[RichFool]

I have three uppers, a DPMS, a S&W M&P, and a Palmetto State Armory.

The DPMS has a fantastic stake job done by Ahlman's when they replaced the chattered muzzle finish..

The other two are crap. I assume sending them back will be on my dime, so I think I'll be out over $50 for shipping.

For ~$20 more, Brownells will ship me the tool to do it myself: (69.99 + 3.95 = 73.94)
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...5-m16-carrier-key-staking-tool-prod29337.aspx

If I get it, what are my odds of selling it and getting most of my $$$ out of it?

EDIT: If I sell it for $50, I'm $20 to the better.

 

[RichFool]

I will buy it for $50 shipped, if you decide to go that route. I am supporting a couple of dozens of TX Junior shooters, I am sure at some point I could use the tool.

I will keep you in mind, should I go this route, especially since you are supporting Jr shooters.

 

[RichFool]

Is the staking of the gas keys a cosmetic issue or do you fear it will come loose due to poor staking or both?? I have had some ugly staking on gas keys before, but even though did not like them, did not budge and cause any problems, just curious.

There are minor indentations on the bolt carrier, but even the deepest one doesn't come close to the screwhead.

EDIT: They may as well have not been staked, so coming lose is my concern.

 

[RichFool]

I have been building AR's for years, you don't need an expensive special tool to stake the cap screws on the key, if they do not appear to be loose do not re-tighten, if they are the TM says best to use new cap screws and torque them 35-40 inch-pounds. Couple ways to stake these using a center punch, usually the factory staking has either one punch mark at the edge of each screw, or two coming in from the side edge of the key like the tool from Brownell's makes, I can replicate the same stake marks using a flat blade screwdriver. For a simple field repair you can use a center punch and put 3 equal strikes around the edge of each screw to include re-strike the original mark.

I've seen a few loose ones that got re-staked by either-all method or done it myself, sometimes ugly, but, functional and an approved field repair, really not a big deal if they're not loose. If it really bothers you, new keys & screws are around $15 bucks each and do it yourself. Again, not really a big deal.

I don't have the skills to do this safely.