Proper Castle Nut Staking Tools/ Advice

[Hulkstr8]

Hey guys,

So I tried my hand at staking after reading a bunch about it and watch a few videos. I did not use an automatic center punch, but rather a manual one. I have included a pictures of one of the stake jobs which I am not happy with. Is there something I could do to improve the stake? What tools/size of the punch do you recommend? I have a 1/8 Starrett center punch and a 3/32.

Also, as a side note I ran into an old acquaintance at a Christmas party this weekend who is also interested in guns; I told him about one of the builds I was putting together and he offered to pay me what I have into it. This is tempting because I already have grown in preferences and could build another rifle (what I think is a better rifle). What would you do?

[26 Inf]

he offered to pay me what I have into it. This is tempting because I already have grown in preferences and could build another rifle (what I think is a better rifle). What would you do?

I'd do it if I had the additional funds to complete the 'dream' rifle. I think it is rare for a home builder to get what they have in a rifle.

[Shooterman017]

I did not use an automatic center punch, but rather a manual one. What tools/size of the punch do you recommend? I have a 1/8 Starrett center punch and a 3/32.

I hit it a couple times with an auto punch to start. Just recently took an old broken punch and ground it down to be a little more pointed than my auto punch, but about the same size, worked like a champ. Fewer taps to move enough metal for my liking. Like using Starrett/etc, but I also like making them versus buying them whenever I have an older tool I can 'repurpose' with a couple minutes of grinding wheel love.

[bp7178]

If someone is offering to pay you what you have into a rifle, take the money and run.

The industry doesn't move as fast as the tech sector, but it does move. If you have a naggle to sell, do so and build another.

[Hulkstr8]

I hit it a couple times with an auto punch to start. Just recently took an old broken punch and ground it down to be a little more pointed than my auto punch, but about the same size, worked like a champ. Fewer taps to move enough metal for my liking. Like using Starrett/etc, but I also like making them versus buying them whenever I have an older tool I can 'repurpose' with a couple minutes of grinding wheel love.

Any particular diameter I should go for?

[bamashooter]

I think you did just fine and if the money is acceptable seeing that you prefer a different build, go for it.

[everready73]

I think the staking job looks fine. The first lower i ever bought was a complete from PSA ( I have learned much since then) and the staking is weaker than yours. It might not "look pretty" but the metal is displaced and it is not going anywhere. Some companies use a machine so it looks a little better/cleaner, but it really doesnt matter what it looks like.

As far as selling your partial build, take the money and run. Prices are really low right now and if you can recoup your money and build something you like better i think this is a no brainier

[RHINOWSO]

Looks fine.

Add ammo, shoot like hell.

[0uTkAsT]

I use a cheapo automatic centerpunch from Commie Freight Tools, it takes a dozen, sometimes a dozen and a half clicks to get the stakes the way I want them but it does the job cleanly and moves enough metal for my peace of mind. I hit the dimple with some cold bluing paste after and it looks as professional as any stake jobs with a punch.

[Iraqgunz]

Your bigger issue that that is not a correctly made castle nut.

Hey guys,

So I tried my hand at staking after reading a bunch about it and watch a few videos. I did not use an automatic center punch, but rather a manual one. I have included a pictures of one of the stake jobs which I am not happy with. Is there something I could do to improve the stake? What tools/size of the punch do you recommend? I have a 1/8 Starrett center punch and a 3/32.

Also, as a side note I ran into an old acquaintance at a Christmas party this weekend who is also interested in guns; I told him about one of the builds I was putting together and he offered to pay me what I have into it. This is tempting because I already have grown in preferences and could build another rifle (what I think is a better rifle). What would you do?