Removing Daniel Defense M4a1 Pinned and welded Bird Cage

[@LE-6920]

Pin was hardened? Why not just drill it out?

[@KowalskiCLICK]

К.В. П. Honestly because I did not have a drill press and I was worried on how far down I could go without hitting my threads.

[@LE-6920]

Drill press is not needed. Just a power hand drill will be far enough. Maximum pin length not more 8mm, I think. Diameter is not more than 3mm. Accurately and carefully operating by a hand drill with 2mm drill bit, you drill out this pin to a depth of 4 - 5mm, then just break the remainder with armorers wrench and unscrew the muzzle device.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Thats great information thank you If i had that info I would have tried that for sure. At one time I attempted to drill but broke the bit right away lol live and learn. Thanks for your information and reply very helpful.

[@LE-6920]

One else moment. I don't think such pins are hardened. So, it's may to drill pin out, at least, 3mm depth, hammering a screwdriver in this opening and try to pull pin out. Or you'll can use a special extractor for unscrewing broken bolts.

[@BusterdBodycrab]

Common material for pinning is Drill Rod, made of the same thing your standard drill bits. So, unless you're using a Cobalt drill bit. You'll ruin a lot of bits trying to drill it out with standard high speed drill bits.

[@seang1032]

Thanks for the video. It may be 5 years ago but it's helping me now. Who knew you'd still be helping people in the future?

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Happy it helped you 5 years later!!!!!!! How cool is that right!

[@turn-n-burn1421]

That BEV block might be much less expensive, but the Reaction Rod by Geissele really holds an upper with the barrel very well.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Fantastic i don’t think this was our way back then. I definitely like the Reaction Rod much better and will be ordering. Thanks for the heads up on that!

[@fail_fast]

You are correct about the 90 deg. It's done so that you get the proper reading. If your torque wrench is in-line with your armorers wrench then you've increased the leverage and you'll apply a higher torque than your wrench is reading. This is a simple statics problem, I solved problems like this all day in mechanical engineering undergrad.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Thanks for clarifying!

[@KaneGregory]

I hate that these companies don’t pin and weld a muzzle break or flash hider that works with a suppressor!🤯🔫✊🏿

[@snap1entertainment]

Psa is

[@damonspinelli1352]

My ddm4a1 came with a keymo flash pin/weld.

[@defensiveandprotectivesolu7525]

Exactly what I wanted to see when I started looking. Thanks for taking one for the team and posting this video. great job

[@wes11bravo]

Appreciate this. The first rifle I ever built is an AWB AR15A2 that came with the pool cue barrel. I had Wilson Combat install their set screw & welded compensator because it at least looked a little more like a birdcage. All I want is for my rifle to look and function like a standard A2 so I'll be removing the WC compensator using your hints, installing a correct A2 birdcage, and replacing the BB gas block/sight for one with a bayonet lug. It's a great rifle, more accurate than anything I was ever issued.

[@REDACTED-1]

Nice. I was worried there for a minute. Using that magnet was really smart. Nicely done.

[@m118lr]

Great job man. I’ve seriously thought about doing the same, and I’ve ALSO never ‘seen’ it done. Kudos!

[@ORam...]

This is pretty much what I was looking for. But I would recommend turning the muzzle device back and forth as you unscrew it to better the chances of preserving the threads.

[@MADMAX839]

Well. Thank you for doing it for the rest of us.

[@CancelLuis]

Dude!!! I want this exact 14.5 rifle with THIS EXACT MUZZLE Device, more like the NOX muzzle device from SOLGW but it fits dead air suppressors. I’m so glad it can be done!! Thanks

[@HypocriticYT]

much easier if you removed the handguard and put the barrel in a vise so it doesn't wobble around giving you better control. Peel washer and correct torque is all you need.

[@AFreeThinkingDawg09]

About to do the exact same thing to my DDM4A1 SOCOM. Except it’s for a SF muzzle device and can

[@johnm1123581321]

Excellent...Excellent video. I am somewhat new to AR-15's. My AR has a pinned and welded flash hider on it. I have spent the last two hours or so trying to find any and all information on how to remove it safely without damaging the threads on my barrel. Your video was by far the best. I feel more confident now. I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't still nervous. I'm waiting on my approval for the paperwork I sent in for the tax stamp to get back. So in the meantime I'm trying to get prepared for the task ahead. I already got the .223 subsonic ammo and the suppressor is paid for. Now it's just a hurry up and wait situation now. Thanks again for the video.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

john molnar Im happy to hear this video will help good luck take your time and you will do just fine!

[@seang1032]

@KowalskiCLICK over the past 3 years, how is the subsonic .223 hunt going?

[@kevinbrady75]

that pin is no joke!! lolll i feel the pain in this video bc i too have the same rifle & wanted a new brake on mine but i was lucky to have a good gunsmith in my town best 200$ i ever spent to get that pin removed & have a upgraded lantac dragoon muzzle brake pinned and welded back on

[@The_PaleHorseman]

What state are you in, may need the same gun smith lol

[@muddyhotdog4103]

For $200 you got over charged

[@this-is-not-a-channel-]

You are correct about that 90-degree orientation of the torque wrench with regard to the armorer's wrench is the proper way as to not screw your torque wrench's internals and calibration

[@fail_fast]

it has nothing to do with the internals of the torque wrench. You're torque wrench doesn't know if its applying a 90ft-lbs on a screw head or on a lever arm. It has to do with the accuracy of the reading. if you're parallel to the wrench then you're increasing the leverage and applying a greater torque than your wrench is reading.

[@robertthetexan8537]

I would have never thought of using one of my magnets. But I also think part of the problem is that your barrel isn't secure enough in your reaction rod or whatever you're using. I'd removed the rail if I could and block my barrel in my vise. At least that's my armchair QB opinion. lol However, I commend you on your use of safety glasses. :)

[@mrcbrrr7484]

I no others have said it but thanks for this video man.. as I was typing I said to myself there definitely isn’t a video for this for this specific rifle but here you did it .. awesome, thanks again

[@scottshallow2862]

The shim kit that comes from Dead Air is pretty much useless unless you get really lucky. Buy the Gemtech shim kit. It makes timing them very easy.

[@joevangorder1006]

Thank you for this video!!! It's exactly how I pictured myself butchering mine off but was really nervous to hit the threads and open a whole nother can of worms but you gave me the confidence to go for it and it worked out perfect like yours. Only thing I did different was I just kept grinding the pin down as far as I was comfortable, then went a little further, every so often shocking the brake and wiggling back and forth and the remainder of the pin just shot across the room without having to pull it out with the magnet but she spun right off with absolutley no damage to the threads! Thanks again for taking the time to record everything and the measurements for a rough idea what was safe to grind away! 👊

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Happy it was helpful to you :) thanks for sharing!

[@keithbyers4]

Thanks I'm trying to work up the courage

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Go for it! There are some great comments and suggestions in the thread check it out!

[@joshuathomas6275]

Same here, trying to convince myself to do it

[@aaronbaker9843]

Thanks for the measurements, I'm in the middle of this and got freaked out I went too far down trying to remove mine

[@chiquitosusa]

In my humble opinion i will use a drill bit and drilled from the beginning!

[@HalfYankee]

Thanks for doing this vid this is my upcoming weekend project

[@jasonlopez4855]

I've drilled it and use a quick out or easy out what's good for me.

[@frgsparky67]

A lot of trouble just for an inch? Glad it worked out.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

No kidding but I learned a lot for my first time :)

[@seanrodriguez3413]

Sweet. Didn't know it was possible

[@biguy525]

Probably it would have helped if you put a little heat on the area all around the pin and then put a couple drops of light oil.

[@jasonlopez4855]

Can I get one of those vice clamps for the LR-RIFLE that's what I need.

[@maxfortune4466]

The magnet did the trick - thank you!

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Fantastic!!!

[@TraJikyy]

What if you went thru all that and all you had to do after you filed it down was to flip the rifle around and the pin would just fall out ....

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Ya I bet it would have....

[@FirearmsofAmerica]

Thank you Sir, extremely helpful!

[@richardturk7162]

I have had 2 DD rifles and both were not worth the money I paid for them. To remove the pin I have ground the same area flat center punched the pin and drilled it out with no barrel damage. Part of your problem is lack of support for the barrel.

[@lolyourmad2181]

ATF is jacking it right now watching this

[@Whiskey.Tango.Actual]

Wild to pin and weld with a crush washer.

[@bobcat5844]

i used rockset on my muzzle device and was able to remove cause i didn't go crazy when applying the rockset . it still sucked getting it off though lol

[@armandopicazo4599]

Brother, thanks for taking one for the team. How's the M4 holding up now a days?

[@KowalskiCLICK]

I have since sold it and now have a DDMK18 10.3” Truthfully wish I had kept it :(

[@danielhaley89]

Man this was extremely helpful. I also have a DDM4, but wanting to re-pin/weld it. Same muzzle device and suppressor.

[@szeli33]

what is that suppresor and muzzle ?

[@danielhaley89]

Nox dead air sandman. Tho I prefer the surefire socom mounts now. 4yrs after that comment haha

[@michamichaowski8375]

I have ordered a 14,5 inch DD rifle and the pin will be removed by autorized dealer gunsmith in my country. They said it will be made perfect, and that they remove it on every rifle that ships in. We shall se how it will look. Probably they have instructions from DD about exact dimensions, and they know how to drill it, how deep and what dril bit size.

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Great Video! And there are not a lot like it. Question....why wouldn’t you run the grinder parallel to the barrel and pry it open?

[@guillermonarvaez7542]

The new muzzle device came pre-drilled for a pin. Would it be feasible to drill it larger and tap the hole and use a set screw? I was just wondering.

[@EpIc_NaChO]

I need to do this. Great vid man

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Thank you

[@rybaneightsix5085]

I wonder, is it possible to break a weld with enough motivation and well-placed strikes and a punch and avoid grinding?

[@frogmangeorge7735]

What a headache but you did it what brand is your vise

[@jglaze6822]

this is an Irwin Tools vice

[@charlesreeves3426]

If your wrench was set at 30 pounds, you put a lot more than 35 pounds of torque on the muzzle device.

[@StonewallMarshall]

Thank you - great video

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Happy it helped :)

[@ryansnow2116]

Great footage

[@brandonkowalski8106]

Thanks Its hard to show the detail and I talked to much lol.

[@KaneGregory]

Why gun companies want run 13.9’s or 14.5’s with at least a flash hider or muzzle brake that can take suppressor so I was was overjoyed when I saw ADM selling the 13.9 with a Surefire Warcomp or a SOLGW Nox choices amazing!!!🤯🔫👍🏼

[@The_PaleHorseman]

What type of Flash hider is that? and How much for the hider and suppressor price wise, ball park range.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

It’s a dead air flash hider I think it was $90 the suppressor is a sandman S it was like $1100 remember you still have the $200 tax stamp and tax so total is like $1500 ball park?

[@buddha65281]

Hello, awesome video. I am a newbie to all this as I just purchased my 1st 5.56 by bushmaster. my question is, my flash suppressor is not pinned, how can a normal citizen obtain a suppressor or are WE NOT ALLOWED to own anything like that? Don't bash me folks.. I have lots of other rifles and pistols just me first 5.56 and there are so many mods.. i would love to have a suppressor.. thanks again, awesome video for those of us that are not privy to this..

[@djm9007]

buddha65281 you need a tax stamp for it

[@XShadowAngel]

Depending on the state you live in, suppressors are completely legal. You will need to go through the NFA process, though. www.silencershop.com/how-to-buy-a-silencer

[@TheJSVids]

Great video!!! So thankful!

[@dogbutter99]

it's weird.. every video, ppl are trying to remove it with a grinder. why not drill it out?

[@davy1458]

I commend the ammount of courage it took you to grab a grinder and just start butchering the muzzle device ofa 2200 dollar rifle.

[@RaspingPompano2]

Funny thing I was cheering you on lol..

[@szeli33]

what is that suppresor and muzzle ?

[@mc-sillix961]

If you get that poin out it feels like a cave man made fire.

[@oopsydaisy07]

Oh my God!!! this is extremely hard to watch but it's so ridiculously funny I can't stop watching it.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Oopsydaisy07 ᅳᄃ glade I could add humor to your day!

[@gcart7675]

whats so funny about it?

[@Paratus1179]

Do they make any suppressors compatible with the extended Daniel defense flash hider?

[@tylertapp131]

Good stuff. I have a pinned solgw that's timed wrong for me.... I wonder if they do it like this or close to this .... I really wanna try but man it scares the shit out of me lol

[@KowalskiCLICK]

I’m sure it’s pretty close I have done different brands over the years now and all of them have been the same. It has been recommended many times that you use a drill press and drill it out if you do This method you will see th pin pop loose or you go slow enough. Good luck

[@tylertapp131]

@@KowalskiCLICK thanks man, tryin it now.... dont have a drill press so I'm goin slow and steady...

[@chrisspears7899]

What's the thread on that 1/2 28?

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Yes 1/2 28

[@TommygunNG]

So, does this nullify any chance that a pin-and-weld can allow a rifle with threaded or notched barrel to survive the coming AW bans?

[@frankcoleman9005]

I'll eventually have to do this. Mill a flat where the pin is (or file flat for the poors out there) Put the magnet on it, THEN wiggle it with the wrench.

[@CIAG4PNP]

And the ATF really makes life better for law bidding Citizens , life sure is easier with our lovable ATF. 😂 A Berrel block is a really useful tool to have in your Gunsmith tool bag !

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Devil Dog yes sir I do need to add one to the kit !

[@shaneb657]

Does anyone have recommendations for someone who isnt going to sbr it? My yankee hill is still in prison atm. Is my only option sending it to a smith to pop the pin and put whatever muzzle device that works from yankee?

[@jerrycanne6981]

Thanks for the vid. Exactly what I needed to see. Wondered if I was going to have to buy a new barrel to ditch the welded cage. Nice SBR and suppressor.

[@mrsmel269]

great video !!!!

[@azoneoutlaws]

So are you gonna have it re pin and welded?

[@tylerehrig6722]

You like the M4A1 upper?? I literly cant decide on buying that or building the same upper with a giessele mk8 rail mlok instead

[@brandonkowalski8106]

It has been one of my favorites and very very accurate I would buy it again hands down.

[@rudals1281]

Get both!

[@jawknee2]

Do people normally use thread locker on their muzzle devices? I was always told to use aeroshell or anti-seize.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Jaw Knee no that is not to common of a practice thread locket breaks down under high heat i do it because I have always done it not to say it’s the best option. Rockset is much better if you don’t want it coming off. Anti-seize is good if you plan on taking it on and off changing the muzzle device. I’m no gunsmith so please take this as my opinion only.

[@HiVoltish]

@@KowalskiCLICK Yes, Rockset is the way to go. Just a dab though. When you remove it apply a little heat and strike the end of muzzle device, with non marring hammer, to break loose.

[@Isaacsbased]

Thank you dude

[@courtney9731]

good video man

[@fatfriendcustoms7612]

Why spend $200 to sbr a 14.5 instead of just welding the new one on for next to nothing?

[@nickquik]

Starts at 2:05

[@Viziry]

nickquik u got a DD rifle??

[@chanovelasquez3937]

Good video well done

[@Retro-Moon25]

Could I pin and weld a silencerco saker on my gun or no?

[@KowalskiCLICK]

I would think so as long as you had the correct muzzle device. To be 100% sure I would contact a local gun smith.

[@Retro-Moon25]

KowalskiCLICK ok thanks

[@JB-kf3yb]

Good job man. Perfect video and exactly what i was looking for.

[@betlogenako7193]

Damn i got scared for a minute lol i thought you not gonna have it remove…gunsmith charging me $90 unpin and pin my brake should i pay for it?

[@follerigedon421]

nice info

[@robertrivasarroyo1174]

A drill press would have been a tool you needed when removing the flash hider / muzzle device. Not a Dremel tool with a cut off wheel.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Robert Rivas Arroyo I know that now but like I said I’m the big fining I used what I had in the garage and the video was meant to just show a process to help others out. Wish I had a press lol

[@Mike-xi4zt]

You cannot drill drill rod with a high speed drill bit. Doesn't work. A grinding point or wheel can grind it you can't drill drill rod

[@robertrivasarroyo1174]

@@Mike-xi4zt you can change the speed on the drill press, and use a cobalt drill bit. I've done this before and it works, just need to remove a little bit of the weld on top of the pin to remove the pin. You can achieve this start small then move up to a bigger size. You'll even be able to save the flash hider to reuse. It will be a very clean removal.

[@gunnutbikenut6939]

Heck take a very small nut and a mug welder tac the pin pair of vice grips wiggle it out

[@derekcomingo2197]

why not just buy 16in barrel?

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Derek Comingo Only because I already owned the 14 1/2 inch barrel and wanted to attach my suppressor to it so instead of rebarreling it was easier to just drill the pin out and put a new break on so that my suppressor could be mounted I already had the tax stamp so. I also wanted to see if I could do it. Thanks for your question

[@whiskeytangofoxtrot9942]

If I’m not a US citizen but I’m planing to order a 14.5” AR from US through my local dealer, can I request manufacturer to not pin weld a muzzle device?

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot I’m sorry I have no idea that is a legal question maybe contact ATF or Daniel Defense I’m in no way qualified to answer your question sorry.

[@jonshoemaker2520]

Drill small hole in end of pin use small easy out to remove after weld is grinded off should take 15 minutes

[@drewchorlton342]

@14:00 pin taken out

[@MADMAX839]

Yes. You should have known.😭

[@travisbennett4091]

Use a torch

[@MADMAX839]

No. No I can not “see that.” Wish I could.

[@kurtailerson7266]

Too easy, used a Dremel on a BCM and it worked perfectly.

[@esquiredalegunn]

Like brain surgery....

[@ryanhenry3965]

I wish you would have shot it suppressed

[@AnkhEmFentu]

You are clearly no Armorer. You should have started by drilling on the pin then turning. Five minute job!

[@NorthwestMariner]

He was being cautious because he didn't know how far down the threads were. He said that. Chill.

[@KowalskiCLICK]

In the first few seconds of the video I stared I had no idea what I was doing and I was attempting something I knew nothing about so ya I’m not.........

[@Mike-xi4zt]

If the pin is drill rod a standard high-speed drill bit is not going to drill through that.

[@LordDirus007]

"Bird Cage" is what Dumb privates in Basic training call a Flash Hider. Also couldn't you just use a small drill bit and drill the pin out without damaging the threads or Flash Hider?

[@lovelygrey]

You would have to know how deep the pin goes. Without that knowledge you could drill through the barrel..

[@morgandouglas5322]

PNEUMATIC OIL ISNT CUTTING OIL................ AND DUMMY GET BARREL OUT OF UPPER AND SUPPORT IT.................. GET A CARBIDE DRILL BIT........................

[@brandonkowalski8106]

Thanks for your comments you bring up great points and i appreciate the feedback..... I do the best I can with the available tools that I have on hand but for future projects now I have some new Ideas so thank you.

[@Mike-xi4zt]

How much is a carbide drill bit and how easy do they break? It's probably cheaper just to grind the old muzzle brake off. If the pin is drill Rod which is what most of these Jack offs use to pin with a standard or even a carbide bit is not going to drill very well through that if at all

[@bigjimward1]

Lmao…just needed to drill out the pin …wow one bit and 5 min

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Yep know that now Jim live and learn I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tsjackson75]

So painful to watch...beats on, and torques on a $2000+ gun...🙁

[@KowalskiCLICK]

Well no one made you watch it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tsjackson75]

@@KowalskiCLICK You made me watch it...I couldn't back out of it! 😂

[@trentsmith416]

You took off "a thing" and replaced it with..."another thing"...that does the same thing as the first thing. A great American story of progress.

[@justinbrehm9302]

trent smith not even close.. one is just a plain flash hider and the new one allows you to mount a suppressor... dumbass

[@gee2676]

trent smith not all flash and muzzle devices are created equal.

[@mapled3135]

trent smith you’re an idiot

[@muddyhotdog4103]

Apparently you don't know "a thing" about these flash hiders and why he's switching them. One will accept the suppressor he bought and registered , the other wont.

[@JewBronJames]

magnet was clutch