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Posted: 11/25/2011 1:25:40 PM EDT
| So I was installing my barrel today and when I torqued it to 30 ft/ lbs, it left a lug right in the middle of the gas port. So I figured no problem and attempted to torque it to the next slot. This turned out to be a problem as with the tools I had, there was no way I was moving it that far. After several attempts, I backed it up to the last notch and completed the install. Is this ok or do I need to locate some better tools to get it to that next notch? I know people will ask so I was using a pro mag upper block in a bench vise with a cheap harbor freight torque wrench (so who knows how accurate it is). |
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Additionally, you torque it to 30#, then in increasing steps up to 80# only if you need go that far. I generally go in 15# increments just to keep it smooth. If you're not lined up by 80 #, loosen the nut, and re torque to 80# several times if you must. You'll eventually get to a notch. Don't be afraid to take a few moments between torquings, to give the stuff time to adjust to the torque, and just relieve stresses. Also, be gentle and smooth with the motions. Don't be treating the torque wrench like a bat and you're swinging for the bleachers. |
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Follow the instructions in the TM. Torque, loosen and re torque three times. Grease all contact points on barrel, nut and receiver.
http://www.ar15.com/content/manuals/TM9-1005-319-23.pdf |
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Not clear why the tools you have would be a problem.
Even the PITA 3 pin barrel wrench has been used to install a zillion barrels. Never back up on the final torque. That’s a recipe for a loose barrel. If something is wrong back completely off and re-torque. Personally I torque to 30 ft/lb three times. Set my torque wrench to 80 ft/lb and torque until the nut lines up. If you hit 80 ft/lb and you are still short that’s a different problem. If you have one of the specialty barrel nuts for a FF tube follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also the torque specs only apply to properly lubricated threads. |
| I have had to torque, back off 5 or 6 times to get the gas tube to line up. Not to 80 ft/lbs but close. Make sure you grease up the threads and it will eventually line up. Don't try to get it to line up with one torque. 15 ft/lbs increments are a good start. 15/30/45/60. 30 is the minimum torque and so far I have not had one line up at that ft/lb. Not to say it can't but I haven't had one. |
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