Stubborn AR-15 Barrel Nut

[rjsone]

I tried to help a friend remove the barrel nut from his PSA upper. I removed one from nearly an identical kit a week ago with no problem. It will not budge! I had it in a decent vise secured to a solid workbench. We tried the Wheeler Vise Block Clamp and the Brownells barrel extension torque tool. He soaked it in penetrating oil for a couple hours. I tried a heat gun for a while. We smacked the wrench with a dead blow hammer a few times. I put all my weight into the wrench...no go. I don't love that I had to use an adjustable wrench, but the grip seemed decent enough; it didn't slip or start to round off at all.

Supposedly, a PSA rep said they do not use any type of thread locker on the barrel nuts.

Any other ideas? He's considering a gunsmith or just buying a new upper entirely.

Thanks!

 

[Hop]

A buddy of mine twisted his upper trying to get a stuck factory barrel nut loose. He didn't wait for me to bring over the correct tools. Sounds like you have the right tools though. Time to get a bit more aggressive.

There's a few more things you can try:
spray on some Kroil. It beats most other penetrating oils imo
smack the nut with a metal hammer perpendicular to the threads then try the barrel nut wrench again
freezing the upper then use a torch on the nut. You might need a MAP torch instead of propane
instead of a dead blow, smack the barrel nut wrench with a metal hammer
I have a 1/2" drive square hole in one of my wrenches. If i were desperate, as a last resort, I'd try an air impact.

 

[BiscuitsandGravy]

Heat is your friend. MAP or Oxy/Acet but be gentle and only on the steel bbl nut. Like HOP said, you may have to 'smack' the wrench with a hammer. YMMV. Just my . Good luck. I've twisted off those bbl nut 'ears' before then used heat.