AR-15 Upper Build Tools

[WeR0206]

I just created a youtube video covering this…



Can you guys think of anything to add/remove?

AR-15 upper build tools:

• For torquing barrel nuts and muzzle devices:
  • Midwest Industries Upper Receiver Rod (# MIURR) ($80) or Magpul Bev Block (# MAG536) ($30) (good for uppers too tight for MIURR)
• For general upper use (installing barrels into thermofit uppers, fwd assist, etc.):
  • Wheeler Upper Vice Block (# 156888) ($32)
• For general lower & upper use (installing gas tube roll pin, securing the lower, etc.):
  • Midwest Industries Lower Receiver Block (# MILRB) ($25)
• Barrel Nut Wrench:
  • For barrel nuts that use a castle nut pattern use Armorer’s wrench
  • For barrel nuts that use a proprietary pattern your handguard should come with a wrench
• Roll pin punches:
  • Grace USA 7 Piece Steel Roll Spring Punch Set (# GRRS7) ($25)
  • Grace USA 5 Piece Roll Spring (Pin) Holder Set (# JYGRRSH5) ($34)
• Hammers:
  • Lightweight Dual Tip Hammer ($5) or Real Avid Accu-Punch Hammer and Punches Kit (# AVHPS) ($30)
• Armorer’s wrench:
  • Magpul Armorer’s Wrench (# MAG535) ($55) or Midwest Industries MI-ARAW Armorers Wrench (# MIARAW) ($55)
• Torque Wrench:
  • EP Auto ½” Drive Click Torque Wrench ($33)
• Misc:
  • Wheeler Fat Wrench In-lb Torque Wrench (# 553556) ($55) (for torquing screws for handguards, gas blocks, etc.)
  • Sinclair AR-15 Bolt Vice (for removing ejector from bolt) (# 14950) ($25)
• Optional (for installing/removing barrels in thermofit uppers, heat upper threads on high for ~30-60 secs):
  • 1”x12” Wooden Dial Rod ($10)
  • 16oz Rubber Mallet ($12)
  • Warrior 1500 W Heatgun ($20 at Harbor Freight)
  • Brownells Upper Receiver Lapping Tool ($30)
  • Loctite 620 (for bedding barrels ($18)
• Total cost: $251 (least expensive options and no optional tools) or $475 (most expensive options and all optional tools)

Other Instructional videos:

• SOTAR Upper Receiver Tools & Techniques:
  

Threadlockers and grease:

• Aeroshell 64 (for preventing different metals from galvanizing together, used on castle nut threads, barrel nut threads, etc.)
• For gas block screws:
  • Loctite 246 (high temp/oil resistant) or Rocksett
• For muzzle devices/suppressor mounts:
  • Rocksett
• For grip screws, scope bases, etc.:
  • Vibratite VC-3

 

[msgriff]

Good list. I would add a lapping tool to square up the face of the upper where the barrel extension flange interfaces. Some gunsmiths square that up on a lathe.

 

[WeR0206]

Good list. I would add a lapping tool to square up the face of the upper where the barrel extension flange interfaces. Some gunsmiths square that up on a lathe.

Thanks! Good call, I just added it to the list along with loctite 620 (for bedding barrels)

 

[Jadazu]

Also, a long offset pin punch for the bolt stop roll pin, and a long starter pin punch for the same.

ETA, noticed "upper tools". Never mind...

 

[WeR0206]

Also, a long offset pin punch for the bolt stop roll pin, and a long starter pin punch for the same.

And a take-down-pin retainer/detent pin assembly tool...

Re: detent pin tool I'm probably going to do a separate thread on lower build tools and I'll definitely include that, thanks!

 

[Tictacticaltimmy]

Nice video, I was not aware of the bolt holder tool.