M1A flash hider/ muzzle brake removal--please help.

[BamBam-31]

I'm trying to install a unitized gas unit on my M1A, but I can't get the muzzle brake off. I tried using a pair of pliers, but I ended up scratching the castle nut a bit, so I gave up. I know Brownell's has a pair of pliers specially designed for the castle nut, but it's been out of stock for some time now. Fulton Armory doesn't have the tool at all.

Any other way to remove the nut? Any other place I can order a pair of castle nut pliers? Thanks in advance.

 

[twoblink]

PM Kaylee. She got mine off!

 

[telewinz]

Try a gunshow, went to one last weekend and they were going for $10. They don't look like much but I guess they work. Could never get mine off either, to hell with it.

 

[3 gun]

Did you remove the set screw first? Using a 1/16" hex wrench remove the flash suppressor set screw located forward of the base of the front sight. Unscrew the flash suppressor nut using flash suppressor pliers. Getting the right tools helps a lot but it can be done without the pliers if you work carefully. Support the gas system when removing/installing the suppressor. Good luck.

 

[Kaylee]

Um.... yeah, what 3-gun said.

To elaborate....

You see that little hole in the muzzle-end of the front sight block? That tilts down at about a 45 degree angle to the bore? There's a little hex screw in there that locks into the slits in the end of the nut you see holding the front sight/flash suppressor assembly on.

Once you take out that screw, the nut should come off easily. And again, as 3-gun says -- if you have the right kinda pliers, you're MUCH less likely to ding up that not that if you try vice grips or something.

Ask me how I learned that.

Finally, um... Albert... you wanna rephrase that a little? I don't want your Totally Tactical girlfriend to get any ideas and come hunting me..

-K

 

[BamBam-31]

Thanks, guys. I did remove the set screw, but the castle nut was still very stubborn. I do not have the castle nut pliers, so I tried using a pair of regular pliers. Ouch. I think I need to track down the right tool....

 

[Ledbetter]

And a new castle nut?

 

[BamBam-31]

Nah, it wasn't that bad. I was careful, and the little bit I did scratch I re-blued already. You'd never see it if I didn't point it out.

 

[joel1316]

What the best way to secure the rifle? Do you need it to be in a vise or something?

 

[GunTech]

PM me with you address and I'll loan you my castle nut pliers.

Tod

 

[BamBam-31]

Thanks, GunTech, but in the four plus years since I first posted this thread, I've managed to purchase a pair myself.

 

[GunTech]

LOL,

I guess I should check dates.

 

[jpwilly]

Be sure you have some "soft" jaws for your vise so you won't marr the finish. Also be sure you soak the nut / assembly in penitrating oil...a whack with a rubber mallet wouldn't hurt.

 

[Bwana John]

You guys used a pair of plyers to try to mario a M-14 castle nut off with?!?
Thats hot.
Even on my drunkest gunsmithing spree I wouldnt do that. (maybe a hammer and a brass punch)
You all would make the Pakastani Gunsmiths Guild proud

Have Dremil, will travel.