rickp1 Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Hey guys, I need to replace the mag tube on an M4 but I cant seem to get the thing to turn. Any recommendations? Thanks R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOOKEY FACE Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Hey guys, I need to replace the mag tube on an M4 but I cant seem to get the thing to turn. Any recommendations? Thanks R. They put Loc-tite on at the factory so... 1) Get a heatgun & some work gloves 2) Turn the heat gun on high, & aim at the receiver/mag tube for about 7 - 10 minutes. 3) Let it cool for a few minutes and turn the mag tube. PRESTO!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 I removed mine with a $22 heat-gun (750 and 1,000*F options) from Wal-Mart. I heated the reciever by holding the gun 2-3" from where the tube joined it (heat the reciever, not the tube). I heated it by moving the gun around, evenly heating around the area for a 3-5 minutes. THen I wrapped the reciever in a pair of boxers (what I had laying around on the floor) and used my knee to pin it to the seat of my computer desk chair and with my hands I turned the tube. IT moved VERY LITTLE, but at that point I knew I had won. I just kept heating and immediately turning until it stopped and then repeating until I got it. You don't need a vice or anything crazy, just some juevos and some patients. Above all, when working on firearms/cars/computers, PATIENTS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 The results are well worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h.bowman Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 You don't need a vice or anything crazy, just some juevos and some patients. Above all, when working on firearms/cars/computers, PATIENTS! I agree with everything but the "patients" part. Instead, I'd say you need "patience". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 I agree with everything but the "patients" part. Instead, I'd say you need "patience". Or more than 4 hours of sleep and a full-time job and getting started in 1st level clinicals. Maybe that would improve my spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No F-Bdy Bs Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Dont heat the tube. This will only cause it to expand. Heat the receiver. It does not take much. Maybe 2-3 min with a heatgun. After that. I was able to unscrew the stock tube with very little effort. Also, have your new tube handy, and screw it in while the receiver and loc-tite is still warm. Firm hand tight will be fine. Once it cools back down, its not going anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERdept Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Would you recommend any spray in the union to loosen up the threads? Any penetrant like Liquid Wrench? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD6QZX Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Hey ERdept, I work in Cerritos.... As for the loctight, I took mine off with no heat, just used a wood block to make a small wrench and turned it off, I didi not like the adding of HEAT... I have done 2 this way with no issues. once the seal is broken, they just turn out no issue. I dont belive any lub is needed or would help. The locktight is military GREEN. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Maybe they didn't get much on the tube with you guys, but with mine it took constant heat and tq and was pretty hard to turn even after I "broke the seal". After about 2 full turns, it began to get easier. I cleaned the threads and re-applied locktite. I used blue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERdept Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 Hey ERdept, I work in Cerritos.... As for the loctight, I took mine off with no heat, just used a wood block to make a small wrench and turned it off, I didi not like the adding of HEAT... I have done 2 this way with no issues. once the seal is broken, they just turn out no issue. I dont belive any lub is needed or would help. The locktight is military GREEN. Well you know what range is here in Cerritos?!?!? Insight range! They now sell high power 12ga. I'm wondering if the heavy cloth plumbers strap wrench will work as well? I too am reluctant to apply heat to any part of the gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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