Tools that engage the lugs should NOT be used to R&R muzzle devices. If you have a vise to hold a BEV or reaction rod you already have what you need to R&R muzzle devices...
Uh, a reaction rod does contact the lugs in the barrel extension. It's the whole point, it's how it works. Seriously, don't know how I got along without it or why it took so long for someone to come up with it.
A muzzle device shouldn't be that hard to get off. Hit it with a propane torch for a bit and go at it. If you know it's been installed with Rocksett, then soak it in very hot water, let it sit overnight in the water, replace it with hot water and wait a few moments and then remove it (be sure to prevent water from going down the bore and make sure to dry and lube everything after). People over tighten these all the time though but when they go back on they shouldn't be over torqued, especially when a thread locker is used. Fucks up accuracy. Several suppressor mfg.'s have told me this regarding QD mounts.
So I have a few different items at hand. The Geissele reaction rod for sure. Super or not? I think regular is sufficient. I've used it for some pretty difficult jobs and it's never let me down. The Super allows you to pre-load the receiver (what it looks like is threaded spreaders accessible through the ejection port so it doesn't slide off or move). Not so sure I'd spend the extra $75 on that unless I was literally taking multiple rifles apart daily or I owned a gunsmith shop and did a lot of work with stuck barrels. For installation and 99% removal, the regular one is just fine.
I have a clamshell too because I'm old enough I guess. It has limited uses and the reaction rod is better in almost ever instance.
What is useful are a set of barrel vice inserts. The rectangular blocks with a v cut in one side? Sometimes you just need to be able to clamp a barrel. And not all barrels are AR barrels... Some you can make, some you can't. I'd order a set of cheap plastic barrel vice inserts when you get the reaction rod.
A few pieces of scrap plywood cut about 1-2 x 4-5 inches or so and various thicknesses and a few scrap wood blocks. A cut up thick leather belt. These can be used for barrels or for holding odd shaped receivers in the vice by stacking the wood and leather between the vice and the receiver. I've built entire rifles using this as the only means for holding the upper for barrel installation.
Now the reaction rod is a pretty simple tool, I mean VERY simple, so if you do find a better deal on another one I probably wouldn't worry provided it's made of strong steel (I've heard of some cheap ones breaking) and fits well. $99 (minus any discount you get for sales or what have you) ain't that bad for a quality tool though. Never had a problem or broken lugs or anything.
