Step U6: Handguard Installation

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Objective: In Step U6 of upper receiver assembly, we will install the handguard onto the upper receiver.

Tools Required

Tool	Part Number	PB Pick
Bench Vice¹	LV-4	Yost Vices LV-4
Upper Action Rod (AR-15)¹	MI-URR	MI AR-15 Upper Receiver Action Rod
Upper Action Rod (AR-10)¹	MI-308URR	MI AR-10 Upper Receiver Action Rod
T-Handle Driver	FISTHandle	Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Handle
Torque Limiter	FIS25	Fix It Sticks 25 in. lb Torque Limiter
Torque Driver	553556	Wheeler F.A.T. Torque Driver
T15 Torx Bit²	125TT15A-4	Torx T15 Driver Bit
T15 Torx Driver²	19555	Klein Torx Screwdriver Set
Threadmate	VC3-1ML	Vibra-Tite VC3, 1 mL

Tool	Part Number	PB Pick
Bench Vice¹	LV-4	Yost Vices LV-4
Upper Action Rod (AR-15)¹	MI-URR	MI AR-15 Upper Receiver Action Rod
Upper Action Rod (AR-10)¹	MI-308URR	MI AR-10 Upper Receiver Action Rod
T-Handle Driver	FISTHandle	Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Handle
Torque Limiter	FIS25	Fix It Sticks 25 in. lb Torque Limiter
Torque Driver	553556	Wheeler F.A.T. Torque Driver
T15 Torx Bit²	125TT15A-4	Torx T15 Driver Bit
T15 Torx Driver²	19555	Klein Torx Screwdriver Set
Threadmate	VC3-1ML	Vibra-Tite VC3, 1 mL

1: A vice and upper action rod is a good way to secure your upper during the installation of small parts.

2: For Aero Precision Enhanced Handguards. Other handguards may require different bits.

Components Required

Quantity	Component
1	Upper Receiver
1	Handguard (incl. mounting hardware)

Instructions

Secure the Upper

Install the action rod into the upper receiver per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step U6.0: Remove Existing Handguard (replacement/upgrade only)

If you are replacing your handguard (or need to remove the handguard for any other reason), first ensure the firearm is unloaded.

Loosen the bolts, screws, or clamps securing the handguard to the upper receiver with an appropriate driver (do not use a torque driver).

Slide the handguard off of the upper receiver.

Step U6.1: Install the Handguard onto the Upper Receiver

Install the handguard onto the upper receiver or barrel nut according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step U6.2: Torque the Handguard Screws

DO NOT USE HARDENING THREADLOCKER UNLESS REQUIRED BY THE HANDGUARD MANUFACTURER

For added assurance, we recommend using non-hardening threadlocker, such as Vibra-Tite VC3, on the threads of the handguard screws.

We use an appropriate screwdriver to start the screws, but you can use your torque driver.

Set the torque driver to the appropriate torque setting per the handguard manufacturer’s instructions. Insert the appropriate driver bit into the driver. The Aero Precision Enhanced Handguards require a Torx T15 bit and 25 in. lbs.

Torque each screw/bolt until the torque limit is reached.

If the handguard is installed with opposing screws, gently tighten in a cross pattern (one screw, then opposing screw, etc.) and then torque in a cross pattern.

Step U6: Handguard Installation

Tools Required

Components Required

Instructions

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