AR15 platform...MUST HAVE TOOLS for barrel work

[Dan W]

I am looking into tooling up for ar15 barrel replacement/upper building tools.
On my list now  from Brownells

Brownell's reaction rod for barrel torquing ( similar to Geisselle reaction rod )   http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/barrel-tools/ar-15-m16-barrel-extension-torque-tool-sku080000637-27452-53686.aspx

Brownell's A2 front sight bench block   http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/sight-tools/ar-15-front-sight-bench-block-sku080000252-20727-44769.aspx

PRI barrel wrench   http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/wrenches/ar-15-barrel-nut-wrench-sku714000007-27412-52636.aspx

About $90 shipped for these three tools on sale

The barrel torque tool and wrench make for a very nice way to remove and install barrels with no stress on the upper receiver.

Any suggestions or additions to essential tools list for barrel replacement jobs?

[gsd]

Barrel dimpler for those barrels that don't come with alignment dimple.

http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-gas-block-barrel-dimpler

Taper pinning jig so you can pin the gas block.

http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-taper-pin-gas-block-tool

[Dan W]

Dave, the barrel dimple tool might have some use around here, but since I mostly run A2 front sight posts on everything I own, it would be rarely used.

I would tend to stick with an uppers configuration as is or buy a barrel that has the features I need done at the source.

That said, I did just have to fix my son's Sabre Defence upper after he replaced the front sight and it started short stroking because the gas block had moved out of position. In this case I put the original front sight back on and fixed the problem.

The taper pin tool would be used even less and after I buy the drill and reamer it costs too much to just site idle.

[Dan W]

I am going to add a few specialized pin punches and holders that I have always wished I had for a build, and my order is going out while the sale is good

[bkoenig]

You might want a receiver facing tool.  I don't know if it really makes a difference in accuracy, but I bought one and I've used it on all my builds.  The front of the receiver is often not square with the bore and this tool helps fix that.

[Dan W]

a receiver facing tool

 I think I know where to borrow one of those if needed

[bkoenig]

I think I know where to borrow one of those if needed

 

[Dan W]

FYI, the Brownell's AR15 front sight bench block is not a keeper ( I should have read the reviews) it is being returned and a Schuster front sight block is replacing it.

Another great reason to buy from Brownell's...no questions asked 100% satisfaction guaranteed on every item they sell

[Dan W]

You might want a receiver facing tool.  I don't know if it really makes a difference in accuracy, but I bought one and I've used it on all my builds.  The front of the receiver is often not square with the bore and this tool helps fix that.

Brian, did you get the receiver lapping tool or a cutter set up?