Gunsmithing removing a flash hider ?

[WK&U]

like to know how to rmove a flash hider from a AR-15. I do not want to mar the black finish on the barrel, or on the old flash hider. So what tools do I need and any helpful suggestion. I was planning on installing another flash hider so could use some help with that.
Thanks up front

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: removing a flash hider ?

Most of them have a welding pin. You wont scratch the barrel if you are careful, but the flash hider will need the weld / pin bored out.

 

[Hogshooter]

Re: removing a flash hider ?

What is the length of the barrel ? Is is 14 1/2" plus the FH making it 16" total length or is it a 16" barrel plus the FH making it 17 1/2" total. If the overal length is 16" then the FH is pinned and welded as per ATF regs. If 17 1/2" total it's just very tight or someone as put rockset or locktight on it. If that's the case a little heat and a open end wrench is your friend.

 

[Jay5oh]

Re: removing a flash hider ?

The right way is to clamp the barrel in a vice (use barrel vice jaws) and turn it off....unless it's a short barrel and the FH is pined & welded.

Another way is to use a upper receiver action block, place that in a vice and spin the FH off. I have read this method can break the barrel index pin (or whatever it's called, can't think of it right now) and/or enlarge the slot in the receiver the pin slides into.

I have done it both ways and not had a problem.

Your experience may vary.

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: removing a flash hider ?

To shear a pin that is approx 1/8" diameter is asking alot from your vise / set-up. Bore it out, lose the existing flash hider.

 

[corey4]

Re: removing a flash hider ?

i used hockey tape on the barrel so it wouldn't get scratched, and then i held it with 2 hands while a buddy used a 13/16 or 7/8 open end wrench to break it loose. it came undone with no problem. but, i only put 100 rounds thru it prior to this.

maybe the more shooting, the harder it will be to get off?

 

[WK&U]

Re: removing a flash hider ?

Guys The barrel is 16" flash Hider is not pinned,but It was factory installed. I own a small vise just need a tool to rap around the barrel.
Thanks Again PS email your Senator 2nd amendment at stake

 

[seanh]

Re: removing a flash hider ?

for a barrel wrap,you can get a barrel clamp-- 2pc aluminum with hole a hair smaller than barrel diameter...

You can try the rubber vice pads but it may not work.

((the flash hiders that didn't have a pin I've removed all used some type of loctite...propane torch and a wrench took it off)...I used the rubber vice pads (wrapped the barrel with a water soaked wrag between the break and pads (actually used a vice grip- lightly tightened on the barrel just after the break--acts as a heat sink so you don't just heat the barrel (plumbers trick to solder long runs of copper)

if it's a small clamp on vice, consider finding someone with a bigger vice, buy one or maybe attach a barrel vice to your bench.

Bench not strong enough...make a vice mount. 2" galvanized pipe, 3/4" plywood, pipe flange to attach to the plywood (riser), another flange for the vice plate made of 3/4" ply...


For me, heat was my friend in removing hiders