JCW (Joint Castle nut Wrench) is a dedicated, heavy duty twin
castle nut wrench, precision CNC machined from 4140 steel, heat treated
and black oxided, it's something we've always wanted and needed.
Like
many AR users, we used either a heavy and unwieldy armoror's wrench, or
a cheap stamped sheet metal castle nut wench that couldn't be used with
a torque wrench, both work, but neither is great. One is overkill, the
other is barely adequate.
The handy JCW
combines two castle nut wrenches in one. On one end, it has a
conventional 3 lug castle nut wrench, spanning 180 degrees. On the
other end, it has a unique two lugs wrench, spaced only 90 degrees
apart. JCW measures 3.5"x 1.84" (at its widest), but is surprising
heavy at
3.14oz, due to its 4140 steel construction. JCW was designed from the
start to be used with a torque wrench.
On some
end plates with QD swivel sockets, the sockets housing masks a good
portion of the castle nut's circumference, and there are occasions where
not all 3 wrench notches are accessible. Our own ESF (End plate, Sling
adapter, Forward Controls) covers up 1/4 of the castle nut's
circumference (ESF's QD swivel housing acts as a backdrop to ensure it
won't bend under unforeseen pulling force) JCW's 2 lug wrench is
designed specifically for this task.
JCW has a
center socket for use with a torque wrench. TM calls for 38 to 42 ft/Lb
of torque to be applied to the castle nut prior to staking in two
places, this torque value is conveniently engraved on the JCW as well.
JCW is proudly designed and made in the US, it is a collaboration between Forward Controls Design and Arson Machine Co, OR.