SgtToadette 59 Posted March 20, 2013 Hey guys, I can't for the life of me figure out how to get these 1913 rail panels off my KeyMod rail. My hex wrenches don't fit and my torx screwdriver can't get it to budge. Here's a picture of the panel: Am I using the wrong tools? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rightisright 3 Posted March 20, 2013 No see pic Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted March 20, 2013 No pic. You do know that there are SAE and Metric allen wrenches, don't you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted March 20, 2013 Image no work. I'm concerned that you're trying both hex (allen) keys and torx bits. They should not be used interchangeably unless you like mangling fasteners. What is the actual fastener you're trying to loosen? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted March 20, 2013 Sorry. I'll pick a new hosting site for the picture. Should be up momentarily. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted March 20, 2013 Those are hex heads. An appropriately sized (pay attention to bob's post about metric/SAE keys) hex/allen key SHOULD work. If you find that you have to apply so much torque that the the hex/allen key is bending considerably then consider the following: - switching over to a socketed hex/allen key: - consider that the fasteners may have loc-tite or similar thread locking agent on them. If so, giving them a shot of heat with propane torch prior to trying to remove them can help weaken the thread locking agent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted March 20, 2013 I'll see what I have on hand here at the house and report back. I'm not a particularly handy person (if you couldn't tell by now, hahaha). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brownie^HP 6 Posted March 20, 2013 you're going to have to get some torque on these screws, they probably have a thread locker on them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tactical Turtle 11 Posted March 20, 2013 you're going to have to get some torque on these screws, they probably have a thread locker on them. +1 if you can smack the allen key with a hammer when its in there. will help loosen up the thread locker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted March 20, 2013 Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to need some tools. Any recommendations on what I'll need? Assume I have nothing and I'm only working on an AR15 and related accessories. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted March 20, 2013 At the least get a full set of hex keys, both metric and SAE - got a home depot nearby?: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-26-Piece-SAE-and-Metric-Ball-Head-Hex-Key-Set-with-Torque-Handle-32207/100646801#.UUoKXVfxdLk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bry@n 195 Posted March 21, 2013 HD sells set of them. I have them in wrenches and sockets. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clintoon Eastwood 2 Posted March 21, 2013 Harbor freight is cheaper if you don't plan on using them a whole lot. I bought a cheap set (metric and standard) to carry in my range bag, just in case Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tactical Turtle 11 Posted March 21, 2013 Just bought a set tonight... 16 bucks for a set of metric and sae and a set of torx. Not to shabby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Dog 19 Posted March 21, 2013 Last time I had to use an allen wrench I had to smack it with a small sledge hammer to get it to budge. No locktite was used either. Just very tight from the factory. I keep both hex and allen wrenches in my range bag, work bench and desk. If you have guns you need basic tools. Also a punch set is often useful as well as a plastic tipped hammer for drifting sights. I find that the Glock punch works for most any gun I need to work on with a punch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVisHome 0 Posted March 22, 2013 Heat! Yep...hit 'em with a soldiering iron. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted March 28, 2013 Update time! I got my light mount from Noveske in the mail yesterday and in my excitement, threw it on my Fenix TK22 light. Having put off trying to remove the rails, I decided to give it another go. So I went to Home Depot today and bought a set of metric hex wrenches only to find (and reaffirm this thread's title) that the hex screws use a 3/32 bit. I used a bit more elbow grease than I was comfortable with when I first tried and they loosened up. I was able to throw on the light without any issues and I'm happy with the results. Thanks to everyone for the help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MandM 2 Posted March 28, 2013 Yep...hit 'em with a soldiering iron. Exactly. Stick the tip of the soldering iron in the hex hole and let it get warned up. Should help loosen that thread lock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites