AR-15 Tools

[Specialized Armament]

Using the right tool for the job is key to a successful build or repair. We understand that the average enthusiast does not have a budget for a drawer full of special or custom tooling. So our goal in this thread is to educate members, new and old, on the kinds of tools you may want to invest in or avoid while adding to your collection of armorer's tools.

Make sure you subscribe to the thread. I will add tools via the edit button to keep the list in one location. You can click on the images for a larger view.

First we'll show some special tools that are geared toward high volume repairs. All of them are one offs and cost a small fortune in time to manufacture.


Flash Hider / Compensator Tool

At two feet long and weighing in at 4 pounds, this special tool can double as a weapon. The three slots are .740, .745 and .750 inches. The spread allows us to choose the best fit when installing a compensator or flash hider and eliminating bite marks resulting from wrench flats that are to narrow.

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/th_ARTools018.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/?action=view&current=ARTools018.jpg)


LaRue Barrel Nut Tool

We are big fans of the LaRue Tactical Handguard. To expedite installation we manufactured another high speed tool. Traditional three pin tools are problematic because one of the pins acts as a pivot and prevents the third pin from completely engaging the nut. This leads to fractured or broken tools. Our has six precision pins made out out of tool steel and hardened to about Rockwell 50.

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/th_WhiteBox139.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/?action=view&current=WhiteBox139.jpg)

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/th_WhiteBox141.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/?action=view&current=WhiteBox141.jpg)


Upper Receiver Vice Block

Throw out the T-Handle that comes with it as it serves no purpose. The chances of you crushing a 7075T6 receiver before your vice explodes is improbable. The hinge on top is the first thing to go, literally. I mill it off because it will break anyway. It also makes it much easier to the receiver in and out with the hinge gone. The aluminum block obviously keeps the top half of the clam shell shut. I have at least 6 of the blocks modified for various operations.

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/th_WhiteBox266.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/?action=view&current=WhiteBox266.jpg)


SAW Basic Armorers Tool Kit

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/th_WhiteBox255.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/?action=view&current=WhiteBox255.jpg)


Buffer Block

Modified V-Block used to facilitate removal and insertion of the buffer roll pin.

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/th_WhiteBox267.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/?action=view&current=WhiteBox267.jpg)


6940 Series Barrel Nut Tool

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/th_025.jpg (http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/?action=view&current=025.jpg)

[Quib]

So if I understand this correctly, the FSB Tool pictured above is used to hold the barrel correctly indexed with the upper receiver during the torquing of the barrel nut? Preventing FSB cant?

[Specialized Armament]

So if I understand this correctly, the FSB Tool pictured above is used to hold the barrel correctly indexed with the upper receiver during the torquing of the barrel nut? Preventing FSB cant?

You got it. We use a sighting jig to find "center" prior to tightening the barrel nut. Slight adjustment can made with the barrel nut tightened but before final torque value is applied. Clear as mud?

[Quib]

You got it. We use a sighting jig to find "center" prior to tightening the barrel nut. Slight adjustment can made with the barrel nut tightened but before final torque value is applied. Clear as mud?

Copy that, understood. Thank you! [:)]

Sounds fairly similar to my procedure. No special FSB tool though, I simply place a large bronze drift in through the FSB, and have an assistant hold the FSB against the direction of torque.

Scroll down to BARREL INDEXING AND FSB CANTING: http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1613

[Quib]

We use a sighting jig to find "center" prior to tightening the barrel nut.


Do you plan on adding photos of your “Sighting Jig” to this thread?

I’m very interested in seeing how you guys perform the alignment procedure! [:)]

[Specialized Armament]

Do you plan on adding photos of your “Sighting Jig” to this thread?

I’m very interested in seeing how you guys perform the alignment procedure! [:)]

Are we allowed to have trade secrets? [:D]

[Army Chief]

Are we allowed to have trade secrets? [:D]

I'm thinking "yes," but if not, then I would also like to hear all about those marvelous and mysterious SAW reliability package modifications. ;)

AC

[Quib]

Are we allowed to have trade secrets? [:D]

LOL....I say no.

You can’t come here, show off a few tools, then hold back the good stuff. ;)

[tac40]

Good to see you here Ken

[Specialized Armament]

The LaRue Tool has been added!

[Specialized Armament]

Added a few..

[applevalleyjoe]

A beginners question: Do you folks at Specialized Armament manufacture or sell a nice heavy duty AR15 armorer's wrench? The reviews on the ones that I've seen have not been that good and most of the remaining others have been sold out for a while. If not, can you direct me to a reliable source. Thanks.

[Quib]

A beginners question: Do you folks at Specialized Armament manufacture or sell a nice heavy duty AR15 armorer's wrench? The reviews on the ones that I've seen have not been that good and most of the remaining others have been sold out for a while. If not, can you direct me to a reliable source. Thanks.

How fast do you need one?

Multitasker Tools has one in the works. Not sure though when it goes into full production, but if heavy duty is what you are looking for, this wrench should fit the bill.

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?2476-Sneak-Peek-Multitasker-Armorer%92s-Wrench-Prototype

[Specialized Armament]

Here is one tool not to buy. It is manufactured by Arrington Accuracy Works and at $60 a complete waste of money. It may be made of chrome moly but it is not heat treated and the tines had to be cleaned up to get it to fit the 6940 barrel nut. After 6 rifles it is a complete loss:

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz2/Specialized_Armament/AR%20Tools/6940BarrelTool.jpg

[araccuracy]

when i was informed he was having problems with the tool i asked him to bring it back , i had a tool i would exchange with him at" NO CHARGE" he never brought it back. phil arrington

[Multitaskertools]

How fast do you need one?

Multitasker Tools has one in the works. Not sure though when it goes into full production, but if heavy duty is what you are looking for, this wrench should fit the bill.

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?2476-Sneak-Peek-Multitasker-Armorer%92s-Wrench-Prototype

it's gonna be a while...too many projects already, plus i want to refine the design some more

[Quib]

it's gonna be a while...too many projects already, plus i want to refine the design some more

Well Shane, I certainly look forward to the day when you have the design refined, and I can do a review on the newly released Multitasker Armorer's Wrench!!!

[markm]

Cool.

Iraqgunz was just telling me about some of these tools that Ken was showing him recently.

(He didn't get to see the barrel indexing secret either!;))

[Specialized Armament]

The 6940 barrel nut tool has been added to the bottom of the first post...

[M. Gale]

If you work on AR-15's with any frequency, you really need a good bench vise. In this case, a CNC machine vise. They aren't cheap but there really isn't anything this vise and set of v-blocks can't do well. The vise of choice for me is a Glacern Machine Tool GSV-550 (http://www.glacern.com/gsv_550). Besides being made in the USA, a few advantages over a typical shop vise are:


Lower Height - Less leverage to move your bench around
Precision Clamping Force - There is no jaw lift to allow fixtures or parts to shift
Smooth & Parallel Jaws - No need for pads or clam shells to protect your work


Properly fixtured, the vise or v-blocks will leave no trace of their use. I keep a pack of 3X5 cards around if I feel the need to protect painted parts.

Check out the slide show and you'll see all that it can do...

Click Here to View Slideshow (http://s1363.photobucket.com/user/BallistaSystems/slideshow/OFFICE-PC/Shop%20Tools)

[Boltgun]

M. Gale

Who made that RE Nut wrench you are using there?

Boltgun

[M. Gale]

Specialized Armament M4 Stock Wrench (http://www.specializedarmament.com/products/Stock_Wrench_M4-46-12.html)

You'll see two versions of the wrench in the slideshow. I machined off the top on one of my wrenches so it can be used while the receiver extension is fixtured.

[Boltgun]

excellent thanks...do you notice any additional flex to the machined one?

Boltgun

[M. Gale]

Negative... That tool is bomb proof. It's made from 1/4 inch 4140 and heat treated to 40Rc.

[ksenter]

would it be ignorant to suggest the DPMS multi-tool? I've built approx 6 AR's including my own and for friends with this tool with no discernable wear to the tool nor slippage on parts. As a multi-tool, I'd say it is "par" for the job. The more detailed tools are sure to be better, but as a seldom used tool, I cant recommend better.

I've been able to completely assemble multiple pieces including barrels, muzzle devices, buffer tubes, etc with this tool. Using receiver blocks in a vice, there have been zero issues.

[UWone77]

would it be ignorant to suggest the DPMS multi-tool? I've built approx 6 AR's including my own and for friends with this tool with no discernable wear to the tool nor slippage on parts. As a multi-tool, I'd say it is "par" for the job. The more detailed tools are sure to be better, but as a seldom used tool, I cant recommend better.

I've been able to completely assemble multiple pieces including barrels, muzzle devices, buffer tubes, etc with this tool. Using receiver blocks in a vice, there have been zero issues.

For the casual builder, I don't think there is anything wrong with the DPMS tool. I've used mine oer the years with no issue. I've migrated to the Brownells tool however.

[556Cliff]

If you guys from Specialized Armament are still watching this thread, could you please post some pictures of your standard barrel nut wrench?

[lamarbrog]

No mention of the Brownells CAR15/M4 Buttstocks Wrench? Yeah, it's pricey, but worth every penny.