ripping very easily. I figure some duct tape will fix it. Only really needed it once or twice either way.
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