Gas tube problem

[botcha-galoop]

Replaced the original stock with RPK furniture....much work fitting but got it done like it was made to fit...however I noticed the upper handguard (gas tube) has verticle play at the locking end. (original tube tight).. I will have to exchange tubes but the tube is awfully tight in the wood ...any hints or the best way to break it loose without destroying it..??

[shamayim]

Wap 8 or9 layers of duct or electrical tape around the tube just forward of the handguard, put a good sized vice grip on the tube, making sure that the wrench is as tight as it will go without crushing the tube, hold the wrench in one hand, turn the wood piece in the other. Works every time for me :D

[botcha-galoop]

Thanks ....sounds good ...I'll give it a try....

[TylerGunNut]

Another method is to apply a cresent wrench to the rear of the gas tube. Adjust wrench to the flat sides on the rear of the tube and you can turn the handgaurd with your free hand. By using the back side of the tube, you avoid all chance of crush damage to the tube. Hope this helps.

[botcha-galoop]

:( thanks for the hint.... I think the varnish mixed with sealer grease has really caused the metal ends to bind big time. I'm going to try a small amount of carefully directed heat on the collars and then give it a try. This was a replacement stock.

thanks