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Posted: 11/26/2004 6:03:25 PM EDT
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I just removed my A2 Flashhider to replace it with my 5C2 Flashhider and I'm using a 3/4" wrench but I can;t seem to get the the closed part turned around to the bottom. I'm using a standard wrench and wedged between my legs, but I can't get enough to turn it around, what do I need to do? Help |
If I do that then it will be too loose I need to get it turned just over a 1/4 turn but I'm worried I will turn the barrel as well, should I get an action clamp so I can hold the upper in a vice? |
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I just installed a 5C1 a couple hours ago to my Bushmaster M4 barrel by wrapping a leather apron around the front portion of the barrel and putting it in a VISE. It takes a bit more holding power than you can exert with your legs to compress that crush washer. Chris |
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if i read this correctly you are holding the upper inbetween your legs? i think you will need a better, sturdier, stronger way to hold the upper or barrel while trying to install the flash hider, i installe it using an upper block which holds the upper in a vise then hand tightened the fh after that i used a wrench till i had the slots lined up where i wanted them |
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I had the whole gun upper and lower in between my legs but I think what I'm going to do is purchase an action clamp so I can put just the upper in a vise, but is there a chance the barrel will turn as weel if I use an action clamp? Thanks for all the quick replys 
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No itwon't turn. When I put my 5C2 on I had the same issue. And thats what I had to do. Ger the action clamp and stick it in a vice and it will be fine. |
Ok, I just got off the phone with my machine shop/gun nut buddy (who's going hunting for the next few days) he suggested I might be able to use a strap wrench to hold the barrel and standard wrench to go in opposite directions and that might give me what I need? Is it worth getting a strap wrench and trying that or should I just order the action clamp and go over to his house to use his vice when he gets back, the latter blows my weekend plans down the range to zero in my new Bussy Dissy  Thanks for the help guys
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If you think it's worth it, it's worth it. Another option is have someon hold onto the upper real tight and than turn the FS. I did tht one time too. It was a PITA, but at the time it was the only thing I could do. It worked |
Thats a good idea or just use a good piece of leather and clamp the barrel in a vise. Do not use a action clamp when installing barrel parts, IE flashhiders or frontsite bases. Action clamps are only for installing barrels. |
As somewhat of a newb and still learning, what part is the FSB? |
Well the strap wrench doesn't work for poop, so it looks like it will be the FSB(Front Sight Base ) wrapped in paper/leather, putting the FSB in a vice even though it's on a Dissy won't loosen it up will it?Thanks for being so patient guys this is helping me out tons
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I would get barrel blocks. The last 3 A2 flash hiders I put on I had to sand down the crush washers to get them to index. One was a 1/2 turn from being alinged when snugged with a wrench, I applied 80 ft pounds of torque and it only moved 1/4 turn. This could, I feel, harm the receiver if using an action block and possibly twist the FSB if holding it in a vise. I ended up using a set of Craftsman rubber vise jaw protectors on the barrel, and trashed them on 3 installations. I had no idea they would be this hard to "crush". Mike |
+1, I made some barrel blocks from two hardwood blocks. Put 'em together in your vice and drill a 1/2"-9/16" hole down the center. Put your barrel in 'em and tighten them down in the vice, you're good to go. |
I never imagined it would be this hard t change out a flash hider Ok, here's what I'm now thinking about doing, I'm going to sand/file down the crush washer some, then reblue it(after checking for fit) I may even put locktite on the threads just for added security. I now know not to use action clamps or to clamp on the FSB for fear of turning/twisting, but if I am to clamp down on any thing it needs to be the barrel? Thanks again guys. |
| The crush washer will probably not take cold bluing [I tried one once and it would not], nor will it need it. Sand the falts and the barrel/flash hider will cover it. Get some 220 paper and a flat plate [I use a 12"x12" piece of marble floor tile] put a little oil on the sandpaper and start sanding. Try to keep the washer flat as you move it back and forth, it should come out fine. Check every few minutes to see how you are going, you don't want to go too far or you will be right back where you started. |
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