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Posted: 4/27/2012 1:46:21 AM EDT
So i ordered a barrel block to install some barrels and time flash hiders etc. Well I might as well have ordered a barrel polisher. NOTHING can stop this barrel from spinning. So far rags, rubber jar openers and innertube sections have met the wrath of this damn thing. I managed to get one barrel OFF but can NOT get the new one on and timed correctly. I've tightened the damn vice so tight I was worried about crushing the barrel...and STILL it spins ...mocking me with every turn. Now I cant even get the new barrel off at all to try to redo the whole procedure. I don't even think a piece of thick leather, IF I can find one around here will stand up to this torture. I was hoping for one EASY project...and to sell the old ban barrel but now I'll have to norrells that just to try to make up some of the lost value this bright, shiny ring around the damn thing lost.
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You need to
a) use the correct diameter grooves in the blocks b) use something substantial to go between the barrel and the blocks to let the blocks grip the barrel c) use a substantial vise to grip the barrel. It sounds like you're either missing on a) or c), or maybe both. |
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You can get some scrap leather at the local hobby store (J. Michaels or Hobby Lobby are the two biggies in my ao). For my barrel blocks, I applied a coat of contact cement on the surfaces that the barrel goes into. Then applied a coat of the contact cement to the slick side of the leather. When tacky and using a wood dowell, I adhered the leather to the barrel block surfaces. Then I took a razor blade and trimmed of the excess leather. Rough side of leather is what contacts the barrel in the blocks. Protects the finish and provides grip so it won't move.
Timing a flash hider with crush washers. Sometimes the crush washers are a bit stiff. Helps to put them in your vice and apply pressure just until they start to collapse. Gets them started so when you are crushing them with the flash hider during installation it's easier. |
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I'm with GHPorter here.
I use a large vice (for home use... probably average in a shop, even small in a machine shop) I use hardwood stolen from a pallet (one of those blue pillars under walmart pallets). Drilled a hole one drill size under the barrel diameter and split it in the bandsaw. I could probably grease the damned thing and it would still work fine. A strip of leather may be just what is needed to cause an interference fit and grip the barrel. Did that thing eat into the barrel or just impregnate the park with aluminum? |
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Go buy a bag of potatoes and use the burlap from the bag.
Not only do you get a hearty meal you get some good gripping material for the vice blocks. True story. Bonus: When you're done if you have enough burlap left you can make a loin cloth to wear around the house while parading around your newly mounted barrel. |
| Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the burlap and to find leather, but I really can't hold out too much hope. The vice is indeed substantial and I'm using the correct grooves in the block. I may just order a damn clam shell action block but I hate leaving this project for another week or so now that I've started it. |
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the burlap and to find leather, but I really can't hold out too much hope. The vice is indeed substantial and I'm using the correct grooves in the block. I may just order a damn clam shell action block but I hate leaving this project for another week or so now that I've started it. The action block will come in handy - but be careful changing muzzle devices that way. It's kindof a no-no (though people do it all the time). It can break the barrel extension pin. Several threads on this. |
| It isn't thread locked, as I said, I got one barrel off and another on, but can't torque it. All the while both barrels spun in the block. I went ahead and ordered a clam shell block. I heard somewhere that putting a Ziploc bag over the receiver and then attaching the clamshell will prevent any marring from the thing wiggling in the shell. |
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Well ill still have ol' clamp n' spin for muzzle device work  I've got no idea what that meens. Did anyone happen to consder the barrel maybe glued in place? Try some heat Did you even read the OP? He got the old barrel off and is having problems putting the new one on. I think he would know if he "glued" it on. I think leather will probably be your best bet. Do you have a saddle shop or anything close by? Maybe a holster maker? They would probably just give you some scraps. |
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Have been using this style of barrel vice....
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/226100/wheeler-engineering-barrel-vise-with-3-wood-bushings?productNumber=226100 I wrap paper around the barrel before tightening it down. Have had no slippage. Maybe it will work with the aluminum blocks? |
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