Removing the castle nut on my M&P15

Ballenxj · Jan 24, 2016

Hi all, first post here.

I just picked up a single point sling adapter, so tried to remove the castle nut that holds the buffer tube locked in. I know it's staked, but JEEZE, It's really tight! Any way, I'm now going to hold off until I get a vise block for the lower.
Any tips or hints I should be aware of for the M&P 15?

MichiganScott · Jan 25, 2016

Get the vice block and a cheater bar for the wrench. The wrench is NOT where you want to save money. Buy the best you can find.

Steve_in_PA · Jan 25, 2016

Removed the castle nut on my AR without any issues. I laid the rifle on it's side, held pressure on the receiver and used the proper wrench to remove the nut.

Ballenxj · Jan 25, 2016

Thanks guys, the next wrench I get will be a good one. Any recommendations on that? The one I was using is made over seas, and I'm sure you can guess where.

Steve_in_PA said:
Removed the castle nut on my AR without any issues. I laid the rifle on it's side, held pressure on the receiver and used the proper wrench to remove the nut.

That how it went with my Colt, but my S&W is a bit more stubborn.

ChattanoogaPhil · Jan 25, 2016

Ballenxj said:
Thanks guys, the next wrench I get will be a good one. Any recommendations on that? The one I was using is made over seas, and I'm sure you can guess where.

This is what I have. It definitely meets your requirements of a good one.

Ballenxj · Jan 25, 2016

ChattanoogaPhil said:
This is what I have. It definitely meets your requirements of a good one.

Thanks. Price wise how much do those run?
Where is the best place to buy one?

ChattanoogaPhil · Jan 25, 2016

Ballenxj said:
Thanks. Price wise how much do those run?
Where is the best place to buy one?

Magpul list price is $80.
Usually find for $70
Primary Arms has them on sale for $60.

Magpul AR-15 Armorers Wrench - MAG535 - Primary Arms

McE · Jan 25, 2016

I had no problems with the simple $7 Tapco AR wrench. Didn't need to use my vise block. The squared edges of the Tapco one fit perfectly, I used modest force, would be a snooze with a breaker/long handled ratchet attached.

Get a wrench with 3 teeth, there are some heavier wrenches that still only use a single nub.

Ballistic147 · Jan 25, 2016

I've used a Dremel on the ones that were staked really good rather than risk damaging the lower. Only takes a few minutes to remove the stakes and in your case you are replacing the plate anyway. Just have to be careful with the castle nut if you will be reusing it.

Here's a link to the bit I use: 193 High Speed Cutter / Accessories Model: 193

Removing the castle nut on my M&P15

Ballenxj

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McE

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