Here is the freshly reassembled product of a check up. This custom AR-15 build was taken down. First I tried to remove the hand guard. Just my luck, the screws had seized. I made sure I had the right hex wrench and put a little torque on them, stripped – typical of Jon’s luck.
I always have this ‘go with easiest and quickest’ problem solving issue. I really would recommend going through the manufacturer first, I just was excited to work on my gun some more.
I slotted the screws, for removal with a flat head screwdriver. If you look closely in the video when I show the old hex head you will see ramps as a result of more broken/stripped material.
At this point I considered drilling out a hole for my reverse threaded removal tool but opted just to drill off the head and go from there.
Three screws seized, three drilled out.
The next step was to drill six new holes aligned with the treads on the barrel nut. Drill press, new screws, grease the screws and installed them. Almost done.
I have some options to either fill or leave the holes, and I will probably duracoat the stainless torx screw heads.
Before I do any of that, I will test fire it.