The gurus in our repair department stress certain points above all others when chatting about how to keep your gun looking good and functioning right. You’d be surprised at how much “common sense” stuff escapes being common… or how many attempts at maintenance escape being sensical. Our armorers are surprised too sometimes- so here are some “do’s and don’ts” that will prevent you from being one of “those guys”:
-Don’t use pliers instead of a wrench. This can strip the head of whatever it is you are attempting to tighten or remove, and only succeed in creating a headache later.
-Use screwdrivers that fit the slot of the screw you are working on. Using the wrong size screwdriver can create a burr in the slot and things will get messy.
-Use properly sized punches to remove pins. Too big and it won’t work… too small and you are just asking for “Tim-the-toolman-Taylor” type trouble.
-Know the torque specifications on the screws you are tightening. Over or under-tightening isn’t going to do you or your gun any favors.
Following these easy tips WOULD keep many of the firearms that pass through our shop from ever reaching the need for repair… don’t fall into that same trap by taking shortcuts. If you are like most of us here at OOW, your gun is your baby… treat it that way.
Sean