M1 Garand Gas Plug Tool - Necessary?

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Captains1911

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I finally got around this weekend to completely disassembling my Garand I picked up from the CMP last year, and before reassembling I am curious about the gas plug. I have read some say that if you don't properly support the gas cylinder while torquing the plug, you could risk damaging the barrel splines. I see a tool specifically for this that costs $20, something I don't really want to buy to use only once in a blue moon, as taking the gun down this far is not necessary for routine maintenance.

Is it really that big a risk? Are there any other methods that work using common tools to ensure I do not damage anything? Thanks.
 
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The T-part of the cleaning rod is what I use. I doubt you will damage the splines but if you do a gentle light peening will bring them back up. If the gas cylinder plug is so tight it requires that much torque to loosen it then I would propose the plug is too tight. I'd also grasp the cylinder while turning the plug which should eliminate some of the pressure on the barrel splines.
 
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The plug shouldn't need to be so tight you risk damaging anything to remove it. And for the common plug with the "X" pattern, I just use the breakover handle from my 1/4" socket set. Works great.
 
The gas cylinder lock wrench is like the 1911 barrel bushing wrench.
When you need one, you really NEED one! You won't get the cylinder assembly apart without damaging something.

No one needs to tighten everything down with gorilla like force but many men have never mastered the proper application of torque.

Tip.
Appliy a light film of anti-seize grease or choke tube grease to the gas cylinder lock screw threads and you should always be able to dissemble the a standard M1 gas cylinder assembly without the need for the wrench.

Match built guns are a different story. If assembled correctly, you will need the wrench to unscrew the very tight gas lock.
 
Soldiers who carried the M1 were issued a GI Combo Tool, which is really all you need to work with the gas cylinder screw; and, you can store it in the buttstock, so you'll never lose it. :)
 
I have both tools, the gas cylinder wrench and the gas plug wrench. Better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.

gascylinderwrench_zpsd4e4f6d0.jpg

gascylinderlockwrench_zps63d8994a.jpg
 
It's only $20.00.
How long will you be shooting your new rifle? Five years, ten years maybe fifteen? You will spend way more that that on ammunition, cleaning supplies and lubricating grease.

I'll bet there are other tools in your tool box you hardly use but when you need it you've got it right there and ready.
 
Captains1911 said:
I went ahead and ordered the one pictured above from brownells, along with some other supplies I needed anyway. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Click to expand...


Peace of mind is a nice thing to have. (insert thumbs up icon here.) Enjoy your Garand for many many years to come. (insert another thumbs up icon here.)
 
I have both tools, the gas cylinder wrench and the gas plug wrench. Better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.
Click to expand...
I like the wrench. Where did you get it?
 
.....I just use the breakover handle from my 1/4" socket set. Works great.
Click to expand...

Plus 2

I also use a 1/4 ratchet with an short extension. I think one would have to have a large cheater bar on the gas plug tightening tool to bend or damage the barrel spines. With a match tuned M1, all bets are off.
 
You got the wrench from Fultons didnt you? Seems thats a problem they ahve with theirs, simply file a small amount of material off until it fits
 
Not saying its common but read a post on another forum that had the same problem. As the other poster said it fit some locks fine, others real tight and another it wouldnt go onat all.
You could use a Dremel tool and slightly remove material to fit or if you dont have one maybe sandpaper wrapped around a dowel rod. Or Contact Fulton and see what they have to say, I'm sure they will make it right
 
M1 Garand Gas Plug Tool - Necessary?

In my opinion the various gas tube tools out there from assorted manufactures are in some ways a nice to have more so than necessary. As to the gas cylinder lock and lock screw I have always managed just fine using a 1/4" socket drive. I never saw a need for anything else.

Gas%20Plug.png

Considering what the average GI had available in the field for field level maintenance and cleaning finding and buying a good T10 tool should be adequate.

Just My Take....
Ron
 
The OP is not talking about a gas screw wrench but a wrench gas cylinder wrench.
It may not be needed but is good to have especially when you get a gas screw that is real tight and you really need to torque on it to break it loose.
Keeps undo wear off barrel splines.
No it wasnt a GI item but they werent concerned with preserving rifles for years
 
standard.gif
These are the tools I have used for years.
If your gas cylinder lock wrench doesn't have the cut out profile of this one, you have an M14 wrench. Send it back.
 
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