The castellated nut– also called a castle nut or slotted nut– gets its name from its resemblance to the top of a medieval castle tower or keep due the notches cut into the ring. The larger set of notches allow a castle nut wrench to grip the ring and torque it down.
The smaller set of notches are there specifically to provide a location for the end user/builder to stake the castle nut– creating a dimpled wedge in the metal– to prevent it from accidentally loosening due to the vibration of the AR when firing, or through repeated handling over time– so why not use them, right?
Most would agree as many factory builds come standard with very deeply staked castle nuts, often in two or more places.
But should you stake your own nuts?
More in my column at Tac.44.com.
