Quick Tech Tip - Springfield Armory PDW Hate Brake Removal
The Springfield Armory branded Hate Break that comes on the PDW SAINT features a square cut out on the face. You can insert a 3/8” Socket Extension in the square and twist the brake off. As with any muzzle device sometimes they can torqued down and may be hard to remove.
The most professional way to remove any stuck muzzle device, is to use Barrel rod. The Spline style rod inserts into the Barrel extension. Holding the barrel inline means that if you have a stuck muzzle device or barrel nut all of the torque is not transferred into the weaker aluminum upper receiver. Of course you will need a decent sized bench vice that is properly attached to a sturdy surface.
Clamp the barrel rod in the vice and tighten everything down. Slide the upper on the Barrel rod making sure the splines are in the barrel extension. Next use the smallest length 3/8” extension you have a available. Shorter length extensions will have less flex than a longer version allowing for full transfer of force. Before using a propane torch, give it a dry run to see how tight the device is. Nine out of ten times you will find that the muzzle break will remove easily. Proper torque specs of a Mil Spec muzzle break is only 15 - 20 ft pounds so its not exactly like it takes much force to remove them.
Lets say you get the Muzzle device from hell, well then it may be time to pull out the big guns. If your ratchet or breaker bar would not break the bond, using a propane torch may be your best bet. All you have to do is apply heat to the muzzle device trying to avoid the barrel. You are not looking to get the device cherry red hot, we are not soldering anything. All we are trying to do is get the muzzle break hot enough to slightly expand the metal against the relatively cool barrel. Once the device is too hot to touch turn off your torch and quickly use your wrench to remove the device. Oh yea with an AR15 remember righty tight lefty loosey!
Tools you will need
Barrel Rod/Reaction Rod/Upper Receiver Rod/Spline Rod
Vice
3/8 Socket Extension
3/8 Ratchet or Breaker Bar
Propane Torch
