Which AR-15 Tools?

[xLusi0n]

Which brand / model of the tools below would you guys recommend?

Barrel Vise

Roll Pin Punch Set

Lower Receiver Block

Upper Receiver Block



I know not all tools are created equal, so I'm pinging the board to see which particular set you guys found worked better than others.

[Phil3]

Which brand / model of the tools below would you guys recommend?

Barrel Vise

Roll Pin Punch Set

Lower Receiver Block

Upper Receiver Block



I know not all tools are created equal, so I'm pinging the board to see which particular set you guys found worked better than others.

Would not recommend a barrel vise, easy to scratch the barrel and hard to hold. Use something like this.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=25&t=593881&page=1

or the DPMS Panther Claw, or the Brownells clam shell type arrangement (can supposedly mar or leave shiny spots on the receiver. don't know, have not used).

Brownells has punch set for not much $$$.

Lower receiver blocks are all over the place. I found them from $7.76 (Pro-Mag) to $50.95 for Brownells. I rather like the ones that have an angled raised piece on the side to support the bottom of the magwell, and the Promag is like this. Many others are not from what I can tell, so I think they just relay on the mag catch holding it.

I would also get the Roll Pin Holders. These are expensive from Brownells, and are more than other places, but it will ensure you do not slip and mar your receiver. I bought them, because scratches drive me nuts, and having the right tools makes it much easier.

Also get the DPMS multi tool. The PRI barrel wrench has 5 pins on it to grab the barrel nut, much more than other tools (2 or 3), and is nice, but it is not open on a side, meaning you have to slide it over the barrel. This means the front sight or gas block has to come off. Still, it won't slip and the long pins give good engagement.

- Phil