Sight Hood Installation/Removal

stuka12358

stuka12358

Junior Member
I know most members here prefer snap ring pliers to instal/ remove sight hoods. I bought a Channellock snap ring plier which seems to me is the best in terms of quality but some original hoods are just too stiff. An idea came into my mind earlier today and I tested it out just now. It worked really well for me so I figured I'd share it here.
I use two wrenches that are similar in size (1/2 and 7/16 ) and some electrician’s tape. I first wrap the open ends of the wrenches with tape to protect the finish and increase the grip. Then hook the opening ends over each side of the sight hood as shown in the picture. Once the wrenches are in position, give it a quick squeeze before applying much pressure on them just to make sure they won't slip off. Then slowly bring the handles close together until the gap is big enough for the installation/removal.
Hope it helps
 

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Innovative, While not a terrible idea, I think that the chance of an accident would increase using this tool resulting in pinching yourself or marring the gun. The reason most people have issues with the snap ring plier idea is due to brand. Guys go to Home Depot or harbour freight etc
Good ones that make it easy aren’t cheap, I have snap on ones. I’m a tech but these are strictly for hoods haha
 
stuka12358 said:
I know most members here prefer snap ring pliers to instal/ remove sight hoods. I bought a Channellock snap ring plier which seems to me is the best in terms of quality but some original hoods are just too stiff. An idea came into my mind earlier today and I tested it out just now. It worked really well for me so I figured I'd share it here.
I use two wrenches that are similar in size (1/2 and 7/16 ) and some electrician’s tape. I first wrap the open ends of the wrenches with tape to protect the finish and increase the grip. Then hook the opening ends over each side of the sight hood as shown in the picture. Once the wrenches are in position, give it a quick squeeze before applying much pressure on them just to make sure they won't slip off. Then slowly bring the handles close together until the gap is big enough for the installation/removal.
Hope it helps
Click to expand...
That is certainly out of the box thinking and I applaud your creativity (sincerely) but what you have done is essentially reinvent snap ring pliers. Snap ring pliers that are less stable and more prone to failing mid-install. I’m with CanadianAR on this, too great a risk of marring the rifle, the hood or you. At the end of the day snap ring pliers aren’t really that costly - better to use the right tool for the job.
 
I have been using these snap spring pliers for years, They spread as you press on the handles . You can tape them so you don,t scratch the hood. I usally use electical tape. There easy to use. There craftsman made .
 

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The method shown by Zepplin5000 is super easy and works perfectly every time. After he first introduced it, I ordered the clamp/spreader and paracord online for very low cost. For me, it’s much easier and more controllable than snap ring or other pliers.
 
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