what type of upper vice block do I need for barrel removal/install? - Page 1

AR-15 » Build It Yourself

AR Sponsor:

Site Notices

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - what type of upper vice block do I need for barrel removal/install?

Posted: 12/9/2017 12:02:18 AM EDT

This is a BCM factory gun that needs a new barrel. I have a dpms panther claw but it seems like trying to remove a BCM barrel nut with this thing being supported by the take down pins may not be a great idea.

Posted: 12/9/2017 12:03:57 AM EDT

[#1]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007359056/wheeler-engineering-delta-series-upper-receiver-ar-15-action-vise-block-clamp

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/bench-vise-blocks/ar-15-m16-upper-receiver-action-block-prod22385.aspx

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/bench-vise-blocks/ar-15-bev-block-prod72951.aspx

No experience with the bev block, however, the Brownells and Wheeler are good to go.

Posted: 12/9/2017 12:08:13 AM EDT

[#2]

I use the Wheeler delta. No issues yet, I've used it to break down a few surplus Colt A2 uppers that were torqued by apes (seemingly??)

The bcg insert to prevent "crushing" the receiver seems to do it's job.

Posted: 12/9/2017 12:11:11 AM EDT

[#3]

Thanks. I guess I will get the wheelers vice block. I assume I should ditch this dpms block?

Posted: 12/9/2017 12:17:02 AM EDT

[#4]

As posted above, the BEV Block works very well for the typical hobbyist AR cranker. Arnzen Arms sells their version of a reaction rod device for around $75 which is half what the NAME BRAND model sells for. There are several upper receiver clamshell blocks out there as well. My preference has been for the RR and Bev Block. Have built a metric ton of uppers over the last few years using them with no issues.

Posted: 12/9/2017 11:32:21 PM EDT

[#5]

I've got a Wheeler clamp and the Brownells action rod.
I use either as needed.
The rod can take more force.

Posted: 12/9/2017 11:42:46 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
Thanks. I guess I will get the wheelers vice block. I assume I should ditch this dpms block?

View Quote

I would.

I dont like the wheelers block. Have to remove optic to use it.

Never used the BEV block, but I want one.

Posted: 12/9/2017 11:58:25 PM EDT

[#7]

I used a clamshell vice block holder when taking off my 14.5" BCM barrel when I put on a low profile gas block. It worked fine, but I had to put some significant arse behind it to get it off.

Posted: 12/10/2017 12:36:48 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
I used a clamshell vice block holder when taking off my 14.5" BCM barrel when I put on a low profile gas block. It worked fine, but I had to put some significant arse behind it to get it off.

View Quote

Par for the course with BCM.

Posted: 12/10/2017 2:41:46 AM EDT

[#9]

dont waste money on a name brand clam shell vice block, just buy the cheapest one you find one ebay should be around $10, they all work the same its just a piece of plastic, and it doesnt need to be super precisely build to work

Posted: 12/10/2017 2:46:05 AM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
dont waste money on a name brand clam shell vice block, just buy the cheapest one you find one ebay should be around $10, they all work the same its just a piece of plastic, and it doesnt need to be super precisely build to work

View Quote

Dude the wheeler one is 20$. Most of them don't even have the BCG insert.

Posted: 12/10/2017 3:05:28 AM EDT

[#11]

Have a heat gun handy to get that barrel out easily. BCM undersizes their barrel extension. Little heat will help.

Posted: 12/10/2017 3:49:23 AM EDT

[#12]

I started using 2x4 pieces with the upper horizontal. rotated 90 degrees on the long axis. Pain to set up but it is cheap!

Posted: 12/10/2017 8:51:32 AM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Have a heat gun handy to get that barrel out easily. BCM undersizes their barrel extension. Little heat will help.

View Quote

Or a lot of heat is needed.

Be sure you have a good heat gun to heat the receiver to expand it or the barrel isn't coming off. Easier to install, removal is tricky because you only want to heat the receiver.

I love BCM undersized uppers. I do.

Posted: 12/16/2017 11:50:24 AM EDT

[#14]

Be careful torquing down the barrel nut and muzzle device using a clam shell. I use a bev block for that to prevent any unnecessary stress on the upper.

Posted: 12/16/2017 12:00:19 PM EDT

[#15]

4x4 with hole home made bbl blocks and some leather for me for all bbl work. Been doing that way for a very long time, even taught that way in M16 TM.

Posted: 12/16/2017 12:27:20 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
Be careful torquing down the barrel nut and muzzle device using a clam shell. I use a bev block for that to prevent any unnecessary stress on the upper.

View Quote

Clam shells are fine for installing/removing barrel nuts but using them to install/remove muzzle devices is a really bad idea.

Posted: 12/16/2017 1:01:26 PM EDT

[#17]

Clam shell for barrel nuts, barrel vise blocks for flash hider work.

Posted: 12/17/2017 9:57:09 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
Dude the wheeler one is 20$. Most of them don't even have the BCG insert.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
dont waste money on a name brand clam shell vice block, just buy the cheapest one you find one ebay should be around $10, they all work the same its just a piece of plastic, and it doesnt need to be super precisely build to work

Dude the wheeler one is 20$. Most of them don't even have the BCG insert.

And that insert is important to help prevent crushing the upper with too much vise force.

For muzzle end work, always grip there, not back at the receiver. I've always wrapped a strip of old belt leather around the barrel just behind the muzzle threads and gripped hard in my bench vise. Effective and free.

Posted: 12/17/2017 2:45:06 PM EDT

[#19]

I made some wood blocks with barrel cut out grooves for muzzle device installs. BCM barrel but came off super easy with my shop tools, heat, and the wheel upper vice clamp kit. Used a 3 foot snap on bar to remove but put little force on nut before it was free. BCM barrel was harder to removed. Too bad the larue barrel going in has a poor fit.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - what type of upper vice block do I need for barrel removal/install?

AR-15 » Build It Yourself

AR Sponsor:

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us