chazthebiker
2 October 2012, 16:42
Here's a listing of tools one might want if working on AR15 rifles. Obviously all the tools are not required, but some can be very helpful. I own all of these, but have not used them all. Please suggest any additional tools for the list, especially if it is a great tool. Also, list any bad tools. Prices may and have changed somewhat for some items. Maybe this will help somebody. If not, feel free to delete. If this gets left up, I will add to it as suggestions are made and as I find more useful tools. Thanks!
• Colt 5.56mm Headspace Gauge, Field
o Brownell’s
o Part # 319-418-033
o Price: $16.99
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8031.jpg
• 5.56mm Dummy Rounds, 5 Pack
o Brownell’s
o Part # 367-223-005
o Price: $9.82
The Magpul plastic dummy rounds pictured along side are better. Not sure how I got those. Maybe Rainier Arms threw them in a shipment for me? The dummy rounds from Brownell's are just too expensive to wear out like they do. I haven't the equipment yet to make my own.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8040.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Lower Receiver Vise Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-662
o Price: $49.99
Made of some type of plastic, this is very useful... but one must wonder whether an old magazine filled with epoxy or resin might work just as well (idea?). You need one, but wish it were not so expensive.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8009.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Upper Receiver Vise Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 714-000-006
o Price: $54.95
This is very tough! You can hold the upper by the ears or flip it over and hold by the top rail. This will last a lifetime.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8037.jpg
• TG-70 AR-15 / M-16 Strap Wrench (Complete Junk)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 382-100-015
o Price: $30.99
If you need a strap wrench (Larue Rail installation) then look elsewhere. This thing is a complete waste, and at that price... pass!
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8029.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Barrel Nut Alignment Gauge
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-216-014
o Price: $5.99
Yes, you could just eyeball alignment, but this is a nifty tool for those who wish to be exacting.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8032.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Barrel Nut Wrench
o Brownell’s
o Part # 714-000-007
o Price: $24.95
Worth every penny if this is what fits your barrel nut. Again, a tool built tough to last a lifetime. Will work very well in conjunction with the Barrel Extension Torque Tool listed here. Just lock this tool in the vise and do your tightening with the Barrel Extension Torque Tool.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8008.jpg
• Handguard Alignment Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-368
o Price: $59.99
Fantastic tool for getting exact alignment of the upper with your quadrail. This tool is a must have in my opinion. Use this and you will never have to wonder whether or not things are aligned correctly.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8016.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Bolt Catch Pin Punch
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-216-012
o Price: $15.99
Pricey, but helps prevent damage to the lower receiver finish during assembly.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8042.jpg
• Craftsman Microtork Torque Wrench, 10 – 75 ft. lbs., 3/8 Drive
o Sears
o Part # 00944594000
o Price: $79.99
(Buried in Storage Somewhere)
• Craftsman Digiclick Torque Wrench 5-80 ft. lbs., 3/8 in. drive
o Sears
o Part # 00913918000
o Price: $89.99
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8035.jpg
• Schwaben Torque Wrench 20-150 ft. lbs., 1/2 in. drive
o Sears
o Part # 00932512000
o Price: $34.15
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8034.jpg
• Hammerhead Rifle-Tool, Steel (Excellent)
o Hammerheadrifletool.com
o Part # ST-01
o Price: $39.50
This tool is great for flash hiders and stocks. I thought I was going to have it confiscated by TSA at Orlando International last year. I had forgotten it was in my laptop bag and TSA found it. The agent pulled me and my bag aside, removed the tool from the bag, asked what it was for, looked it over real good... and sent me on my way. I was stunned. You cannot get through with your Swiss Army knife, but the Hammerhead Rifle Tool is apparently good to go. Logic is missing somewhere. Wish I could afford the titanium model.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8012.jpg
• Satern Custom AR-15 Delrin Bore Guide (.223)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 812-015-002
o Price: $37.99
Protects the chamber and the fire control group during cleaning.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8028.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Bolt Ejector Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 939-000-003
o Price: $44.99
Very well made. I must wonder whether it will work on a 6.8 SPC bolt. Cannot see why not.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8027.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Accu-Grip Barrel Vice Jaws
o Brownell’s
o Part # 852-015-000
o Price: $62.99
I have not had a chance to use these yet, but they are very well made and look like they will do the job.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8005.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Upper Receiver Action Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-661
o Price: $59.99
There is the clamshell to go around the receiver and the insert to go inside. I have not used this yet.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8024.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Carrier Key Staking Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-638
o Price: $70.99
This tool is another very well made tool. I have written Brownell's to see whether replacement screws are available. That was several weeks ago and I have gotten no response. It would seem the pointed ends would eventually flatten out and need to be replaced. It would be nice if replacement screws were available. I am all about spare parts for things.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8017.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Barrel Extension Torque Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-637
o Price: $34.99
This tool is a HOSS and priced very well. The end below goes into the barrel extention.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8021.jpg
This end (below) will be hanging outside the rear of the upper. You are supposed to lock your barrel nut tool in the vise and use this tool to tighten and torque the barrel nut. This should eliminate the need for an upper receiver vise block for that operation and also prevent shearing off the indexing pin on the barrel extension. This tool is built to last and I would highly recommend it.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8022.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Hammer Drop Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-953-000
o Price: $25.99
Protects the lower and the hammer from damage during dry fire when the upper is not attached.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8026.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Pivot Pin Installation Tool
o Brownell’s
o Part # 100-003-308
o Price: $27.99
This looks to be a big help to prevent losing detents and springs. Very small tool.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8025.jpg
• Wrench, Bolt Up System Barrel Nut
o Daniel Defense
o Part # 16-002-02140-140
o Price: $11.00
For installing the Daniel Defense Lite rails and RIS II. It is a little thin, and I would be willing to pay 3x as much to have it 3x as thick. I would pay even more if it were thick enough to lock into a vise so the Barrel Extension Torque Tool could be used. Any machinists out there?
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8010.jpg
• Colt 5.56mm Headspace Gauge, Field
o Brownell’s
o Part # 319-418-033
o Price: $16.99
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8031.jpg
• 5.56mm Dummy Rounds, 5 Pack
o Brownell’s
o Part # 367-223-005
o Price: $9.82
The Magpul plastic dummy rounds pictured along side are better. Not sure how I got those. Maybe Rainier Arms threw them in a shipment for me? The dummy rounds from Brownell's are just too expensive to wear out like they do. I haven't the equipment yet to make my own.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8040.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Lower Receiver Vise Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-662
o Price: $49.99
Made of some type of plastic, this is very useful... but one must wonder whether an old magazine filled with epoxy or resin might work just as well (idea?). You need one, but wish it were not so expensive.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8009.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Upper Receiver Vise Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 714-000-006
o Price: $54.95
This is very tough! You can hold the upper by the ears or flip it over and hold by the top rail. This will last a lifetime.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8037.jpg
• TG-70 AR-15 / M-16 Strap Wrench (Complete Junk)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 382-100-015
o Price: $30.99
If you need a strap wrench (Larue Rail installation) then look elsewhere. This thing is a complete waste, and at that price... pass!
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8029.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Barrel Nut Alignment Gauge
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-216-014
o Price: $5.99
Yes, you could just eyeball alignment, but this is a nifty tool for those who wish to be exacting.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8032.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Barrel Nut Wrench
o Brownell’s
o Part # 714-000-007
o Price: $24.95
Worth every penny if this is what fits your barrel nut. Again, a tool built tough to last a lifetime. Will work very well in conjunction with the Barrel Extension Torque Tool listed here. Just lock this tool in the vise and do your tightening with the Barrel Extension Torque Tool.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8008.jpg
• Handguard Alignment Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-368
o Price: $59.99
Fantastic tool for getting exact alignment of the upper with your quadrail. This tool is a must have in my opinion. Use this and you will never have to wonder whether or not things are aligned correctly.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8016.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Bolt Catch Pin Punch
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-216-012
o Price: $15.99
Pricey, but helps prevent damage to the lower receiver finish during assembly.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8042.jpg
• Craftsman Microtork Torque Wrench, 10 – 75 ft. lbs., 3/8 Drive
o Sears
o Part # 00944594000
o Price: $79.99
(Buried in Storage Somewhere)
• Craftsman Digiclick Torque Wrench 5-80 ft. lbs., 3/8 in. drive
o Sears
o Part # 00913918000
o Price: $89.99
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8035.jpg
• Schwaben Torque Wrench 20-150 ft. lbs., 1/2 in. drive
o Sears
o Part # 00932512000
o Price: $34.15
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8034.jpg
• Hammerhead Rifle-Tool, Steel (Excellent)
o Hammerheadrifletool.com
o Part # ST-01
o Price: $39.50
This tool is great for flash hiders and stocks. I thought I was going to have it confiscated by TSA at Orlando International last year. I had forgotten it was in my laptop bag and TSA found it. The agent pulled me and my bag aside, removed the tool from the bag, asked what it was for, looked it over real good... and sent me on my way. I was stunned. You cannot get through with your Swiss Army knife, but the Hammerhead Rifle Tool is apparently good to go. Logic is missing somewhere. Wish I could afford the titanium model.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8012.jpg
• Satern Custom AR-15 Delrin Bore Guide (.223)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 812-015-002
o Price: $37.99
Protects the chamber and the fire control group during cleaning.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8028.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Bolt Ejector Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 939-000-003
o Price: $44.99
Very well made. I must wonder whether it will work on a 6.8 SPC bolt. Cannot see why not.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8027.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Accu-Grip Barrel Vice Jaws
o Brownell’s
o Part # 852-015-000
o Price: $62.99
I have not had a chance to use these yet, but they are very well made and look like they will do the job.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8005.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Upper Receiver Action Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-661
o Price: $59.99
There is the clamshell to go around the receiver and the insert to go inside. I have not used this yet.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8024.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Carrier Key Staking Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-638
o Price: $70.99
This tool is another very well made tool. I have written Brownell's to see whether replacement screws are available. That was several weeks ago and I have gotten no response. It would seem the pointed ends would eventually flatten out and need to be replaced. It would be nice if replacement screws were available. I am all about spare parts for things.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8017.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Barrel Extension Torque Tool (Excellent)
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-000-637
o Price: $34.99
This tool is a HOSS and priced very well. The end below goes into the barrel extention.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8021.jpg
This end (below) will be hanging outside the rear of the upper. You are supposed to lock your barrel nut tool in the vise and use this tool to tighten and torque the barrel nut. This should eliminate the need for an upper receiver vise block for that operation and also prevent shearing off the indexing pin on the barrel extension. This tool is built to last and I would highly recommend it.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8022.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Hammer Drop Block
o Brownell’s
o Part # 080-953-000
o Price: $25.99
Protects the lower and the hammer from damage during dry fire when the upper is not attached.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8026.jpg
• AR-15 / M-16 Pivot Pin Installation Tool
o Brownell’s
o Part # 100-003-308
o Price: $27.99
This looks to be a big help to prevent losing detents and springs. Very small tool.
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8025.jpg
• Wrench, Bolt Up System Barrel Nut
o Daniel Defense
o Part # 16-002-02140-140
o Price: $11.00
For installing the Daniel Defense Lite rails and RIS II. It is a little thin, and I would be willing to pay 3x as much to have it 3x as thick. I would pay even more if it were thick enough to lock into a vise so the Barrel Extension Torque Tool could be used. Any machinists out there?
http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/chazthebiker/AR-15%20Tools/IMG_8010.jpg