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!

No see pic

No pic. You do know that there are SAE and Metric allen wrenches, don't you?

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?

Sorry. I'll pick a new hosting site for the picture. Should be up momentarily.

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.

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).

you're going to have to get some torque on these screws, they probably have a thread locker on them.

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

Heat!

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.

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

HD sells set of them. I have them in wrenches and sockets.

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

Just bought a set tonight... 16 bucks for a set of metric and sae and a set of torx. Not to shabby

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.

Heat!

 

Yep...hit 'em with a soldiering iron.

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!

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.