Upper hand guard twisting

[drumsarereallycool]

I recently replaced the original hand guards with surplus parts on one of my AKs, and they fit very tightly.
The upper hand guard will rotate, especially after a mag dump. It rotates until that gap between the upper and lower is closed on the left side and the two hand guard touch. Any suggestions?

 

[IUHoosier429]

Sounds like you need a retainer for the UHG: https://akoptionsllc.com/ak-upper-handguard-retaining-spring/

If you're worried about cracking/breaking the handguard upon removal and reassembly (a rather common occurrence) and don't want to take it off, you can fold some aluminum foil and tuck it up in there to act like a shim.

 

[drumsarereallycool]

Sounds like you need a retainer for the UHG: https://akoptionsllc.com/ak-upper-handguard-retaining-spring/

If you're worried about cracking/breaking the handguard upon removal and reassembly (a rather common occurrence) and don't want to take it off, you can fold some aluminum foil and tuck it up in there to act like a shim.

Thanks for the info, I do have a spring in there but it may be a little loose. Interesting regarding the aluminum foil, where exactly would you place the foil? I really appreciate the help!

 

[IUHoosier429]

First I'd remove the gas tube and UHG from the gun, and then use pliers to bend the retaining spring a bit to make it more snug on the tube.

If that doesn't help, I'd mold a layer or two of foil over the lips at each end of the UHG, and then gently twist it back onto the gas tube (a bench vise is super helpful for this work). Alternatively, you can roll up a bit of foil with the UHG already on the gas tube and tuck it into any slight gaps there between the wood lips and metal channels.

Basically, you just want to block or plug any loose areas to prevent easy travel/twisting on its own.

And to be sure, your gas tube itself is not loose, correct? Just the wood upper grip?

 

[Case Mouth]

A rotating upper handguard is a pet peeve of mine and I will fiddle with it forever in the ways that IU describes until it tightens up. It makes no real difference of course in performance but it drives me crazy!

 

[drumsarereallycool]

First I'd remove the gas tube and UHG from the gun, and then use pliers to bend the retaining spring a bit to make it more snug on the tube.

If that doesn't help, I'd mold a layer or two of foil over the lips at each end of the UHG, and then gently twist it back onto the gas tube (a bench vise is super helpful for this work). Alternatively, you can roll up a bit of foil with the UHG already on the gas tube and tuck it into any slight gaps there between the wood lips and metal channels.

Basically, you just want to block or plug any loose areas to prevent easy travel/twisting on its own.

And to be sure, your gas tube itself is not loose, correct? Just the wood upper grip?

Thanks, will give that a shot (literally!). I also ordered a spare upper hand guard and spring, plus a sling for the Yugo to justify the shipping haha! And yes, just the hand guard slipped...the gas tube is solid.