gas tube nut

[mikefal]

I recently acquired a metric FAL. In cleaning it I noticed that the gas tube was in sad shape so I decided to remove it. Problem is I can't budge the gas tube nut. I've got the special wrench but it won't hold in the grooves on the nut (I'm applying significant pressure and the wrench keeps rounding off) and I'm afraid I'll ruin both the wrench and the nut. Any suggestions on how to get the nut off?

Thanks!

[powermad]

Soak it in yer favorite lube.
Get a brass punch and a decent hammer, 40 oz is good.
Whack the hell out of it to get yer nut off.

Hopefully it will break free on the first one and will then twist out.

[MAINER]

What powermad said +1

Recommend Kroil or PB Blaster. Liquid Wrench is good too. Soak at least a couple days, a week is even better. A little heat from a propane torch might help. Notice I did say a LITTLE heat. Just too hot to touch and not much more.

[gunplumber]

most wrenches really suck - the manufacturers don't bother heat treating. Use a brass punch and a hammer, or make a spanner out of a real wrench.

heat, vibration also help.

[EX1]

Hello the Isrealis made a real nice heavy spanner wrench for the gas nut and the Heavy bbl flashider.This wrench seems to work for me.i think Sarco has some or I might have one or two extras. These wrenches also had the front sight tool welded to them. Thanks EX1

[gunplumber]

MOST wrenches suck. The DSA is a joke

My ISraeli one has lasted 15 years. My DSA's last about 2 guns. I even tried oil hardening them - last about 10 guns. Its perfect for all the times you don't really need it.

[owlcreekok]

or make a spanner out of a real wrench

I have a Bonney flare nut wrench on the grinder bench as we speak that is among my many, "gonna finish this little gadget someday" projects. What holds me up is dreading the dremel work inside the inner radius of the tool.

*sigh*

[W.E.G.]

Originally posted by gunplumber
make a spanner out of a real wrench.

Interested in what you recommend for this.

Also concerned about what might happen if the wrench turns out to be harder than the gas nut.

Maybe better to break the wrench instead of the nut?

[gunplumber]

its on my list of "to do". The best idea I've seen was an adjustable wrench cut into an adjustable spanner. Hey - I haven't done it, but it looked good on paper.

I figure just taking an open end wrench of appropriate size, laying the subtandard wrench on top, tracing the outline, and grinding away anything excess.

I dunno about too hard. I've rolled some edges with a punch but it cleans up well on the scotchbrite wheel.