AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/17/2012 9:28:57 PM EDT
| Who makes the best all around AR Wrench? |
|
Quoted:
Spikes makes some nice AR tools. I have their barrel wrench and it is great. Yes they do. I have a few of their AR tools that I've reviewed. Most recently I used their standard GI barrel nut and castle nut wrenches to do some work on a friends carbine.  |
|
Why ? It looks to be nothing more than a glorified castle nut wrench. |
|
I have one and it is fantastic. |
|
Quoted:
I have one and it is fantastic for a hand-to-hand weapon. Fixed. 
|
|
I would have bought one in a minute if the other end had a barrel nut wrench on it! |
|
Quoted:
I have the PRI and it's built like a tank. The only thing I dont like about it is that it cant be used with a barrel with the gas block attatched. I like the looks of that spikes wrench. Lots of pins but a gap so it can be used with a gas block attatched. PRI is nice stuff. By the pic's Spikes looks nice also. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have one and it is fantastic for a hand-to-hand weapon. Fixed.
The tool is extremely well made, really robust to grip.....read some of the reviews online. Fantastic tool for castle nut and muzzle device work. Do you have the tool? Read anything not positive about it? |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have one and it is fantastic for a hand-to-hand weapon. Fixed.
The tool is extremely well made, really robust to grip.....read some of the reviews online. Fantastic tool for castle nut and muzzle device work. Do you have the tool? Read anything not positive about it? It's a dud for me because it cannot do a barrel nut and it cannot deal with a castle nut unless the stock is off. I would much rather have specialized tools for the above tasks. It really is a glorified castle nut wrench. If they can sell them, more power to them. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have one and it is fantastic for a hand-to-hand weapon. Fixed.
The tool is extremely well made, really robust to grip.....read some of the reviews online. Fantastic tool for castle nut and muzzle device work. Do you have the tool? Read anything not positive about it? It's a dud for me because it cannot do a barrel nut and it cannot deal with a castle nut unless the stock is off. I would much rather have specialized tools for the above tasks. It really is a glorified castle nut wrench. If they can sell them, more power to them. Taking the stock off can't possibly be an obstacle. I take stocks off just for fun, It takes about two seconds. Another plus of the Hammer-head wrench is that it is less likely to slip off the castle nut than any other castle nut wrench out there. |
|
Quoted:
Taking the stock off can't possibly be an obstacle. I take stocks off just for fun, It takes about two seconds. Another plus of the Hammer-head wrench is that it is less likely to slip off the castle nut than any wrench out there. If that's worth $40 for carbon steel or $120 for titanium then go for it. |
|
Quoted:
Thanks to you who replied. You could have easily said the answer if you knew than writing a condesending remark about look it up yourself. BTW everytime i do a search it brings up no topic found every single time. Don't mind 458winmag. He's just an asshole and never actually answers anyones questions. Just boosts his post count and complains. The best way to search this site is to go to google, type in what you want to search and then type in ar15.com. I've got a cheapy wrench that I got from AIM a couple years ago, its done everything I needed it to do. It was only about $20. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks to you who replied. You could have easily said the answer if you knew than writing a condesending remark about look it up yourself. BTW everytime i do a search it brings up no topic found every single time. Don't mind 458winmag. He's just an asshole and never actually answers anyones questions. Just boosts his post count and complains. The best way to search this site is to go to google, type in what you want to search and then type in ar15.com. I've got a cheapy wrench that I got from AIM a couple years ago, its done everything I needed it to do. It was only about $20. A list of tools can easily be found on the Build It Yourself forum 1/25/02. It's easier to search when you are paying member. If you select correct forum the next page function will work |
|
This is the one I have.. hefty and works really well. http://ar15wrench.com/ A bit pricy, but last a lot better then the ones made in china. |
|
Quoted:
This is the one I have.. hefty and works really well. http://ar15wrench.com/ A bit pricy, but last a lot better then the ones made in china. Anyone have any experience with this tool? And can it be purchased without going through Google-fricking-Checkout? s4alex, how about a review....as your third post?
I kinda the idea of (at least it appears to be) using hex head cap screws for indexing pins. I just wonder about the shear strength of screws that small, even though it uses eight of them. But the lack alternate ordering methods on the website sorta turns me away. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is the one I have.. hefty and works really well. http://ar15wrench.com/ A bit pricy, but last a lot better then the ones made in china. Anyone have any experience with this tool? And can it be purchased without going through Google-fricking-Checkout? s4alex, how about a review....as your third post?
I kinda the idea of (at least it appears to be) using hex head cap screws for indexing pins. I just wonder about the shear strength of screws that small, even though it uses eight of them. But the lack alternate ordering methods on the website sorta turns me away. If you're working on a barrel with a pinned FSB that wrench won't work unless you're up for unpinning the FSB. 
I use the $12.00 Government Issued wrench and would buy one of the Spikes if I were to go aftermarket. All are open-end. |
|
Quoted:
If you're working on a barrel with a pinned FSB that wrench won't work unless you're up for unpinning the FSB.
I use the $12.00 Government Issued wrench and would buy one of the Spikes if I were to go aftermarket. All are open-end. Yeah, I noticed that. I was actually wondering how the hex head cap screws being used as contact/drive pins would hold up. The Spikes GI wrench is a monster.
|
| My Guntec jumps the teeth on the barrel nut alot. i plan on getting this wrench one of these days. |
|
Nice to see this finally got moved.
DD's image is the easiest and safest way to remove or install a barrel without damaging the receiver. Receiver blocks aren't needed if you can use a barrel block. Some applications (1%)?, you'll need a receiver block All wrench's will slip if they get off angle. I'm still looking for the best |
|
Quoted:
I bought the DPMS tool and broke off the dowel tightening a stock nut. I had to replace the dowel which was a pain. I wouldn't buy another. http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/images/?type=small&id=1135 I have had this wrench for years. Used it to build dozens of uppers over the years. The pin for stock castle nuts is the weakest part. But it has been excellent for installing barrels with the stock nuts and the pin type like YHM and some other use. Spike's BAR is a pin type. Very happy with it. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
The Spikes GI wrench is a monster.
The Spikes is not a GI wrench. Yeah, I know. I just call it that because THEY call it that. 
I'm familiar with the USGI wrench, I've had one for years. They do a great job. bit I do like the option of more pins. Quoted:
It is more of a GI wrench on steroids. He has two versions so check it out before you pull the trigger. Yeah, that's why I referred to the Spikes USGI, as opposed to the Spikes BAR 
Quoted:
DD's image is the easiest and safest way to remove or install a barrel without damaging the receiver. Receiver blocks aren't needed if you can use a barrel block. Some applications (1%)?, you'll need a receiver block I agree. Quoted:
All wrench's will slip if they get off angle. I'm still looking for the best As to the wrench slipping, or getting off angle, I learned long ago to back up the wrench with a block of wood between the wrench and the vise, which forces the wrench snug up against the nut. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The Spikes GI wrench is a monster.
The Spikes is not a GI wrench. Yeah, I know. I just call it that because THEY call it that.
I'm familiar with the USGI wrench, I've had one for years. They do a great job. bit I do like the option of more pins. Quoted:
It is more of a GI wrench on steroids. He has two versions so check it out before you pull the trigger. Yeah, that's why I referred to the Spikes USGI, as opposed to the Spikes BAR
Quoted:
DD's image is the easiest and safest way to remove or install a barrel without damaging the receiver. Receiver blocks aren't needed if you can use a barrel block. Some applications (1%)?, you'll need a receiver block I agree. Quoted:
All wrench's will slip if they get off angle. I'm still looking for the best As to the wrench slipping, or getting off angle, I learned long ago to back up the wrench with a block of wood between the wrench and the vise, which forces the wrench snug up against the nut. Thanks for the clarification. My mind-reading isn't what it once was.
|
|
Quoted: Quoted: This is the one I have.. hefty and works really well. http://ar15wrench.com/ A bit pricy, but last a lot better then the ones made in china. Anyone have any experience with this tool? And can it be purchased without going through Google-fricking-Checkout? s4alex, how about a review....as your third post? I kinda the idea of (at least it appears to be) using hex head cap screws for indexing pins. I just wonder about the shear strength of screws that small, even though it uses eight of them. But the lack alternate ordering methods on the website sorta turns me away. It is a hefty piece of metal. It does work even if you have a pinned front sight. You have to unpin the sight first. I bought this so that I could replace my standard front with a Troy Alpha. My upper had a pinned front sight. My original plan was to just replace the front sight, but I decided to just use a dremel and cut it down. Worked out better. Plus it saved me $40 in having to buy a low pro gas block. This was the only way I could justify spending $50 on this thing. I used it on the standard barrel nut and it worked fine. It was long enough for me to get enough leverage to get it off. If your was for some reason put on by a drunken gorilla from the factory, then the handle is small enough to get a pipe over it and get some real leverage. The nuts are small, but not that small, enough to get a grip around the barrel nut. It doesn't slip. I can't say anything about using it on the YHM or the other proprietary nuts as I do not have one. They are pretty tough, not cheap nuts. The guy doesnt make a lot of these and only makes a few at a time. This is like the 3rd version of it. I am not sure if I am allowed to link to another web site. Calguns is where I found out about it. I figure, buy a cheap mic wrench? spend a little more on a usa wrench? It took me a while before I made the decision to actually buy this thing. I wish I had gotten a v2. It was much cheaper. My fault for waiting. But that is my problem, I am one of those people who research things to death before I make up my mind. |
|
Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: This is the one I have.. hefty and works really well. http://ar15wrench.com/ A bit pricy, but last a lot better then the ones made in china. Anyone have any experience with this tool? And can it be purchased without going through Google-fricking-Checkout? s4alex, how about a review....as your third post? I kinda the idea of (at least it appears to be) using hex head cap screws for indexing pins. I just wonder about the shear strength of screws that small, even though it uses eight of them. But the lack alternate ordering methods on the website sorta turns me away. If you're working on a barrel with a pinned FSB that wrench won't work unless you're up for unpinning the FSB. I use the $12.00 Government Issued wrench and would buy one of the Spikes if I were to go aftermarket. All are open-end. I am thinking, that if you are removing a barrel nut, you would have to remove the gas tube.. to remove the gas tube you would have to remove the gas block.. even if it be a low profile held on with screws or a standard front site pinned.. If I am wrong on this, please correct me. |
|
Quoted:
.....It does work even if you have a pinned front sight. You have to unpin the sight first...... ...The nuts are small, but not that small, enough to get a grip around the barrel nut. It doesn't slip..... Then it doesn't work with a pinned front sight base.
And my question regarding the bolts was in reference to the shear strength of cap screws that small. Quoted:
I am thinking, that if you are removing a barrel nut, you would have to remove the gas tube.. to remove the gas tube you would have to remove the gas block.. even if it be a low profile held on with screws or a standard front site pinned.. If I am wrong on this, please correct me. Naah, no need to remove front sight base to remove the gas tube. Removing the gas tube is a very quick and simple task. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I bought the DPMS tool and broke off the dowel tightening a stock nut. I had to replace the dowel which was a pain. I wouldn't buy another. http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/images/?type=small&id=1135 I have had this wrench for years. Used it to build dozens of uppers over the years. The pin for stock castle nuts is the weakest part. But it has been excellent for installing barrels with the stock nuts and the pin type like YHM and some other use. Spike's BAR is a pin type. Very happy with it. Mine has been used on several builds by myself and friends who have borrowed it. It's still a damn joke for the pin to bust on tightening a stock nut. 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
.....It does work even if you have a pinned front sight. You have to unpin the sight first...... ...The nuts are small, but not that small, enough to get a grip around the barrel nut. It doesn't slip..... Then it doesn't work with a pinned front sight base.
And my question regarding the bolts was in reference to the shear strength of cap screws that small. Quoted:
I am thinking, that if you are removing a barrel nut, you would have to remove the gas tube.. to remove the gas tube you would have to remove the gas block.. even if it be a low profile held on with screws or a standard front site pinned.. If I am wrong on this, please correct me. Naah, no need to remove front sight base to remove the gas tube. Removing the gas tube is a very quick and simple task. Gator, dude you're all over it. 
|
|
So based on what's been said I couldn't go wrong with the spikes tact tools for upper assembly and stock stuff?
I was going to spend the 65 beans on getting the multi wrench on Rainier. I figure if I can get all I need in one tool why not do it. Now a quick question have any of you guys ever worked on an upper without a vise? |
|
Quoted:
So based on what's been said I couldn't go wrong with the spikes tact tools for upper assembly and stock stuff? I was going to spend the 65 beans on getting the multi wrench on Rainier. I figure if I can get all I need in one tool why not do it. Now a quick question have any of you guys ever worked on an upper without a vise?  Not advisable. You can do all kinds of damage to the upper receiver and not realize it.
|
|
Quoted:
So based on what's been said I couldn't go wrong with the spikes tact tools for upper assembly and stock stuff? I was going to spend the 65 beans on getting the multi wrench on Rainier. I figure if I can get all I need in one tool why not do it. Now a quick question have any of you guys ever worked on an upper without a vise? Don't try it without a vise. That's the core tool. If you get a USGI barrel nut wrench for $12 and a RRA castle nut wrench for $6 that will leave enough (from the Rainier tool) to buy a vice from Lowe's, HD or Harbor Freight. I paid $40-something for mine. I use the Brownell's clamshell (and insert) for holding the receiver. I don't like the idea of holding the upper by the lugs for barrel work. |
|
Quoted: Quoted: .....It does work even if you have a pinned front sight. You have to unpin the sight first...... ...The nuts are small, but not that small, enough to get a grip around the barrel nut. It doesn't slip..... Then it doesn't work with a pinned front sight base. And my question regarding the bolts was in reference to the shear strength of cap screws that small. Quoted: I am thinking, that if you are removing a barrel nut, you would have to remove the gas tube.. to remove the gas tube you would have to remove the gas block.. even if it be a low profile held on with screws or a standard front site pinned.. If I am wrong on this, please correct me. Naah, no need to remove front sight base to remove the gas tube. Removing the gas tube is a very quick and simple task. How do you remove the gas tube without moving the gas block forward? |
|
Quoted: Quoted: .....It does work even if you have a pinned front sight. You have to unpin the sight first...... ...The nuts are small, but not that small, enough to get a grip around the barrel nut. It doesn't slip..... Then it doesn't work with a pinned front sight base. And my question regarding the bolts was in reference to the shear strength of cap screws that small. Quoted: I am thinking, that if you are removing a barrel nut, you would have to remove the gas tube.. to remove the gas tube you would have to remove the gas block.. even if it be a low profile held on with screws or a standard front site pinned.. If I am wrong on this, please correct me. Naah, no need to remove front sight base to remove the gas tube. Removing the gas tube is a very quick and simple task. Wait, let me think.. can you take the bcg out and then just slide the tube back? Maybe I should try that... |
|
Quoted:
How do you remove the gas tube without moving the gas block forward? You slide it back into the receiver, pull it free of the gas block, then slide it out. The only place the gas tube is actually fastened is in the gas block with the roll pin. When the roll pin is out, it will slide back. Sometimes it may take a little bit of persuasion, but it will come out without removing the gas block or front sight tower. |
AR Sponsor