New to AK's and running into an issue.
The top hand guard fits extremely tight and is tough to get off.
Once off, the bottom piece is fairly easy to remove.
Putting it back together is a major headache......again, the bottom is no big deal, but the top part doesnt want to clear the locking cam, and once it does, it doesnt seat without being pryed forward a bit. With a little assistance from a screwdriver the job is easily done, but I was wondering if I am supposed to need tools to replace a handguard, or if this is something I ought to be able to do without them.

Is it normal to need to prey the top hand guard back into position?
Thanks for any advice you guys have.

Here's a nice tutorial on AK disassembly.

Tutorial

http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/furnitureremoval.htm

Same thing & some extras.