Definition: Staking is the physical displacement of material into a fastener (screw head, bolt head, ect) in order to prevent backing out or rotation of the fastener resulting in loosening.

The AR15 has two components where staking is beneficial:

- The Bolt Carrier Gas Key
- Carbine Receiver Extension Castle Nut


The Bolt Carrier Gas Key

Below is a cross-sectional view of the Bolt Carrier Gas Key before installation and staking of the Gas Key screw.




Below is a cross-sectional view of the Bolt Carrier Gas Key after installation and staking of the Gas Key screw. Make note of the Carrier Gas Key material displaced against each side of the Gas Key screw head. Serrations in the head of the screw also help grab and hold the Carrier Gas Key material displaced against it.





Bolt Carrier Gas Key after staking.






Carbine Receiver Extension Castle Nut Staking

Below is an example of the Carbine Receiver Extension Castle Nut after staking. In the process of staking the Carbine Receiver Extension Castle Nut, Receiver End Plate material is displaced into the Castle Nut. This prevents rotation of the Castle Nut which would result in a loose Receiver Extension and Stock.