Are there any tips or tricks for installing Rail covers/Forward vertical grips etc onto Picatinny configured handguards? Hot/ warm water? Lube? Hammer?

Thanks

2 hands

My rail covers fit without any difficulty, but my Tango Down battlegrip was a PITA to install.  First on my YHM 2 piece 4 rail handguard, then on the YHM lightweight freefloat.  I found I had to take the grip apart (remove the locking tabs and spring) and file fit the grip to the rail.  It takes a while but with a set of 4 various files it wasn't really difficult.  After reassembly it works pefectly, fits tightly yet can be moved with ease.  Hope this helps.

I use a nylon widget to wedge between the cover locking tabs and the rails, then I pull the panel while the wedge moves also.

For VFG like TD I either use two nylon tiedowns which pulls the two locking tabs down while I slide the grip into the desired location.

If I'm in a hurry, I just use my two fingers of my left and two of my right hand and pull the locking tabs towards me evenly to unlock it and then slide grip into place per the mfg instructions.

On Samson rails I remove the lower rail and install the VFG starting from the rear end so that I don't have to slide it that much, then I re-install the lower rail.

The TD VFG is a PITA to install in some rail brands.

Damn, I got the Tango Down grip too.

I have one of those Fobus light mounts and it would not fit on my SIR, I had to file it down with a set of small files. Kind of like saturnstyl's fit problem. Was easy though, I didnt even take it to my shop, sat on the couch filed it on a towel.

A little vasaline goes along way. Should be able to find it on your besdide table, right next to the roll of TP .
Jls7