So typically I like to have the basic tooling to perform basic maintenance on any firearm I own. However, I find that the tooling for the M1A seems awfully expensive- $20 for a special tool to remove the handguards? WT?????

So I was wondering what I really need. It appears the only thing that I really can't get aroudn is the castle nut pliers. I didn't need a gas wrench to get the plug out, just a sock and some vise grips, although I guess the wrench would be handy in the field. (BTW, does the Norinco require a special sized gas wrench?)

Finally, is there some other tool or method that will work to remove the handguard?

Thanks,

Dawg

That tool is to remove the clip from the handguard. You really don't need it to get the handguard off the rifle.

The combination tool is pretty inexpensive. You can get them as cheap as 5 bucks used! Much better than a sock and visegrips....

That tool will take off the gas cylinder and will help you disasemble the bolt.

 

By gas wrench I didn't mean M10 combo tool, I meant the wrench with an hourglass shaped cutout that you fit over the gas cylinder if the gas plug is really wedged on and you need more leverage on the M10 tool.

Last time I used vise grips padeed with a sock. Just wondering if this happens very often (i.e. in the field, etc.) or I should just save the $10.

 

pm me and i'll sell you a combo tool new in the wrapper for xxx plus shipping. awhile back I bought 10 for $20. on e bay.

please read the ROES.....the above as nice as your gesture is, constitutes a selling oriented add. Would have been much better and within the rules to simply send a PM.....mod

 

You do not need much. A spent 30-06 case to replace the extractor. The combo tool helps with a lot. I also got an M10 tool, the Garand one.
Total cost was about $10.

 

M14 Tools

For normal cleaning maintenance there are few tools required. I do highly recommend that you spend whatever it takes to aquire the gas cylinder wrench as it helps prevent damage to the gas cylinder when removing or replacing the plug. A combo tool works well on the GC plug. I also recommend a set of carbon cleanout tools for the plug and gas piston. They are made from common drill bits and can be had for under $12. The only other serious tool you need is a one piece cleaning rod. I prefer a stainless steel rod such a Dewey or similar makes.

 

O.K. Dawg here goes, To remove the hand guard, I use a small pin punch to pry the clip out of the the grooves in the barrel. To remove the clip from the handguard, run fine tie wires through the holes in the clip, fasten the end of one to your bench, wrap the end of the around a dowel, then pull, this spreads the clip enough to get the hand guard off.
When using a 30-06 case to assemble/ disassemble the bolt, I use a bungee cord to help pull the op rod all the way foward.
Use a fired 40 S&W case as a bolt roller greaser, a 45 ACP case will act as a dustcover to keep the grease clean. Make sure to clean both spotless before using.
A cheap pair of pliers can be modified into castle nut pliers. The jaws sort of form a figure "8", cut the top half off, shape the center section into two square 'tit`s' that fit in the notches in the castle nut.
I made a gas cylinder wrench out of aluminium flat stock.
Get a wire bottle brush with brass bristels, bend the handle in a "Z", wrap a patch around it to swab the chamber after using the ratcheting chamber brush.
Also a spent shot gun shell with the primer hole drilled out makes a cleaning rod guide.
Use a "P" and a jobber length "#15" drill bits to clean the gas piston.
There, that ought to get you started. Regards