Description
CN5F (Castle Nut, A5, Forward Controls)
Other than its length, CN5F shares common features with its smaller brother, CNF.
The TDP spec castle nut is a simple and robust fastener that is almost perfect for the job it’s tasked to perform. Over the years, we’ve consistently come up with two minor gripes, first is its staking notches seem rather shallow and short, second is we don’t enjoy using the castle nut’s wrench notches as serrations (our fingers invariably find their way to these sharp cutouts) to rotate it towards to the end plate while installing it.CN5F (Castle Nut, Forward Controls) is based on the TDP spec castle nut, with couple of changes:
1. 0.1″ longer.
2. Staking notches angle changed from 45 to 30 degrees, this results in longer (25% longer than TDP spec) and deeper notches than found on TDP castle nuts.
3. Number of staking notches increased from 3 to 4, spaced equally on the CNF. The castle nut is to be staked in two places, we’re not advocating staking in more than two places, CNF’s 4 staking notches mean that, at all times, 3 will be visible and available for staking, it simply gives the user more staking location options.
4. Coarse serrations on the wrench side of the nut, a single use feature to make it easier while rotating the CNF towards the end plate.
It is our opinion that a castle nut should be staked per TM, CNF’s and CN5F’s longer and deeper notch reinforces the belief, that once installed and staked, it will not loosen without the user’s deliberate action. We like the idea of quick detach, but some things on an AR are meant to stay put, and considerable effort was made to ensure that by the original designers. CNF and CN5F are a continuation and evolution in that direction.
CN5F is billet machined in 4140 PH steel, and black nitrided (Cerakoted FDE, OD green, and burnt bronze also available). As with everything Forward Controls Design produces, it is proudly made in the USA.
Taylor Epp –
Great castle nut
A.Spelly (verified owner) –
Ordered one in FDE and it was in the mail same day. The fitment to my FCD A5 tube is tight like a tiger.