for BROWNELLS M14/M1A CASTLE NUT PLIERS

Recommended

Works if you use correctly. 06/05/2018

I used these on a James River armory castle nut that was extremely tight and would not even come loose with the brass punch method and pb blaster. My rifle had the flash hider installed and then the steel face of the flashider that the castle nut tightens forward against was actually peened down against the castle nut then finished over. I assume James river armory does this to accurize the rifle. It was so tight I had to actually clamp my BAD T3 gas cylinder wrench (also purchased here) in a vise while attached to the m-14 gas cylinder and have the rifle resting in a gun cleaning cradle. I firmly grabbed the castle nut with these Brownell pliers and with both hands squeezed them tightly shut and also grabbed the top end of the pliers squeezing them shut here as well (right hand on the handles and left hand on the top squeezing both ends closed at the same time). At the same time, I was holding the pliers closed from both ends I was pushing them rearward tightly into the castle nut grooves so they could not slip or jump out of the grooves and shear the plier teeth or strip the grooves on the castle nut. It was an absolute monster to break loose, but it did so with no damage to pliers or castle nut. Also, again, my rifle was very securely held in place in a gun cradle with a gas cylinder wrench attached and the wrench hung downward from the rifle and secured in a 5" bench vise. There would have been no way to do this without this setup because of the amount of force needed to break this loose. A second person just holding the rifle by hand would have resulted in the rifle just spinning in this persons grasp. I cannot comment on other users who left low ratings without seeing the technique they used with the pliers, but with the amount of force I had to use on this tool I cannot see how it failed for other users unless they need to change up their technique a bit. If I would have just grabbed the pliers by the handles only and tried to twist the nut loose I believe they would have bent or broken. I hope this method helps other users. The reason I took away 1 star is because the handle covers do slip right off and I do believe this tool could be made of thicker steel which would make them live longer. I also used them to re-tighten the castle nut which required just as much torque to line up the Allen screw hole to the castle nut slot and with my same two-handed pushing technique it worked here as well too. As others have said, DO NOT forget to remove the castle nut set screw from the front sight base before removing the castle nut! I would not buy the cheaper version of this brownells sells because the cost savings is negligible.

Definitely recommended

Worked perfectly 08/04/2018

These pliers worked perfectly to remove and install the castle nut on my m1a. As others have stated don't forget the locking screw and use some penetrating oil when removing the nut.

Recommended with reservations

They Work 12/06/2017

The yellow grips pulled off when I pulled the pliers out of the plastic bag. Glued them back on with some super glue. The castle nut on the Polytech M14 was very tight, but these did the job (I knew to back out the set screw--don't forget the set screw).

Definitely recommended

Works like a charm 26/01/2017

Had no issue whatsoever. Just use it smartly and it will do the job just fine.

Slightly recommend

need more grip 07/01/2017

need more grip to break the nut at the end of the M1A barrel. I am still trying to get it off.

Definitely recommended

Easy does it 24/07/2016

This is the exact tool you need to remove the M1A/M14/M305 flash hider. The "teeth" showed no sign of shearing, which seems to be a problem with the cheaper version of this tool.

The castle nut on my Norinco was stuck so tight I thought it might be welded. At first I used enough force with these that I felt them start to bend slightly while the nut wouldn't budge. At that point I backed off and re-evaluated.

The method that worked for me (after some research) was to soak the area in WD-40, wait an hour, and then hit it with a heat gun for about two minutes. After that, these pliers took the nut right off with only moderate torque.

Just remember, this tool isn't invincible, and the torque you are able to apply can ruin it if the nut is stuck. Like a lot of things in the world of amateur gunsmithing, though, if it seems like you have to use extreme force, there is probably a better way.

Recommended

they work 14/06/2016

These castle nut pliers worked fine for me. just remember to soak nut area with penetrating lube the night before. most important thing is to remember to remove the castle nut set screw. i forgot and broke 1st pair. followed the above directions and and came loose with little effort. would/did buy again.

Not recommended

not good 04/12/2015

broke with little to no pressure, like another review I TIG welded it back together, weld is good, but the whole thing bent and started coming apart in another spot.

Not recommended

Breaks easily 15/08/2015

I ordered these knowing it's the only real way to take off the castle nut. I used light pressure and the tab sheared like it was made out of soft Aluminum!! I kid you not these are the worst pliers for quality I have EVER used. save your money. You'd be better off to buy another castle nut and just use a punch to take it on and off. I can't believe Brownells puts their name on these. Total waste of money.

Not recommended

Save your money 14/06/2015

I read the other reviews and thought "hey, how bad could they be?" Awful. Truly useless. I put them on the castle nut, starting turning it with a little muscle and one of the prongs snapped right off. Absolutely worthless, even at $15.

Recommended with reservations

Borderline 19/07/2013

This tool falls under the "just enough to get the job done" category. The castle nut on my M1A was TIGHT, after using the pliers on a couple of unsuccesful attempts I noticed the teeth bending so I utilized some KROIL and let her soak. That did the trick. This is probably a one or two time use tool before you will need another.

Definitely recommended

Best one from Brownells 09/02/2013

Have to epocy the grips on teh tool but the jaws fit nice and turn the castle nut on the M1A no problem, (after you remove the set screw which I did not, I snapped the set screw with these pliers and they still maintained shape in the jaw nubs. Ordered some USGI from a online dealer but hard to find will come back and compare when I get them, but I wouyld recommend these.

Definitely recommended

Worked for me 13/12/2012

I let my suppressor soak in some oil overnight. But it all came out ok. I watched a bunch of videos online to get some tips.

I put a little heat on it before I loosened the castle nut, just for good measure. Nothing too hot to touch.

Turned out good. It was on there tight! I'll put it this way- It wasnt about to fall off anytime soon!!

Recommended

WORKED AS ADVERTISED.... 01/09/2012

USED THE PLIERS TO REPLACE THE FLASH SUPPRESSOR ON A POLLY-TECH M14S...ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WAS THE GRIP COVER LOOSENED UP, A LITTLE GORRILLA GLUE FIXED THAT...THE WAY I WAS TAUGHT BACK IN THE 70'S ON HOW TO REMOVE FLASH SUPPRESSORS WAS TO REMOVE THE SET SCREW, TAP THE FLASH ADPTR BACK TOWARDS THE RCVR A FEW TIMES TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE OFF THE CASTLENUT, USE A PUNCH AND LOOSEN THE CASTLENUT, AND THEN USE THE PLIERS TO BACK THE NUT OFF 1 1/2 TURNS, AND THEN BEGIN TAPPING THE FLASH SUPPRESSOR UP TO THE NUT AND USE THE PLIERS AGAIN REPEATING THE PROCESS UNTIL COMPLETED...I THINK THE KEY WORD IS THAT THESE ARE PLIERS, NOT A WRENCH...AND FOR [$] YOU CAN'T GET MUCH BETTER...NORMALLY I JUST USE THEM TO INSTALL THE CASLE NUT, BECAUSE IF I'M CHANGING THE FLASH SUPPRESOR I'M GOING TO PAY THE $7 FOR A NEW CASLE NUT AND SET SCREW.

Not recommended

Worst Product in Years 29/08/2012

Broke/Bent on the first use. Made of mild steel and easily bend with only light presure.
Not up to the quality that I expect and that Brownells usually provides. The nose of pliers deformed and the tips broke off. Even light pressure would bend them and I was able to squeeze (bend) the handles closed. Don't waste your money on these.

Definitely recommended

Don't confuse this product with others 29/08/2012

Don't confuse this Brownells product with the other tool (M&A Parts) also sold by Brownells. This product is quality. I made the mistake of ordering the other tool first. Big mistake. M&A tool is $#%)@.
This is a first quality Brownells Product.

Not recommended

Do not buy 14/08/2012

These broke the first time I used them. Cheap metal, probably made in [*]. I cannot believe brownells puts their name on these. Buyer beware. I should have believed the reviews, so you should learn from my mistake and do not buy!

Slightly recommend

worked once 09/06/2012

The first time I used them they worked well, the second time the tip broke off. Ordering another pair though because I need a pair & I doubt there are any out there made to last.

Not recommended

Junk! Don't waste your money on these! 01/01/2011

I bought these to remove the castle nut on my M1A, so I could install an EBR stock,AFTER breaking the tip off of a buddy's pliers. His set was also from Brownell's, but I figured they were old and possibly a little weak from years of use. My new pair arrived and bent completely out of shape immediately as well as cracked the tips! (yes I removed set screw) And, the nut is still too tight to budge! Will buy another pair when I find some that aren't made of cheap pot metal!!

Definitely recommended

Made the job it was meant to do , easy ! 05/11/2010

This tool worked great. Met and exceeded my expectations. Very easy and comfortable to use and would recommend this tool to others. A must have if removing a flash hider or brake.

Not recommended

. 14/09/2010

it broke the first time i used it.. then i welded it with my tig welder and my welds did not brake the pliers just bent... I'm sure they would work well on castle nuts that weren't tight but I've never taken one off that wasn't!

Not recommended

Unacceptable [*] 20/08/2010

Broke the very first time I used it with only hand pressure and I have arthritis! [...]

Definitely recommended

Makes Life Easy. Buy It 23/06/2010

I have taken castle nuts on and off ever since my first M14. This is a reasonable price for a tool that just makes your life easy. After your third or fourth time, you wish you had bought this the first time. High Quality simple tool.