I need to remove a LaRue low profile gas block from a stainless barrel. It has two set screws that are locktited on. I already broke one Allen wrench and bent another. Should I heat it up? If so how?
Propane torch. Just keep the flame moving to avoid uneven heating.
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A soldering iron or heat gun works well.
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makes me feel better about a non pinned gas block:D
Pinning is supposedly the standard but when I went to remove my Larue low profile gas block (non pinned) to have it pinned to another barrel, I broke one alen wrench and then stripped the heads of the set screws. This was after heading the set screws/gas block with a torch to loosen the rockset. I eventually got it off by using one of those drill bits for removing stripped screws, and even then it was extremely difficult. That gas block wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially considering it was hidden under a rail.
Use a propane torch and head it up. Read above for my experience. Even after heading up it was a pain in the ass.
Alright propane is it. Do I have to worry about discoloring of the stainless barrel?
Keep it under 7-800 degrees F and you should be fine. Heat a little bit, try to loosen the screw, repeat.
Using heat, put an Allen bit (the kind that fits in bit holder) in the head and give a few good, sharp raps with a brass hammer. Then, clamp the bit in Vise Grips and turn the bit while giving it sharp raps with the hammer