Ar-15 barrel nut help

[Josh89]

So I picked up a new pistol upper and turns out the hand guard is turned slightly. It attaches to the barrel nut with some screws. So to get the hand guard lined up the barrel but is loose and if I tighten the barrel nut the screw holes won't line up. Can I back the barrel nut all the way off and try to get it tighten up so it lines up? Or is there a right way to do it?ive never put one on so this is a first to me.

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[Sbarton]

Sounds like you might have to, but pictures would help. And Manufacturer.

 

[kbf64]

some handguards have the timing with the tightness of the nut, I don't really like this design, because you have to get it just right to get your rail to match. A few manufatures have ones where the nut tightness is independent of the handguard alignment, which I like. I have a few of the aero precision like this that are great to have, though I've been waiting months to get a FDE on from them.

 

[arrowshooter]

For me, I buy only the "pinch on". For the OP, you'll need some barrel nut shims to get it right. Also, make sure that you are tightening to at least 30-40 fp.

 

[V4Cascade]

You might need some shims from the sounds of it. Pictures would be helpful.

 

[Tony617]

When I have installed Troy hand guard with a standard barrel but doesn't go on straight line. I put the 4 retaining screws in first, tighten them down and back off on tight by loosening the screws back like 1 or 2 turns. The grip slides in a slight angle so once you reach the upper receiver you twist it gently and line up with the upper receiver marks.

That assumes that barrel nut is timed with gas tube as well a standard barrel nut has teeth on them. I take my time since I don't want to damage the rail or anything and it take me a few tries sometimes.

 

[Josh89]

The barrel nut

 

[Josh89]

The second picture shows where the threads need to be and the last picture shows the angle if the holes are aligned.it wasn't that bad when I bought it. But after messing with it it has just got worse

 

[V4Cascade]

I hate those style handguards! Shims will fix it, cheaper than buying another rail.

 

[solv3nt]

The second picture shows where the threads need to be and the last picture shows the angle if the holes are aligned.it wasn't that bad when I bought it. But after messing with it it has just got worse

You'll need some shims. Try flipping the nut over and screwing it in from the other side first.

 

[V4Cascade]

You'll need some shims. Try flipping the nut over and screwing it in from the other side first.

Pretty sure only one side of the barrel nut is threaded.

 

[solv3nt]

Pretty sure only one side of the barrel nut is threaded.

Wilson combat has threads on both sides, bummer if OP's doesn't.

 

[V4Cascade]

Wilson combat has threads on both sides, bummer if OP's doesn't.

Wilson Combat has some really, really nice stuff. Wish they had more for the AR platform.

 

[arakboss]

You might need some shims from the sounds of it. Pictures would be helpful.

I second this advice. If it looks like this one you will probably needs shims.

 

[solv3nt]

Wilson Combat has some really, really nice stuff. Wish they had more for the AR platform.

They have quite a bit of stuff. I've got three of their AR's that I've never shot.

 

[arakboss]

The barrel nutView attachment 756015
View attachment 756016View attachment 756017

If you can't safely torque it to the next set of holes then you will have to shim it

 

[Stomper]

Yep.... you need some shim rings. I don't recommend over torquing, you can damage the aluminum threads, ESPECIALLY with a steel barrel nut!

 

[s75n]

I have some left over shims from my alg rail if your interested PM me with your shipping info I'll mail them out to you

 

[Tony617]

I would say drive your roll pin out for your gas tube, take wrench that fits your barrel nut and adjust accordingly. You might be able to safely torque the nut but that is up to you.

Then put your gas tube back on and drive the roll pin back in for your gas tube. I alway put some AeroShell 33MS armorers grease on my barrel nuts.

AeroShell 33MS Mil Spec Armorer's Grease for AR-15 and Other Rifle Builds / Maintenance

 

[CLee0507]

Remove nut, reinstall using shims, making sure to lube threads with Aeroshell or equiv. Torque to 35-80ft.lbs (generally speaking).

Edited to add:

I have used this before.

BROWNELLS BARREL NUT SHIM KIT | Brownells

AR-15 barrel nut shim kit allows you to index the barrel nut so you have perfect barrel nut / gas tube as well as top rail alignment, within the recommended barrel nut torque ranges. Shims can be used individually or combined to get the desired th...

www.brownells.com