YHM locknut wrench

[392heminut]

Anybody here have the wrench for the Yankee Hill Machine AR15 free float tube locknut that they wouldn't mind loaning out? Just picked up a YHM Smooth FFT for my AR15 and that lockring looks like something I could really booger up quick without the right tool! :o  <lmao>

[Livnoutdoors6.8]

I used a rubber strap wrench from harbor freight and it worked perfectly. They come in a pair and I used the smaller of the two:

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-rubber-strap-wrench-set-94119.html

[392heminut]

Hey thanks for the tip brother! I'm going to Las Cruces next Friday and it just so happens Harbor Freight is on the way! <thumbsup>

[IM_JOHNNYV]

Just put one of those on my AR15. Used the HF&T strap wrench, then to lock it up tighter, used a piece of nylon rod ½" x 4" long and gave her a few quick taps.

Just my 2¢..........

[392heminut]

Thanks Johnny, sounds like a good idea. I've got a couple of square aluminum punches that Dawson Precision sends with their dovetail pistol sights that should work good for that.

[IM_JOHNNYV]

Thanks Johnny, sounds like a good idea. I've got a couple of square aluminum punches that Dawson Precision sends with their dovetail pistol sights that should work good for that.

I would shy away from Aluminum or brass - they will deform the material and leave unsightly marks. Stick with nylon or Phenolic....

[survivalshop]

This nut, a spanner wrench is used.

[IM_JOHNNYV]

And this nut, a strap wrench and nylon drift.....

[jeffreyC]

I wonder if using some plastic dip coat, like used on tool handles, on the spanner would prevent the scratches ?

[392heminut]

Well, I got it done! Got everything assembled and lined up and used one of the aluminum front sight drifts from Dawson. I used it on the bottom notch so if it marred the aluminum collar it wouldn't be so noticeable. I guess the drift is a softer aluminum than the lock ring, as it worked just fine and didn't leave any marks. I also put a couple of drops of the purple Locktite on the collar threads that YHM sent to use on the front endcap. I don't think the collar will go anywhere. Thanks for the responses guys! <thumbsup>

[survivalshop]

Loc tight was a good idea , I used it on mine & it has never moved.

Electrical tape on the spanner works to keep from scratching anything .

[98Z5V]

That lockring is the same one that Midwest Industries uses, and it's a very solid steel composition.  I use a drift and hammer on them, and none have been deformed in any way.  Sometimes they get the "black" taken off them, but that's what a Birchwood Casey Alumablack pen is for.

[392heminut]

You are 100% correct Tom. I found out that the ring was steel, not aluminum. I used an aluminum drift to tighten the ring and left no marks at all.