AR-15 tools recommendations

[mzimmers]

Hi, all -

I think I'm ready to invest in some tools to make it easier to work on my new AR-15. Specifically I need a way to immobilize the upper or lower while I work on them. Does anyone have any comments on products like:

- the Flipper
- upper/lower action blocks
- barrel vises

I don't need anything fancy; just something to reliably and securely hold the guns while I do my thing. Thanks for any suggestions...

mz

[ocabj]

In the Brownell's catalog, there's a section of AR15 gunsmithing tools. They have blocks that you can attach the upper or lower to, which you then put into a bench vise.

[mzimmers]

In the Brownell's catalog, there's a section of AR15 gunsmithing tools. They have blocks that you can attach the upper or lower to, which you then put into a bench vise.

Yep, I've seen them. I was more looking for personal recommendations rather than sources. Anything in particular you like?

[supersonic]

Yep, I've seen them. I was more looking for personal recommendations rather than sources. Anything in particular you like?

The Brownell's blocks are a GODSEND / the "flipper" makes building/working on your lower a breeze. I'd recommend a bolt vise (pretty cheap) as you will always need it; and (of course) the handguard removal tool. Oh, and if you are doing any kind of BBL removal,etc., BUY the Brownell's gas tube alignment tool along w/ their g.t. wrench. Yes, the Brownell's Master Catalog is to me like Heroin is to someone w/ a monster gorilla playing piggy-back w/them!
S.S. - oh, forgot to mention DPMS wrench!!!!!

[sava6e]

while i dont have the blocks, i can say i love my dpms wrench it does just bout everything.

[C.G.]

and (of course) the handguard removal tool.

I've never needed one of those for either the AR-15 or AR-10.

But you will need these at some point:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Armorer-AR15-Barrel-Wrench-p/tool%20armorer%20ar15%20wrench.htm

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Punch-Set-p/tool%20ar15%20punch%20set.htm

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ar15-Front-Sight-Tool-p/tool%20front%20sight.htm

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Action-Block-Upper-Lower-p/action%20block%20upper%20lower.htm

Not necessarily from Bravo Company, although they are good to deal with.

[supersonic]

[QUOTE=C.G.;700112]I've never needed one of those for either the AR-15 or AR-10.

They just make removal quicker/easier/smoother.
S.S.

[TonyM]

I never understood the need for the handguard tool, all of my uppers that have Delta Rings are easy to operate... Makes me wonder if they should be stronger, or if I should be weaker!

Aside from what everyone else mentioned, I'll add CLP. Lots and lots of CLP.

[mzimmers]

Oh, and if you are doing any kind of BBL removal,etc., BUY the Brownell's gas tube alignment tool along w/ their g.t. wrench.

I can't find these on Brownell's web site...do you know their p/n or exact name? Thanks...

[ar15barrels]

I have almost all the tools mentioned in this thread and many more.



If you want a personal recommendation from someone who works on AR15's DAILY, get the DPMS Claw and the DPMS multi-tool.
These are my two staples.
The Smith or Bushmaster multi-tools are also good-to-go.
Then I would get the Brownells front sight base block.
Next wrench to own is the DPMS freefloat tube wrench.
I have very rarely used the magwell block and you only need it for torquing stock castle nuts.