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Posted: 7/13/2011 5:52:29 AM EDT
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I want to replace an upper receiver, but am confused about barrel wrenches. Are the "pins" I see on the various versions what is used on the nut? Or is that for floating hand guards and the serrated star used for the the barrel. Reading reviews on them, people complain about breaking the pins on some versions, but some indicate it happens removeing guards. if the pins are used, it looks like the PRI model is best.
Any recommendations on what to get? I'd like to get something that works, but I'm not going into business with it. Thanks, P7 |
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Quoted:
I want to replace an upper receiver, but am confused about barrel wrenches. Are the "pins" I see on the various versions what is used on the nut? Or is that for floating hand guards and the serrated star used for the the barrel. Reading reviews on them, people complain about breaking the pins on some versions, but some indicate it happens removeing guards. if the pins are used, it looks like the PRI model is best. Any recommendations on what to get? I'd like to get something that works, but I'm not going into business with it. Thanks, P7 Remember to clamp the upper receiver into a "clamshell" type fixture to prevent stressing the upper while doing work on the barrel nut. The pins seat against the grooves/cutouts in the barrel nut. People break "teeth" off the barrel nut by using too much torque to mount the barrel or allowing the wrench to tilt away from the nut. The folks who are dumping locktite into the threads need to use heat to burn off the loctite for removal. Without heat, that nut is darn tight and difficult to remove. Keep the barrel wrench flush against the barrel nut, make sure the pins are fully engaged then use only enough torque to seat the barrel. You can easily do the job using the old military 3 pin wrench. The other wrenches offer more surface area (more pins) to engage more of the barrel nut for tougher jobs. Go with what your usage and pocket book demand. |
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I've pulled many barrels using the Panther Claw and PRI 5 pin barrel nut wrench. So far none of them have been loctited (thank God).
The PRI picatinny/upper receiver block is also great for when putting a FF forearm on and want it aligned to the receiver. The YHM forearms that align to the upper via the barrel nut screws must have the gas tube hole TDC otherwise the 3 and 9 o'clock screws will cant the forearm to one side. I've seen it happen. If you do get that barrel nut lined up its a very inexpensive option that will work. The other reason I like the PRI is because it runs 3/8 and 1/2 drive torque wrenches. Also works on TRX barrel nuts, YHM, USGI, and any other type that works with gas tube alignment. |
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One of the best tools I've seen in a long time is pins stuck into the side of a crescent wrench. Put the wrench flat on a drill press, drill, and press fit a couple pins to the jaws. Presto! An adjustable barrel wrench. 
That's a great idea . . . thanks for that ! 
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