Do I need to replace this gas key?

[AAMP84]

Replacement is not necessary.

HOWEVER -

It should be repaired:

What tool are these instructions for?

[lysander]

What tool are these instructions for?

Key, Machine, P/N 12926769 (5313-01-310-0370)

Or, you can make your own, see Appendix E, page E-2, of TM 9-1005-249-23&P (dated 19 June 1991), available online, just google it.

(That Appendix has a few good tools, BTW.)

[TomMcC]

Could you use something like this?

https://cajungunworks.com/product/sp...starter-punch/

[AAMP84]

I forgot that i had this punch.
https://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/264E

I’m going to see if I can fix it, but if not I’ll replace it. I had already planned to pick up a MOACKS from Ned at some point, just haven’t needed to yet.

[ViniVidivici]

That would probably work.

[Cokie]

I personally would buy a small piece of delrin plastic rod and shape it to the key. A few taps with that won’t mar it and it’s strong enough to get it fixed

[lysander]

Either of those punches should work, as long as you don't go crazy beating on the key.

Delrin? I doubt that's not going to be hard enough.

[titsonritz]

Delrin? I doubt that's not going to be hard enough.

That's what I was thinking.

[markm]

Replacement is not necessary.

HOWEVER -

It should be repaired:

THANK YOU!!

I'd fish around in my garage/bench for something that matched the angle and just tap it back into shape.

[AAMP84]

Last night I stripped down the Sionics, an FCD, and a Hodge bcg and worked them back and forth in my upper. They all felt identical.

The center punch I linked has too steep of a taper and would open up the bore of the gas key tube before repairing the rim. But the blunt end of my other Starrett punches is almost the perfect fit. So I’m going to use the blunt end of my largest punch to try to gently tap it back it to form.

Thanks for all the assistance gentlemen.