M1a wood handguard - Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Springfield M1A/M14 Handguard

First let me be clear this is a beautiful piece of furniture to make you M1A have an all wood look instead of the plastic piece that comes stock on the Springfield M1A. Now lets get to the frustrating part if you do not have the proper tool to remove and install the clip that holds this to the gun you will inevitably crack or break the thin wood where this band/clip goes. At this point I am out about 90 bucks and debating on ordering the tool needed and another Handguard. As thin as this piece of wood is I now would worry if I was able to get one on if heat from barrel and weather would cause same out come in time???