Tools needed to stake the gas key and the castle nut?

[Alaskapopo]

What tools do I need to properly stake the castle nut and gas key. Thanks.
pat

[ErikL]

To stake the castle nut and any other metal parts I use a Starrett 18A Automatic Center Punch.

To Properly stake the carrier key you pretty much need a MOACKS from Ned which can be bought here, http://www.m-guns.com/tools.php I have a pocket model and it works great.

What type of carrier do you have? I'm sure if you ask nice someone might volunteer to stake it for you ;-)

[Alaskapopo]

To stake the castle nut and any other metal parts I use a Starrett 18A Automatic Center Punch.

To Properly stake the carrier key you pretty much need a MOACKS from Ned which can be bought here, http://www.m-guns.com/tools.php I have a pocket model and it works great.

What type of carrier do you have? I'm sure if you ask nice someone might volunteer to stake it for you ;-)

I am thinking about buying some Stag rifle kits to go with a few lowers I have just to put away and perhaps sell later if there is a ban. I just wanted to be able to make these modifications. Also my department runs DPMS guns (I carry a personal Colt 6920) and I would like to be able to stake the gas keys as a preventative measure. Thanks for the link the pocket model looks good.
pat

[ErikL]

If you are going to be doing a bunch of guns go with the full size MOACKS your hand will thank you. Besides you can write it off on your taxes.

[John_Wayne777]

Robb took the time to write out a nice tool guide for the AR platform in the tech section:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463

...but as my internet challenged friend Erik mentioned, to stake the carrier key you'll need a MOACKS tool.

[Iraqgunz]

I have been staking our keys using a center punch and hammer and they have yet to come loose. YMMV.

[Al U. 5811]

Those auto centerpunch things are gimmicky. For the price of one you can buy a 3 piece Starrett set. The MOACKS takes all the guesswork out.

[rob_s]

To stake the castle nut and any other metal parts I use a Starrett 18A Automatic Center Punch.

To Properly stake the carrier key you pretty much need a MOACKS from Ned which can be bought here, http://www.m-guns.com/tools.php

Those are the same tools I use. I have one of the original MOACKS and have used it quite a few times at matches and classes on other people's guns.

The auto punch isn't necessary, but it's damn convenient and doesn't require 3 hands or a vice. You can hold the gun down with one hand and stake with the other. Just angle the punch towards the rear of the rifle and push it in 3-5 times.

[markm]

Any basic tools will do the trick if you have a vise. Bending a little metal doesn't require expensive gadgets.

But as others have said... if you plan to do many keys or castles, special tools might be the way to go.

[Medicine Calf]

Any basic tools will do the trick if you have a vise. Bending a little metal doesn't require expensive gadgets.

But as others have said... if you plan to do many keys or castles, special tools might be the way to go.

I have a key that needs a little tweak to the staking. What punch size and head type would you use? Or other tool?

[khc3]

Just curious, does anyone know what kind of tools/fixtures Colt uses to do it?

[Failure2Stop]

I am thinking about buying some Stag rifle kits to go with a few lowers I have just to put away and perhaps sell later if there is a ban.

CARPET-BAGGER!!!

Anyway-
I am a simple guy, so I like my tools to do my work for me. MOACKS or Pocket MOACKS as far as gas key is concerned.

Spring Loaded Center Punch (http://www.toolmarts.com/superior_MPC0035.html) works great for staking a castle nut. I keep one in my gear anyway for various surreptitious entry techniques and glass breaking. This is the first one that popped up with a windows live search- I do not necessarily recommend this specific one though it is a ninja-like black color.

So, nothing new from me, I just wanted to call you a carpet-bagger. :p

[markm]

I have a key that needs a little tweak to the staking. What punch size and head type would you use? Or other tool?

Shoot! I just grab whatever I can find in my crappy tool box the roughly resembles an average sized flat head screw driver. The more important part it positioning the key so it's supported by one of the sides of the vise.

I haven't had to do one in years. But I think I put the bolt carrier in the vise so that it was listing one way to do one side, and then reversed it for the opposite side.

[Medicine Calf]

Thanks. An old screwdriver I hope? :p