AR-15 Upper Build Tools

[WeR0206]

I just created some 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:
  • Marketty 4 in 1 Gunsmithing Hammer ($15) or Real Avid 4-in-1 Gunsmithing Hammer ($20)
• 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:
  • Forster Go (1.4636”) Headspace Gauge (# HG0223G) ($30)
  • Forster Field (1.4736”) Headspace Gauge (# HG556NATOMax) ($30)
  • Craftsman 20 Piece Allen Wrench Hex Key Set (# CMHT26028) ($22)
  • 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)
  • Wagner 1200W Heat Gun (# HT1000) ($24)
  • Brownells Upper Receiver Lapping Tool ($30) (for squaring receiver face)
  • Loctite 620 (for bedding barrels ($18)
  • Pin Gauge Set (# PGAGE-M1-190PCS) ($65) (for gauging gas port sizes, etc.)
• Total cost: $311 (least expensive options and no optional tools) or $561 (most expensive options and all optional tools)

Instructional videos:

• JP Rifles on how to install barrels in thermofit uppers:

• SOTAR Upper Receiver Tools & Techniques:

• SOTAR on when/where to use assembly grease/aeroshell:

Thread lockers 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.

 

[WeR0206]

Some stuff I added to the OP list:

 

[fedupflyer]

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

I recently used the Real Avid detent pin tool and found it better that the Wheeler tool.
Takes a minute to figure it out but works better.

 

[WeR0206]

I recently used the Real Avid detent pin tool and found it better that the Wheeler tool.
Takes a minute to figure it out but works better.

Oh nice, I have the same thing on my lower build tools list (I will start a lower build tools list thread soon). In the past I've just used a combo of random tools that sorta work but not quite as quick or convenient as the detent pin tools.

• For installing pivot pins:
  Real Avid Pivot Pin Tool ($14)

 

[WeR0206]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, I created a second video to go over the items I forgot in part 1 (my OP).

 

[WeR0206]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, I created a second video to go over the items I forgot in part 1 (my OP).

re-upload of second video...I forgot to include headspace gauges on my list (OP post edited to include them).