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How to Properly Stake a Gas Key

The AR15 is a semiautomatic-only civilian copy of the military M16 rifle. It has become the most ubiquitous rifle among American gunowners. Because of its modular construction, hobbyists often build their own AR15 from parts. One of the more challenging tasks associated with building an AR15 from scratch is the attachment of the gas key to the bolt carrier. This is one of the few parts on the rifle that are fastened with screws. If the screws become loose, the rifle will malfunction, so the builder must properly stake the screws to the gas key so they remain tight.

Things You'll Need

Brake cleaner
Bench vise with padded jaws
1/8-inch hex bit
Drive handle
Inch-lb torque wrench
Center punch
Ball-peen hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the bolt carrier, gas key and screws with brake cleaner. Clamp the bolt carrier in the vise with the key mounting surface facing up.
- 2
  Set the gas key on its mounting surface so it points toward the front of the carrier. Insert both screws through the gas key mounting holes and thread them into the bolt carrier body.
- 3
  Snap the hex bit onto the drive handle. Hold the gas key in position and snug the screws.
- 4
  Remove the hex bit from the drive handle and snap it on the torque wrench. Torque the screws to 40 inch-lbs.
- 5
  Place the tip of the punch on the parting line between the head of one of the screws and the gas key. Tap the punch firmly with the hammer, so it creates an indentation. Tap it only once. Make two more indentations in the same manner, spaced equally around the perimeter of the screw head. Repeat with the second screw.

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