A2 handguards. Arrrg! Tips/tricks?

[Trumpet]

Sooooo...I'm finally in the last stages of my SBR build up. I just can't freakin' get the handguards on. The delta ring is a bitch, and since I last had to do this like 2+ years ago, it appears some mild arthritis has set in on my 51-year-old hands and it's much more difficult than I remember.

Besides "get younger", "get stronger", and "don't be a *****" you got any tips/tricks for getting the handguards on if I DON'T have the handguard tool?

 

[Sundazes]

Sooooo...I'm finally in the last stages of my SBR build up. I just can't freakin' get the handguards on. The delta ring is a bitch, and since I last had to do this like 2+ years ago, it appears some mild arthritis has set in on my 51-year-old hands and it's much more difficult than I remember.

Besides "get younger", "get stronger", and "don't be a *****" you got any tips/tricks for getting the handguards on if I DON'T have the handguard tool?

Get the hand guard tool

 

[teratos]

Put this on in the background. Works every time.

 

[rfawcs]

I have a hg tool you can borrow

 

[John from MD]

#Me Too get handguard tool.

 

[4g64loser]

If you do not own the correct tools, use faucet grip pliers. Failing that, you can run some cable or strong cordage through small diameter fuel or coolant bypass line, bind tightly on delta ring, and exert force rearward with upper anchored appropriately.

 

[jrumann59]

I hated the delta rings when I was in.

 

[John from MD]

Sometimes it is easier to take the lower off first and then the upper. This way you don't have to push the whole Delta ring back at once.

 

[engineerbrian]

I just put a set on the other day. I put the top one on first then the bottom piece. Not sure if that matters, but it wasnt working when i tried the bottom first.

I also have the tool in frederick if you need to use it.

 

[ST19AG_WGreymon]

Pay one of the neighborhood kids $5 to do it.

 

[outrider58]

 

[bigjohn]

Get a friend to help if you don’t want to buy the tool

 

[John from MD]

Wait till you get over 70 and have arthritis.

 

[Magnumite]

a stop gap if you have an assistant and a set of coated handle water pump pliers (often called water pump pliers):

Ensure unloaded rifle.
Set pliers on widest jaw opening.
Set rifle barrel up on butt.
Straddle delta ring with center of plier handles.
Pull down on delta ring pulling on both ends of pliers.
Assistant puts guards in place.
Relax pull on d-ring.

 

[wrc]

Agreeing with everyone above suggesting using the handles of channelocks as a handguard tool. Works great.

 

[Troublesbrewin]

View attachment 393244

what no sand kicker on the 98# weakling at the beach ads?

 

[owldo]

Sooooo...I'm finally in the last stages of my SBR build up. I just can't freakin' get the handguards on. The delta ring is a bitch, and since I last had to do this like 2+ years ago, it appears some mild arthritis has set in on my 51-year-old hands and it's much more difficult than I remember.

Besides "get younger", "get stronger", and "don't be a *****" you got any tips/tricks for getting the handguards on if I DON'T have the handguard tool?

It Works !

 

[4g64loser]

It Works !
View attachment 393713

That stuff is awesome.

 

[outrider58]

what no sand kicker on the 98# weakling at the beach ads?

I looked all over for that one!

 

[Threeband]

I made my own handguard tool out of a piece of 3/8" MDO plywood and a loop of paracord.