AR carbine stock -- wrench needed?

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ArmedBear

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Okay, so I just ordered a new M4-style stock assembly. I have only installed an A2 stock assembly before. I just screwed it on with my hand. No problem so far.

So I don't have a stock wrench. I didn't think I needed one for the M4, but I was told last night that I did (by a guy who might know but that I don't necessarily believe 100%).

Do I really need a stock wrench for the M4 stock?

Or do I just screw it in and back the lock ring towards the receiver until it's tight?

Or am I missing something?

Thanks!:)
 
Do I really need a stock wrench for the M4 stock?
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Yes, you do.

You could tighten it by hand and use a screwdriver and hammer to snug it up. But that would be a very crude way to do it, you'd likely damage the finish and you might not get it on straight.

I suppose a strap wrench and Locktite might work too, but not optimally

I don't think it needs to be tight. It just needs to not come loose or allow the stock to twist (a sling mounted on the bottom will have a lot of leverage to twist it around.).
 
Can I infer that I can put it on by hand for testing and messing around, while I acquire a wrench?

(Assuming I don't use a sling or expect to use it as a "serious gun" until I properly tighten it with a wrench.)
 
Can I infer that I can put it on by hand for testing and messing around, while I acquire a wrench?
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that's all I did.....

after ~200 rouonds during one range trip, it did come loose.....but wasn't really a big deal.

Mine is not a "duty rifle" or even a primary home defense rifle......just a fun gun. So I'll tighten it up with a strap wrench and some blue Loctite, when I get around to it.....(and find where the heck I misplaced my Loctite....which has gone missing)
 
ab, sure, hand tight for messing around, but if you get to the point that it would become "inconvenient' if the stock suddenly got loose, i recommend you consider staking the castle nut, not just loctite
 
Thanks!

If I can play with it right away, I can look around and buy a wrench for a good price, not overpay for having it today.:)

(BTW how do you stake the castle nut? Doesn't it come with an allen screw for locking it? What else do you do?)
 
You don't need the wrench, but you'll end up with marks on the nut if you don't have one.

When I got my M16, the previous owner had boogered up the nut by using a pipe wrench on it. :rolleyes:
It's not a safe queen, so I really don't care.
 
i recommend you consider staking the castle nut, not just loctite
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I agree.

Be careful when you stake it. Not only did I stake the castle nut to the end plate, but the end plate to my lower as well...
 
Yeah. I thought I'd have to order the $40 multi-tool and "allow 6-8 weeks for delivery" or something.:)

I didn't know about the $6 tool that could be shipped in an envelope. It should be here Monday.
 
the end plate to my lower as well...
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Not sure how that works... Doesn't the end plate have a big indexing stud? Why would you stake that to the lower in addition to the castle nut that retains it? Or am I missing something else?
 
I knicked the lower while staking the castle nut.

From now on I'll use an actual punch, the screwdriver method I read about at M4carbine doesnt work for me...
 
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I bought a multi tool from MidwayUSA and it broke when I tried to take off my stock. Maybe the Brownells one will be better.
 
I knicked the lower while staking the castle nut.
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Oh... I get it now.:)

WRT the broken multi-tool:

The Brownells stock wrench is a smaller, simpler, solid specialized tool. Doesn't have notches in it; should be stronger than its all-purpose cousin. It can't be used to change the barrel, change a tire, or calibrate a boomerang. But it should work as a stock wrench. Will report back.:)
 
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