Help with Muzzle Break installation

[Gringo Bandito]

I am hoping to get some help with the installation of the YHM "meat grinder" pictured below.

I have quickly come to the conclusion that I need a vise/clamp of some type to get it turned far enough that the gas ports are lined up the way that they are supposed to be.

I am willing to trade some ammo for some expert help at this point.

[psssniper]

Did you use a peel or crush washer?

[bu-bye]

You need either a peel washer or a crush washer to get the break indexed right. don't try it without one.

[Gringo Bandito]

I am using the crush washer that came with the MB but I cannot get enough torque on it to get the washer to actually flatten out. It sounds like there is another washer type that is like a lock washer? Anyone have one to spare? The ammo offer still stands.

Thanks for the help.

[DV8]

I use these barrel vise jaws:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=608967

and this barrel wrench:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=271183

Place barrel in jaws, place jaws in vise. Place crush washer on, then thread brake onto barrel. I'm not sure of the torque values but you dont want too much as you might damage the barrel crown. Normally I hand tighten the brake, then use the wrench to get the indexing right, crushing the washer in the process (hence the name). It usually doesnt take too much to index properly.

I know some people wrap the front sight base in leather or some other non marring material then clamp it in the vise. I've also seen channel lock pliers with the jaws wrapped used. Not my preferred method.

[Fjold]

I just installed the exact same brake last week. Mine went about 1/4 turn past the right position at finger tight so I had to crank it 3/4 of a turn to get it lined up. Here's what I did:

I took two 4" sections of hardwood 2"x2" and clamped them in my bench vice.

I then drilled a 1/2" hole through the seam where the blocks met to form a channel in each half.

I then put both halves around my barrel and clamped it tightly in my bench vice again.

I installed the crush washer and then the brake hand tight.

I then took an 18" crescent wrench (with electrical tape on the jaws) and tightened the brake until it lined up correctly.

It took a little effort but any wrench that fits the flats on the brake with a cheater bar on it should work.

[Gringo Bandito]

Thanks for the help everyone. I will give this another shot.

[Dont Tread on Me]

Great thread! I have the same task waiting for me.

Any need for locktite?

[leelaw]

Great thread! I have the same task waiting for me.

Any need for locktite?

Not with the crush washer installed.

[Gringo Bandito]

Great thread! I have the same task waiting for me.

Any need for locktite?

When I pulled the FH off last night I did not see any on there. I am assuming that the design of the crush washer eliminates the need for it but my totally unscientific methods for making that determination have been wrong before.

[DV8]

When I pulled the FH off last night I did not see any on there. I am assuming that the design of the crush washer eliminates the need for it but my totally unscientific methods for making that determination have been wrong before.

Your assumption is correct. Loctite is not needed.

[Blue]

I lent my tools out but I'm in San Jose and have the vise blocks and wrench if you still need them.

[Gringo Bandito]

I lent my tools out but I'm in San Jose and have the vise blocks and wrench if you still need them.

I have 100 rounds of 5.56 with your name on it if that is a serious offer. Call it a rental fee.

[Blue]

I have 100 rounds of 5.56 with your name on it if that is a serious offer. Call it a rental fee.

It's a serious offer, no payment needed I lent them out to another member here who lives down the street, but I can get them back quick if needed.

[fairfaxjim]

Whoa!

When I pulled the FH off last night I did not see any on there. I am assuming that the design of the crush washer eliminates the need for it but my totally unscientific methods for making that determination have been wrong before.

You are using a NEW crush washer, right? Those are a one time use item. Don't try to reuse the one you took off when you pulled the FH.