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6/27/2013 8:39:16 PM EDT
Hey guys which one? I've heard you can break the upper receiver with the wrong blocks so the one that looked the best and safest to me was the brownells clamp style one.
6/27/2013 9:27:27 PM EDT
[#1]
I use the Armalite blocks on my Armalite rifles. Can`t speak about the others as I`'ve never used them.
6/27/2013 9:35:39 PM EDT
[#2]
I bought the Brownell's clam shell style, but if I had it to do over again would probably try one of the white plastic styles out there. The clam shells will only work with receivers that conform to the standard (many billet styles for example would not work with them). I saw in a thread the other day where someone even suggested cutting up a cheap plastic cutting board and using that, though IMO there are better alternatives for little more money.

The clam shell style work well for what they fit, but they're a bit pricey (and I think an equal job could be done for much less).
6/27/2013 10:01:42 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
Hey guys which one? I've heard you can break the upper receiver with the wrong blocks so the one that looked the best and safest to me was the brownells clamp style one.


I used to only use the Promag style, black fold over, but now I use the one I bought from PK firearms.. it is the white block with the pins to hold the upper. Ran into some problems when not using a standard upper.
6/27/2013 10:38:54 PM EDT
[#4]
I have the Wheeler Engineering Delta series AR-15 upper vise block. Works great, has the gas tube alignment rod built into the insert. I got it new off fleabay for like $30 shipped. I had tried one of the blocks that holds the upper via the take down pin tabs, and it failed horrible broke the block damn near in half. I have had great success thought with this one.
HERE
6/28/2013 4:09:15 AM EDT
[#5]
Buy a Geissele reaction rod.
6/28/2013 4:44:30 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Buy a Geissele reaction rod.


That's a nice piece for $100. You would have to build several rifles to justify the cost, though. Oh wait, that's the point isn't it?

6/28/2013 5:33:25 AM EDT
[#8]


the wheeler is what i own, works flawless and the gas tube alignment rod makes installing a new gas block/tube a breeze. The insert fits nice an tight too i bet you would be hard pressed to warp a receiver using that vise block IMO
6/28/2013 5:37:38 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
I bought the Brownell's clam shell style, but if I had it to do over again would probably try one of the white plastic styles out there. The clam shells will only work with receivers that conform to the standard (many billet styles for example would not work with them). I saw in a thread the other day where someone even suggested cutting up a cheap plastic cutting board and using that, though IMO there are better alternatives for little more money.

The clam shell style work well for what they fit, but they're a bit pricey (and I think an equal job could be done for much less).


I also use the Brownells clam shell. I know a lot of guys that like the style that use pins in the take down pin holes. I also know the same guys that have broken the upper using that style vise block. It is nice unless you are putting on the bbl or flash hider.
6/28/2013 6:20:29 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I bought the Brownell's clam shell style, but if I had it to do over again would probably try one of the white plastic styles out there. The clam shells will only work with receivers that conform to the standard (many billet styles for example would not work with them). I saw in a thread the other day where someone even suggested cutting up a cheap plastic cutting board and using that, though IMO there are better alternatives for little more money.

The clam shell style work well for what they fit, but they're a bit pricey (and I think an equal job could be done for much less).


I also use the Brownells clam shell. I know a lot of guys that like the style that use pins in the take down pin holes. I also know the same guys that have broken the upper using that style vise block. It is nice unless you are putting on the bbl or flash hider.


Which so far is the only thing I've used mine for...

If you do decide on a clam shell style, I see two options listed above in this thread that are less than half the cost of Brownell's. Brownell's is a great company, don't get me wrong. I shop there a lot. Just wish I'd shopped more before buying these.

6/28/2013 7:06:59 AM EDT
[#11]
Anyone got a link or their recommended upper and lower blocks? Or want to sell me theirs?
8/6/2013 3:33:59 AM EDT
[#12]
I have been looking for a block set. After reading here, I found the Wheeler 156-444 on amazon for a good price and good reviews..

About to pull the trigger,, any warnings??

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CXMGWC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

8/6/2013 5:13:16 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have been looking for a block set. After reading here, I found the Wheeler 156-444 on amazon for a good price and good reviews..

About to pull the trigger,, any warnings??

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CXMGWC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

View Quote


I used the Wheeler to assemble an Aero upper last week.  It worked flawlessly.  It holds the upper very securely.  The best part is the gas tube alignment pin.
8/6/2013 5:38:30 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:


That's a nice piece for $100. You would have to build several rifles to justify the cost, though. Oh wait, that's the point isn't it?

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy a Geissele reaction rod.


That's a nice piece for $100. You would have to build several rifles to justify the cost, though. Oh wait, that's the point isn't it?


I think the brownells version is 35 for regular customers. Vise blocks are obsolete now as far as im concerned.
8/6/2013 5:41:57 AM EDT
[#15]
JP makes a really nice set of tools for holding receiver, but it's expensive.
8/6/2013 5:44:38 AM EDT
[#16]
I bought a DPMS Panther Claw to work on a billet upper and I like it better than the clamshell I used to use.  It doesn't leave little burnished marks on the finish of the upper like a clamshell can (even with saran wrap).

A lower vise block is also worth its weight in gold for assembling the lower.
8/6/2013 8:11:11 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:


That's a nice piece for $100. You would have to build several rifles to justify the cost, though. Oh wait, that's the point isn't it?

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy a Geissele reaction rod.


That's a nice piece for $100. You would have to build several rifles to justify the cost, though. Oh wait, that's the point isn't it?




Or $38 for Brownells version Link
8/6/2013 2:38:51 PM EDT
[#18]
I got the Wheeler from PSA and it worked fine on an Anderson A3. Wouldn't use it to put on a FH though.
The insert and pin are great. Makes alignment a breeze.

I don't see the need for a lower block, I just put the lower both lowers together on my desk.
8/6/2013 4:40:32 PM EDT
[#19]
I need to know whay to use on a Mega MATEN
8/6/2013 5:01:50 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:
I need to know whay to use on a Mega MATEN
View Quote

The brownells receiver extension tool works fine.
8/7/2013 5:16:11 AM EDT
[#21]
Barrel vise jaws are the proven military method.
Clam shells with inserts are well proven.
Reaction rod types look good.
People have damaged uppers with the pin hole types.
Barrel vise jaws are a safe way to mount and dismount muzzle attachments.
8/7/2013 5:21:19 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
Barrel vise jaws are the proven military method.
Clam shells with inserts are well proven.
Reaction rod types look good.
People have damaged uppers with the pin hole types.
Barrel vise jaws are a safe way to mount and dismount muzzle attachments.
View Quote

This.  Also, barrel vise blocks are much less expensive than any of the other types of fixtures, and they're pretty easy to use too.  I'd add that "barrel vise jaws are THE safe way to mount and dismount muzzle attachments" because using an upper receiver fixture for this puts the torque on the upper, not the barrel.
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