Ar15 gas key screw !!

usmc · Dec 30, 2015

So I bought a brand new inch lbs torque wrench and attempted to torque the gas key screws. I set my inch pound wrench to 50 inch lbs, and SNAP. Removed screw placed another one, set to 30 ilb, then SNAP. So I bought "supposedly better screws" . Set to 20 ilbs and ......SNAP. Am I a complete idiot or do I need better screws?

deadeye · Dec 30, 2015

Maybe a better torque wrench?

jbett98 · Dec 30, 2015

Does it say "Made in China" on the side of the torque wrench?

x2ndxall · Dec 30, 2015

usmc said:
So I bought a brand new inch lbs torque wrench and attempted to torque the gas key screws. I set my inch pound wrench to 50 inch lbs, and SNAP. Removed screw placed another one, set to 30 ilb, then SNAP. So I bought "supposedly better screws" . Set to 20 ilbs and ......SNAP. Am I a complete idiot or do I need better screws?

And you stopped when it clicked?

Velzey · Dec 30, 2015

Should be using grade 8 socket head cap screws. I think 55 inch pounds is the mil standard.

Its only about 4.5 foot pounds, and make sure you stake them in place!

jbett98 · Dec 30, 2015

Remember to back off the torque wrench to zero when finished.
Otherwise, you will change the torque setting calibrations.

Stomper · Dec 30, 2015

As mentioned; don't go cheap on torque wrenches, or proper shear strength bolts.

usmc · Dec 30, 2015

Thanks , guys, so turns out I'm a complete moron. The click was so faint I couldn't feel it. Now I got a feel for it and they worked out great. pshh....

jbett98 · Dec 30, 2015

Hey, at least you knew the difference between foot lbs and inch lbs.
I had to learn the hard way. I didn't even know they made inch lb torque wrenches and was even more clueless about the inch to lb torque conversion charts.

Velzey · Dec 30, 2015

titsonritz said:
Latest revision is 58 in./lbs which is like 4.66 ft./lbs.

So I have been using 4.5 lbs all these years, now they are all going to come loose.

. Oh wait no, I made sure they won't because I staked them properly!

And staking is critical when your running full auto!

Stomper · Dec 30, 2015

jbett98 said:
Hey, at least you knew the difference between foot lbs and inch lbs.
I had to learn the hard way. I didn't even know they made inch lb torque wrenches and was even more clueless about the inch to lb torque conversion charts.

Inch-pounds divided by 12 equals foot-pounds.... yeah?