Armorer's tool castle wrench shearing off

Stevebot-7

Stevebot-7

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So, I am now 2 for 2 broken armorer's tools. Not going to mention brands here so this doesn't turn into a pissing contest.

On both wrenches the tab on the castle nut has sheared off. Barely even a stump left, certainly not enough to be usable anymore. Happened once when tightening the castle nut, and once when trying to loosen it.

Am I retard strong, or just a retard? Bad luck?

Anyone else have a strongman wrench I could use, one that has a reasonably significant chance of not breaking?
 
Not to be a jerk, but have you cut the staking all the way?

I had one would not come off even after both staking spots were cut. Ended up using a pipe wrench and chucking the castle nut after.
 
I had them break and wear out all the time so I bought one took it to the local fab shop had them cnc laser cut me one out of the best tool steel they had.

I have used it for about 4 years now no issue.
Maybe somthing to look at.
 
I've never broken a pin-type wrench but I have had them slip a lot. The three-tab type is what I'm using now and it's much better.

1.jpg
 
Stevo said:
I've never broken a pin-type wrench but I have had them slip a lot. The three-tab type is what I'm using now and it's much better.
Click to expand...

The wrenches have those slots, and they would work perfectly if the Magpul ASAP wasn't being all obnoxious and in the way. I'll give it until I finish this model before I just grab a pipe wrench and use that to get the castle nut off.


I just picked up the wench to stare at it accusingly and I noticed this. Really? What is this thing made of?
wrench_by_stevebot_7-d5zu55o.jpg
 
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I had good luck with a pair of channel-locks and a rag to protect the nut. Mine was staked in 2 spots and was on tight, but I got if off with no damage to the nut or my knuckles...
 
I found one that was hard to remove had some sort of glue bonding it on.

Might try some gentle heat on the retainer nut.
 
I got the NCStar wrench from TSE, it has the three tabs for the castle nut, but it's a sloppy fit - if you're not careful it will dig into the threads on the buffer tube. Don't ask how I know.
Hold it square and it works fine - if it feels like it's dragging, stop and reposition the wrench.
 
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