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Posted: 11/8/2012 8:47:21 AM EDT
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What is the Spec torque on Gas Key Hex Screws? Prior to Pinning them?
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35-40 inch pounds.
One thing that rarely gets mentioned, as most AR15 manufacturers don't even seem to know or care about it is that the Mil-Spec has used an aviation-grade high-temp tolerant gasket between the key and carrier, made from Permatex Form-a-Seal compound. Some people like to use Red Loc-tite, or even black. You degrease the carrier and key thoroughly, then acetone-bathe, while only handling with gloved hands. Test-fit the carrier key, carrier, and gas tube beforehand. Use US-made Grade 8 fasteners, and apply sealant to the fastener threads as well. Once torqued, use a compression staking tool, not peening. Peening can break your seal of the key to the carrier. I use the Brownell's tool, and many like the MOACKS. A quality carrier key is a different animal from many of the keys I have seen over the years. There is a certain hardness to the steel, it is hard-chromed inside, and the dimensions need to be within a tight tolerance. If the Inner Diameter of the key is too large, you can have short-stroking. If it is too tight, you will have the flanged end of your gas tube worn down, and the gun is likely to short-stroke. I saw this recently at a 3-day DMR course that I ran. The culprit was a 20" Bushmaster. The gas tube flange was worn down on one side. |
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Quoted:
35-40 inch pounds. One thing that rarely gets mentioned, as most AR15 manufacturers don't even seem to know or care about it is that the Mil-Spec has used an aviation-grade high-temp tolerant gasket between the key and carrier, made from Permatex Form-a-Seal compound. Some people like to use Red Loc-tite, or even black. You degrease the carrier and key thoroughly, then acetone-bathe, while only handling with gloved hands. Test-fit the carrier key, carrier, and gas tube beforehand. Use US-made Grade 8 fasteners, and apply sealant to the fastener threads as well. Once torqued, use a compression staking tool, not peening. Peening can break your seal of the key to the carrier. I use the Brownell's tool, and many like the MOACKS. A quality carrier key is a different animal from many of the keys I have seen over the years. There is a certain hardness to the steel, it is hard-chromed inside, and the dimensions need to be within a tight tolerance. If the Inner Diameter of the key is too large, you can have short-stroking. If it is too tight, you will have the flanged end of your gas tube worn down, and the gun is likely to short-stroke. I saw this recently at a 3-day DMR course that I ran. The culprit was a 20" Bushmaster. The gas tube flange was worn down on one side. GREAT reply. I wish other would do that kind of reply. Part number for the brownells? |
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