Ideal AR Upper Receiver Tools & Techniques - Myth Unbusted
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- Опубликовано: 19 июн 2024
- Edited to add: There was concern that the parts were dry when this test was being done. There was lube present on the barrel nut threads, upper receiver threads, and the barrel crush shoulder. I forgot to mention it in the video. The Aeroshell 64 is on the back right side of the bench in a black container.
Tools Shown in the Video:
*Midwest URR
*2 Unique LLC M16 Barreling Spud
*Magpul BEV Block
*Botach Kley-Zion Barrel Spline Socket STEEL Rod
*Geissele Reaction Rod
*Wheeler Delta Series® AR-15 Upper Vise Block Clamp
*Real Avid LUG-LOK UPPER VISE BLOCK
*Wheeler Upper Receiver Action Rod AR-15
*SATURN PRODUCTS Accu-Grip Vise Jaws
*The Device
*Obsidian AR-15 Upper Receiver Vise Block
*Wheeler Delta Series AR Upper / Pic Rail Vise Block
*PlastiXrevolution/No-MAR AR15 Black Pin Upper Receiver Vise Block
*NC STAR/VISM Upper Receiver Block for AR15
*Classified Defense Ultimate AR15 Barrel Nut Wrench
*Forward Control Designs Joint Muzzle Device Wrench
* Digital Torque Wrench
* Chad
I do my best to answer questions when I have time. However, if your question was covered in the video, I am not going reply. This video explains things 100% better than a long typed up post will. Additionally, the comment section on YT is a poor place for technical discussions. We have numerous places to talk tech. Our Facebook Group, and SOTAR Society are the two of the best places to ask questions and discuss technical topics.
Have you ever gauged a sionics weapon systems ar
We are always looking to improve our products, and your experience building and testing is incredibly well respected in our community. As you stated I would love to talk in the other groups to see your experience with the reaction rod and super reaction rod. Thank you for all the testing and invaluable information you give the firearms community at large!
As others have mentioned, props to your wife and her camera work. The two of you make a great team.
He definitely keeps her busy, not that it shows - both are consummate professionals.
It's nice that you actually took the time to demonstrate everything instead of just hitting your viewers with the "trust me bro" claims.
That's my main problem with the Smythbusters series, they just talk about things and never test them. Not at all scientific.
Caleb is a joke. He's so arrogant and acts like he's God's authority on AR's. He's not. And he says a lot of very dumb things.
I know! And Chad actually exolained WHY you don't want to use a torque wrench as a breaker bar. They just said "you're doing too much guys! Use your wrench as a breaker bar. It doesn't matter." Those vids are getting really cringe. Caleb needs to be replaced.
@@charlieghague sorry you feel that way
Amen!
I love that he listed himself under tools. Hilarious Easter egg for us. Chad, you are not a tool, thanks for all the information you put out.
😂 good catch.
Love waking up to a LONG Sotar video to watch while I drink my morning coffee.
This
Not only do proper tools help ensure you don’t break things, but something like Midwest action rod can tell you a lot about the quality of prebuilt rifles and parts. I’ve saved friends a lot of time when they can’t get their gun to run, and I go to put it on the action rod and it runs right into the barrel extension & won’t go on. You know from there, that’s likely your problem.
Long winded? Nay. The amount of info and practical application you condensed into half an hour is appreciated.
Agreed...definitely.
I started assembling ARs in 2007. Promag clam shell and a crappy casted armorer's wrench was all that was available. Its crazy how far we have come.
truth, but if you think about it, the mil-specs haven’t varied in 50 years
Hey, the cool AK builder guy is commenting on the cool AR builder guys video!
@@MJA5 Mil-Std is constantly updated anytime there is a technical order or change to the components. Magazines are one of the best examples of Mil-Std changes, followed by barrels, barrel extensions, bores, FSBs (cast, forged, F marked), bolt metallurgy, bolt carrier metallurgy and finishes/treatments (hard chromed to hard chrome bore), gas ports, Edgewater spring guide to rifle buffer, spring weights, lower receiver variations from 601 to 602 to 603 to 701, upper receivers from 601 to 602, 603, 701, 777, bolt catch variations, ejection port door updates, furniture, slip ring/Delta ring, sling swivels, rear sight, front sights, muzzle devices, charge handles, forward assists, magazine release buttons, RETs, CAR stocks and lock rings, end plates, gas tubes, handguard caps, detents, fire control groups, basically every part on the gun has varied and been improved multiple times over the last 67 years. I don’t think a single part has stayed the same when it comes to specifications. Some things like the trigger and hammer pins are similar, but improvements have been continuously made.
Super thorough. My ocd brain accepts this format. Thank you for your wisdom
I have a question I would seriously like to ask you. I mean, this 100% sincere. Would you mind telling me how OCD effects your learning something like this?
I have well now it's adult add. But in my 20s I was diagnosed with OCD I take 2 different Prescriptions for OCD one is 400mg the other 300mg To offset the horrible side effects of the four hundred milligrams. I have been taking the same medicine for the last twenty years. I have blood work regularly And other things done? So I know that all my numbers are Perfect, but I said all that to say. This medicine is only a tool. I have to work with it to let it work. I have an extremely hard time learning anything new
It never once crossed my mind that ocds could play a role in it somehow.
So, if you would, kindly tell me how your OCDs Keep you or hinder you from learning. I would be very grateful.
This instruction was easier for me. Because as he picked up the tool, he explained what it was and why he was using it.
And since I have built a couple of in the past, I know all the parts that he's talking about. I just had crapy tools.
But if you could, please share with me your difficulty with. Having o c d and the problems, it gives you in learning
I would really really appreciate. Thank you
This is exactly what I was thinking while watching this video!
The FORCE is strong with this one ... priceless information for the AR home builders and some so called professional gunsmiths. Thanks to you and your wife's amazing
content to the 2A community 😉👊🇺🇸
This is amazing. One of the best videos of many.
Direct response to brownells? Lol
Caleb made me cringe tightening a barrel nut from only holding upper with takedown pins.
I have watch almost every video on Sotar channel and know he should have been using the URR.
He made a video to tell us we were overthinking it.
I don’t have to be an Armorer to know how physics work. Aluminum is soft can stretch and stress and crack.
Thanks for video Chad!
I have been teaching this in classes for many many years. The recent Brownells video was the catalyst to make a video.
@@SchooloftheAmericanRiflea solid well done video Chad.
Did they delete the video?
@@hondafreak8613 Caleb needs to stay behind the camera for a decade or more, then get in front of it after building up more experience and learning some more principles of physics. The thing that set me off on him was his insistence that bedding barrels doesn’t work. AMU does it and developed it for accurizing the AR-15 long ago, based on actual testing and comparing many sample uppers over the years. The results speak for themselves, and I have applied those same techniques to accurate AR-15s and AR-10s with before and after results that consistently show that it absolutely works. I’ve been deep into ARs since the 1980s and always chasing a better way to do things, not dogma.
I once was firmly in the 'As Good As' camp (ignorant me), but have learned and your videos only drive the point home more forcefully!
I assembled my AR on my kitchen counter using Tonka Tools. Thanks to this video I have a pretty good idea of how I ended up with a grenade instead of a rifle.
I started my AR upper building with the clam shell tool. Moved on to the Bev Block. Today, all I have are both the Midwest and the 2 Unique rods as my only used tools. The 2 Unique rod doesn't always work on a cerakote upper, but the Midwest will just slide in. I also have a upper holder that uses only the lugs. Along with a JP Enterprises Cleaning Bore Guides for cleaning a AR15 or AR10.
On edit. I once sheared a index pin removing a extremely tight barrel nut using only the clam shell. This was in my young and dumb building days. But, i had access to a toolmaker at work. With a new pin in hand, he used a just smaller diameter carbide drill bit and drilled in pin. Then used a pick to remover the thin shell of the old pin and installed the new pin using green loctite. Still using that upper today. That event got me to using a Bev Block with a bolt carrier. But I like the Midwest and 2 Unique rods best. It's all I use anymore
Dude. Your channel is gold. You explain the concept, the physics, then demonstrate it clearly without being a snob about anything, shilling, or putting in useless fluff.
Thank you.
Damn, using the correct tools for the job is being a “tool snob”? If so, glad you’ve spent the money and time to show what works, what doesn’t and why. Thanks for being a “tool snob”! Be good at what you do and what you do will be good.
Yep. People are always trying to accuse me of either being a snob or being paid by manufacturers.
I believe this video is geared more toward the "ar's are legos for adults" crowd. Hopefully the right people are watching this,kinda sad it even has to be explained. If people would just look at what their doing and think a little bit, its very easy to tell where force is being applied to the various components. Great video,Chad💪💪
As a third generation gunsmith I approve of this video 100% and can attest to the Midwest being a rock solid URR !! Used it for years and is my go to for builds. Great video and well executed for people who want to understand why certain tools are used for certain things and why. Nice to see there are real gunsmiths/custom gun builders out there that still know what they’re talking about. There are too many people who spread disinformation or just plain don’t know what they’re doing anymore. Great job sir.
I've been watching this channel for quite a few years now, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why it doesn't have far more subscribers!
I find SOTAR videos to be the most useful information I've found on the internet when it comes to inner workings and actual assembly of ARs. keep up the good work 👍
Aw your wife films. I love that. Wishing y’all well. Love the channel.
I got my receiver block for buffer tube work. When/if I do any barrel work (might just prefer to use a gunsmith), I'll get a proper key/spline/spud (or whatever they should be called). Very good information explaining exactly *why* the proper tool is important. Once of the most informative, in a very useful way, gun channels on RUclips!
I felt like I was in an excellent class on upper receiver tools. Spectacular. Thank you very much.
So I built my first AR recently, your information was beyond valuable and taking your advice I bought the Midwest Industries reaction rod. Well worth the price.
Thank you so much for what you do!!
Me too - a couple of years ago I watched his videos on building an AR, start to finish. Built a beautiful AR pistol following his instructions. He's an excellent teacher.
Your knowledge and willingness to share your knowledge is a beautiful thing. Keep doing what you're doing and ignore the incompetent haters. Thank you as always
This is exactly the information i needed. I have been using the clamshell to hold my uppers in a vice and i think this is the reasons why i have been having issues with one of my rifles.
One thing I do is bed my barrels, where I let the bedding compound set up overnight after everything has been test-fit with my barrel extension and feed ramp work. Once the extension is adhered to the extension tunnel, it isn’t moving with sleeve retainer.
This completely shattered some of my long held ideas regarding building. Thank you!
I will happily endorse the Wheeler Upper Receiver Action Rod as a starter tool. It can be had for about half the price of the Midwest Industries URR, money that can go towards other tools/chemicals/parts. Chad did mention the aluminum construction and breakage potential, but if you're starting off and (hopefully) being careful with your parts selections, tool usage, and torque application, the Wheeler will serve. For those that tinker or build in higher volume, spring for the Midwest. But for the folks doing only a few builds tops, the Wheeler should serve you well.
Great points here about how taking apart someone else’s work is different from doing your own bill from scratch and that ladder situation you can be more gentle and not screw things up, but you don’t know what if somebody else did theirs.
I've used The Device for years, had students use it as well, no issues, same with other fixtures in that category....boils down to user error. I can appreciate the value of the other tools for shade tree armorers who do it very occasionally though.
Who do you teach for?
We know that the sales for the midwest alignment tool is going to be hot!
I"ll be adding to the shortage with my order. 😂
Very informative video.
That's what usually happens.
Caleb, I bought two tins of Baron Balm this week. You got that stuff right.
I've torn down and rebuilt four AR15s so far (upgrading my rifles and a friend's rifle) and I did not have that tool you used, and I am glad that I didn't cause any issues. Everything you say in this video makes logical sense, and it's only by luck that I managed to not damage or misalign anything when putting those rifles back together. Definitely going to get me one of those Midwest Industries tools before I do another barrel swap.
Brownells: "Trust us guys, you will never ever break a retaining pin or ruin your receiver".
Chad: "Here are examples of snapped pins and damaged receivers."
@@useraccount85319 that's not great hair. its kinda gross with how much product is in it.
I just watched the video. His reasoning was "ya'll think too much"... literally said that.
@@ssspencerjr "Y'all do to much" was the quote. If you don't get the reference look it up on urban dictionary. It's a shame that this has turned into a thread roasting me, we forget that the people on our screens are in fact real people. Anyways, thanks for watching.
@@CalebSavant You're right I had the quote wrong, but the fact still remains. Chad is trying to put out factual information based on what he sees as an AR gunsmith and then somebody big like brownells puts on contradicting information.
This was interesting. I moved away from using my BEV block, because I read the potential to put all the stress on the index pin and cause potential shears, so I switched to a basic clamshell block. This video seemed to show the BEV block actually supported the upper better than a clamshell block, and an index pin shear less likely to happen. Granted, I've only ever put 50lbs of torque on the barrel nuts of uppers I've built, so its hard for me to think if it matters to much in my particular case? Guess the best thing to do is not Ugga dugga the shit out of stuff.
Thanks for the video though Chad, lots of great info here. Gonna probably add that Midwest tool to my box, looks like a good one!
The demo with the muzzle device and already-torqued barrel nut was particularly illustrative. Back in the day (before the reaction rods came on the scene) I installed a lot of muzzle devices with the barrel nut only torqued to 40 ft-lb using a DPMS upper receiver block similar to the white delrin one you showed. I got away with it, but probably due to dumb luck.
Above all this video shows the value of a good torque wrench. Those digital wrenches are a thing of beauty.
Amazing. I just learned the barrel extension is not part of the barrel, but screwed on!
What this shows is that if you're NOT using a tool that locks into the extension, you're putting the barrel nut torque on the alignment pin and alignment notch instead of on the threads. Wonder if that creates accuracy issues, too?
You’re a really good teacher. I’m researching the AR platform and I didn’t realize how deep you could go. Very cool
Just found your channel. I am not a builder but I have put together a rifle. You are giving me some great insight into the tools of your trade if I decided to start learning. Thanks.
Your wife is a champ.
IMO what helps drive the barrel to twist excessively is dry contact between the nut and barrel collar, it also can cause a dry shim to distort, etc. Of course lube won't help against using excessive force to advance the barrel nut so a screw attached handguard rail is TDC. Aluminum VS Steel, aluminum taps out. I've been a stickler for gauging and measurements and after your videos I am even more a stickler. Thanks.
There was lube present on the threads and the barrel crush shoulder. I just didn't mention it in the video. The Aeroshell 64 is on the back right side of the bench in a black container.
Thank you for taking the time to break this down! Quality content!
Good video. I learned something. I still like the aluminum vice jaws. This is what we were taught at Fort Benning 1995, and I still use today. I know these other fancy tools may be better. But I'm an old dog!
I love the appearance of your shop!! I wish I had the same or close to your shop setup!!!
I've found its almost always operator error when it comes to stuff like this.
I can remember back when I first got into building ARs, when Keymod rails first came out, sitting cross-legged in my basement floor holding the upper between my legs and torquing the barrel nut with a massive adjustable wrench like a cave man.
That a AR has held up really well. The tools and methods absolutely were not ideal, but if you take your time and pay attention to what you're doing, you can make substandard tools work.
So yeah, get the good stuff if you can afford it, obviously. If you can't, go slow, pay close attention to what you're doing, and check and double check everything you do. You'll be just fine.
Solid. Thanks for clearing up the mysteries of various tool options. Much appreciated!
Even though I haven’t built any uppers yet, I got the bev block a while back for all my lower work and for uppers in the future. But I had been led to believe by the internet that I shouldn’t use it for barrel nuts, only muzzle devices. After watching this, I feel comfortable in the future using the bev block for all upper work
Great video. It answered in depth my questions about tools for holding barrel vs receiver vs both. Thank you!
So much great information in this video, I have been using the bevblock for years but now I’m going to buy a rod with a proper sail and add a clamshell for stubborn barrel nuts (thanks for the insider tip).
You Sir are an absolute gentleman. Providing us with all this trustworthy education for free. Keep doing God’s work, my friend.
This was very helpful Thanks!! I've been using the Bev-Block for a few builds and so far, great results. None of them required high Torque so glad to see you use this in your demo.
Great video, Chad. I was lucky enough to see your older videos using the Midwest URR, before doing any builds. You saved me from experiencing these potential problems. Good of you to do this compilation -- and especially the demos of clocking under torque.
I bought a Midwest Industries URR after watching your reaction rod video on the AR Build Junkie channel.
When I realized I would be assembling my first one, I bought a Magpul armorer's wrench and a Midwest URR.
Thank you for validating my confirmation bias. I've been complaining about improper receiver extension support in assembly for years and everyone tells me I'm wrong. You've given me proof for the nay-sayers.
this guy is one of the best i’ve learned a lot already and ready to build my ar
Thank you both for the very helpful training session 😎
I was taught in a pinch, "on my own guns", when using the clam shell blocks i leave the bcg in the upper receiver...not ideal but it works to support the extrnsion...
Possibly one of the best vids yet.
Great timing for this one. Just ordered my barreling spud from 2 Unique LLC!
AWESOME video Chad. Really appreciate all of you information.
You covered so many useful topics in this post. Thank you. Also, I noticed you've been uploading a ton of stuff recently. Keep up the great work.
“Trust me bro” this video is an excellent and factual explanation of these barrel and muzzle device installation tools and methods. Thank you Chad. 👍🇺🇸
Excellent video. SOTAR, one of the best. I haven't taken any classes but if I need something, I'd support you in a N.Y. second. You have provided more "no BS" info with proof than any other armorer or supposed armorer out there, IMHO!
And remember it only Limits, it Doesn’t prevent…..😂
You two have absolutely made my week with all the videos! Thank you both for all the hard work!! 🤙🏻
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are THE PROFESSOR!
Old Tool Maker from automotive and aerospace and the interacton with the quality department. Home built a couple of dozen AR's. Been there done that with the cheaper tools. You need quality tools to assemble correctly. Midwest URR has made my builds better and safer. Your videos are top knotch, keep'em coming.
Had the same thought process as you as in the notion if you’re applying torque, in order to not stress an object , enough stable mass has to exist in what the torqued component is being mated to. Simply put, yeah that hollow aluminum upper can distort when a steel nut is mashing aluminum against another steel based piece(barrel extension). I had 2 Brownells barrel tools I added the upper “wing” flat bars to before using realizing the potential slipping and misalignment that can occur when installing nuts. Really is the best route honestly. Your build advice is spot on.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for this content. I enjoy building AR's and so do many others so this is needed. I need a lot more tools and have been looking to you for what to get
Thank you for this. This video has been needed for years
Thanks for addressing 9mm. I used a clamp and was kinda hoping to find a better solution here
Thank you again for sharing your knowledge!
I am so glad I watched this before swapping my 300 AAC barrel into my upper. Yikes. Thanks, Chad, you just saved me from potentially damaging my stuff.
Dropping knowledge with proof and demonstration…well done.
So educational my friend. Thank you for sharing. You just saved me time and money and for that I'm grateful 🙏
Using my wheeler rod I had to remove the sail in order for it to seat properly in my ati upper... However, it went right into my psa upper perfectly. Thanks for the video, Chad.
Thank you, sir. I have a brownells clamp system now. I'm definitely not happy installing barrels with it. The Midwest tool will be used on my next build.
Great video. A 2 Unique spud is on the way to me. I completely agree with you on the Geissele.
Love these videos. Looking to schedule a class when able. Thank you for the information.
Lots of fantastic information!!!
As always, great content and the knowledge shared is much appreciated...
Thanks for the video ! Looking forward to attending your class some day.
Thank You Chad! Amazing Content, sharing far and wide
New to ARs and im glad I found your video before completing my first build 💪
The build has been fun (already planning a 6.5CM build next) but I'd be pretty cross with myself had I ruined after using a tool that oversold itself as being 'the best'. Your video just reinforces that sometimes the simpliest of things are all you need 👍
I learn something new every video what an amazing educational source!
Man! I love your videos, I've learned so much.
Excellent,
Informative content. Thank you.
Excellent informative video!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Thank you for the video sir. Very informative as always. I’m glad I got to see a closer look at The Device, because I did have questions about it that this video answered.
Awesome video, the Midwest action rods look like they are the way to go for everything
Thank you for making this video. I never new this. I have put together several of my own rifles with the clam shell tool. I hope that I haven't damaged anything. There is a lot of bad information out there.
Midwest makes great tools for ARs!! Have the URR Armorers wrench and the lower receiver block and they all work beautifully
Great video and explanation.
Wow this was an incredible informative video thank you so much, I think I will have a new tool in my shopping cart soon !
I found this very informative and helpful in choosing the tools i will need
I thought I had enough tools until today, thanks!
WOW ! well crap, I'm going to check all my ARS for clocking issues. So far so good 1 for 6 so far and it's perfect. Great video btw... Z 😊
i had no idea that pin could do that and it was holding forces even with the barrel nut tight. wow