Recommend a Punch for Castle Nut Staking that Doesn't Suck

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    Rambler

    Rambler

    Doing the best with the worst.
    Oct 22, 2011
    2,213
    They make other versions of tools with different ends like nail sets, number/letter stamps and small chisels. All are useful.

    http://springtools.shptron.com/
     
    calicojack

    calicojack

    American Sporting Rifle
    MDS Supporter
    May 29, 2018
    5,384
    Cuba on the Chesapeake
    This is nice! Gonna get one of those Spring tools as well.
     

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    clandestine

    clandestine

    AR-15 Savant
    Oct 13, 2008
    37,031
    Elkton, MD
    There is some seriously stupid advice in this thread.

    If you don't have thread class gauges you should stake. A castle nut loosening is not always benign. The retainer becoming dislodged can wreck the lower as can the carrier key impacting the lower.

    There are 3 common punches used for staking.

    1) Starrett 117c
    2) Mayhew 5/32
    3) Spring Loaded Center Punch
     
    Last edited:
    jrumann59

    jrumann59

    DILLIGAF
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 17, 2011
    14,024
    small quality Philips screwdriver works well also. Sterritt staking punches are worth it though.
     
    Stevie Boy

    Stevie Boy

    Ultimate Member
    May 2, 2011
    1,060
    Naples, FL and Ocean Pines, MD
    Related to the Loctite suggestion, I'm currently "experimenting" with Vibra-TITE 213 VC-3. I've use this on my last two builds and although it's way too soon to really evaluate it's longevity, it does appear to help secure it. It's removable so if it doesn't hold up I can always return to staking. I also use this stuff on miscellaneous set screws on my AERO M4E1 lowers as an added precaution.

    Edit: Oops. I didn't see Chad's response so I retract everything I said. I guess my experiment is OVER.
     
    clandestine

    clandestine

    AR-15 Savant
    Oct 13, 2008
    37,031
    Elkton, MD
    Stevie Boy said:
    Related to the Loctite suggestion, I'm currently "experimenting" with Vibra-TITE 213 VC-3. I've use this on my last two builds and although it's way too soon to really evaluate it's longevity, it does appear to help secure it. It's removable so if it doesn't hold up I can always return to staking. I also use this stuff on miscellaneous set screws on my AERO M4E1 lowers as an added precaution.

    Edit: Oops. I didn't see Chad's response so I retract everything I said. I guess my experiment is OVER.
    Click to expand...

    VC-3 is actually the alternative I use when end plates can't be staked or thread tolerances are poor.

    This applies to end plates that are super hard like Magpul (they can crack when staked), are soft (aluminum), and titanium (can chip).
     
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