Removing a staked castle nut

[BigWaylon]

I’ve built all my lowers and never staked a castle nut. Never had one come loose.

Most recent AR was a complete firearm, and the castle nut is staked. I’d like to remove it if possible. Brownell’s had this article:



(The highlight portion was done by them, not me)

That method isn’t working for me. Any suggestions, other than leave it alone?

 

[Exspiravit]

I've broken free quite a few replacing commercial tubes on old rifles. Just used an AR wrench as mentioned in the article.

 

[BigWaylon]

I've broken free quite a few replacing commercial tubes on llold rifles. Just used an AR wrench as mentioned in the article.

I have a big one (armorer’s wrench) around here somewhere, but I can’t seem to find it. The one I tried was a small one like this:

 

[JBoyette]

Place the AR wrench on the nut, and make sure its 100% engaged and not angled. I tap the end of the wrench with a dead blow hammer and you are done. The shock of the hit pushes past the stake real easy.

OH,
FYI the image you have shown, you can use a 3/8 ratchet and get it done too.

 

[Exspiravit]

I have a big one (armorer’s wrench) around here somewhere, but I can’t seem to find it. The one I tried was a small one like this:

View attachment 772372

I use one of those combo wrenches. I will say it's hit or miss wether you can easily reuse the castle nut depending on the staking job and how much pressure it takes to pop it loose.

 

[Supermatch]

I've definitely busted a nut or two.

 

[Lucky63]

I’ve had to drill a couple. Slowly drill the stake away. Don’t damage any threads. 👍🏻

Castle nuts and end plates are cheap and abundant. I’ll mail ya one if needed.

 

[pinkbunny]

Accompanying video:

 

[Variable]

Staking is important, they will work themselves loose. Probably need to muscle it around more than you do if your never has come loose.

 

[cubrock]

I’ve built all my lowers and never staked a castle nut. Never had one come loose.

Most recent AR was a complete firearm, and the castle nut is staked. I’d like to remove it if possible. Brownell’s had this article:

View attachment 772358

(The highlight portion was done by them, not me)

That method isn’t working for me. Any suggestions, other than leave it alone?

I can tell you that the hardest castle nut staking I ever broke was on a BCM. It quite simply wouldn't break until I removed some metal material around the staked area. Only time I've honestly thought the receiver would break before the staking.

 

[Hashknife]

If one shoots enough, or shoots alot of full auto, the castle nut will come loose if it is not staked.
( So will the gas-key fasteners )
That is the reason for staking those items.


@JBoyette described pretty much the best way to overcome the staking and remove the castle nut.

 

[Exspiravit]

( So will the gas-key fasteners )

But, but, Young Manufacturing!

 

[Mr.Gadget]

But, but, Young Manufacturing!

They were staked and never came loose.
They done broke!