This
First off the screws are set too high, so unless your gas key is made of the some super tough steel like Colt's used to be it's going to break the little area off and split it because the staking screws are just too sharp. Secondly they're YFS so they break. I think they hardened them too hard because they're brittle like glass. On the other hand this is a well built piece with very tight fitting threads to keep the screws aligned. I'm guessing somewhere in between class 2 and 3.
Not What I Had Hoped For
I agree with other comments. Screws were hard to turn, it staked higher than it should and I had one screw tip break off on my first and only use. Needs improvement.
Not the usual Brownell's Quality
Like some have said in the reviews above and below, this tool has flaws. First, I spent some time working on the tool to make the screws work smoothly. Sidenote, the screws are YFS-...yes, the same screws that you never want to see on your carrier in the first place. Second, the points of the screws are way too sharp, you'll have to spend some time shaping them. Third, the screws make contact way too high on the key- you will end up folding over or splitting the upper edge, rather than properly staking. Now it's just another waste of metal thrown in a drawer, unless I can somehow shape it up to be a guide for hand staking. Save your money and do it by hand or get a Moacks.
not worth the money
tool continually breaks tips, and doesn't leave the sort of proper staking I think is proper when compared to other professional staking. I'm not pleased with it as it goes through a set of screw tips almost every time I use it
Not the best of it's type.
My agency has this tool. I am a COLT LE armorer with extensive .mil and .le experience with the platform, as well as extensive personal experience and ownership. After staking four gas keys, my issues with this tool are: 1. Stakes too high on gas key. This results in very sharp edges and a questionable amount of material impinging on the screws. The staking bolts' points actually are forced higher when turning them into the gas key. 2. Staking mechanism (sharpened, hardened allen bolts) are too sharp and actually cut the metal, versus deforming it. Again, sharp edges and too little material left to impinge on screws. Further, it really destroys the finish, leaving bare metal. 3. The tool's alignment is off a bit, resulting in very slightly off-centered (versus gas key screw axis) stakes. If you expect MilSpec-like results, IMO this is not the answer. The stakes will look amateurish and butchered, versus what is seen on a Colt factory-staked gas key. It is likely serviceable with regards to doing the job, however, and probably better (and faster) than a hammer and punch for most folks. But for serious use, look elsewhere, such as the MOAKS tools from Ned Christiansen. I have no affiliation and don't own his product at this time, but I have used it in the past with success. We chose the Brownells unit because it was easily to purchase with our existing account, but I can't recommend it to others at this time. Note, images show a BCG that was staked 15 minutes ago. Bare metal highlights on edges are from stoning to reduce the sharp burrs from the Brownells tool, which was necessary even after light peening with a small hammer.
