I am on my 2nd AR build and thought I would tackle more on this build than just the lower.  I am using the book "The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide" by Walt Kuleck with Clint McKee as as well as this website as my references.  Here are my 2 questions:

1. Bought a complete bolt carrier group to make that easier and the carrier screws were not staked.  Should I go ahead and disassemble the group, clean, lubricate appropriate parts  and reassemble it?

2. What do you use to "stake" the  carrier key screws?  Is there a special tool to use?  Haven't seen one in Brownells that says for AR bolts, does that matter?.  Can you use an appropriate sized screwdriver?

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Happy New Year to all.

Kevin

Kevin:  What brand of BCG did you buy?  Some makers use a high-temp, thread locking adhesive instead of staking to secure the key.  IMO, that should be good enough if done correctly. - CW

MOACKS tool...

The MOACKS tool is probably the proper way to stake it, but I've staked two of my older ones I used to have from fun show parts.  I went to Home Depot and bought a Nail Set punch.  I remember reading somewhere they are hardened a little more than a standard punch.  All you really need to do is deform the metal around the head of the bolt to prevent the bolt from backing out.  Probably would work better than a screwdriver.  Maybe not more than 5 bucks for the punch.

Just be careful to support the Key when you smack it so you don't damage anything.

I bought a chromed BCG from Fulton.  I haven't done anything to it except look at it, so I do not know if the screws have any locking adhesive on them. I will check. Thanks

The MOACKS is probably the most proper way to do it, but I've done it with a hammer and center punch.