Never Before Seen 84mm AT4 Spent Casing Removal

Published on September 5, 2025
Duration: 7:54

This video details an attempt to remove a spent casing from an 84mm AT4 launcher. The process involved using a hydraulic press, with initial attempts using wood for support to prevent damage. The speakers discuss the challenges of a press-fit design and the potential failure points of the fiberglass tube versus the aluminum case.

Quick Summary

Removing an 84mm AT4 spent casing is a complex gunsmithing challenge due to its press-fit design. Attempts involved a hydraulic press, with one instance seeing the press rod bend under extreme force. The fiberglass tube is a critical failure point. A second AT4 casing was eventually removed with around 500 lbs of pressure.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Casing Removal Challenge
  2. 00:17Previous Cutaway Launcher Methods
  3. 00:33Initial Pressing Attempt with Wood Support
  4. 01:11Observation of Casing Movement
  5. 01:53Direct Steel Pressing Setup
  6. 02:08Assessing Damage from Drilling
  7. 02:43Identifying Screw Hole and Anodizing Removal
  8. 02:54Discussion of Press Fit Design Elements
  9. 03:30Effect of Propellant Gases on Casing
  10. 03:47Second Pressing Attempt Setup
  11. 04:57Pressure Gauge Readings
  12. 05:16Press Rod Bending Under Pressure
  13. 05:32Casing Remains Lodged
  14. 06:30Taper Measurement of the Case
  15. 07:04Second Launcher Tube Attempt
  16. 07:20Successful Casing Removal
  17. 07:37Pressure Comparison: Successful vs. Unsuccessful

Frequently Asked Questions

What challenges are involved in removing a spent casing from an 84mm AT4 launcher?

Removing an 84mm AT4 spent casing is difficult because it's press-fit with no standard extraction method. Previous attempts involved cutting the launcher. The casing can become lodged due to propellant gases and the tapered aluminum design, making removal require significant force that risks damaging the fiberglass tube.

How was a hydraulic press used in the AT4 casing removal attempt?

A hydraulic press was employed to exert considerable force on the AT4 casing. Initial attempts used wood for support, but later efforts pressed directly on the steel. In one instance, the press rod bent significantly before the casing moved, indicating extreme resistance.

What are the potential failure points when trying to force an AT4 casing out?

The primary failure points are the fiberglass tube of the launcher, which can splinter or shatter under excessive pressure, and the tooling used, such as the hydraulic press rod which can bend. The aluminum casing itself might also bulge if the puck slides inside it.

Was the AT4 casing successfully removed in the video?

Yes, after significant effort and tool strain on the first launcher tube, a second AT4 launcher tube had its spent casing removed. This successful removal required approximately 500 lbs of pressure, a stark contrast to the much higher, unmeasured force that bent the press rod on the first attempt.

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