AR-15 Armorers tools

[Ironhawk]

So I'm sitting around, waiting for the various parts of my first AR build to be either processed, shipped, or waiting for it to arrive, and I thought to myself...It would probably be a good idea to have an AR armorers wrench.  You know, one of those do all combination wrenchs.  The only two that I've really come across is the DMPS armorers tool, and another style that doesn't seem to have a brand name stuck to it. This link being for the latter.  http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/v/vspfiles/photos/Tool%20Armorer%20AR15%20Wrench-2T.jpg
So I'm just seeking some guidance from you more experienced folks.  One(s) that I should avoid, or it doesn't really matter.  Perhaps one works a wee better then another.  I dunno.  Any input would great.  Thanks for y'alls time.   

[1776 Rebel]

Ironhawk it is funny you should ask....I have that Bravo company tool (fulton armory used to sell it). I just put a carbine together. I was not a happy camper with that wrench. The 1/2 " drive opening needed to be filed out to accept my torque wrench (which I sure didn't need). The three pins kept slipping out of the barrel nut. The entire thingy is coated in some type of enamel. Under pressure it comes off. There must be something better out there.

I general I am not a fan of the standard barrel nut. It is a totally crap design IMHO. And certainly not the design of these barrel nut wrenches.

[m25operator]

Here are a few I like and use. All available from Brownells
I will use part #'s so you can just input them at the Brownell's website to see them.

1) 231 000 007 dpms combo wrench. Mine had to be fiddled with to work.
2) 080 216 015 brownells combo tool, very well made.
3) 702 003 015 brownell's  vise receiver fixture.
4) 795 015 100 brownell's vise barrel jaws, you don't really need this unless your going to remove the barrel extension.
5) a good strap wrench, you can get that at Sears and lot's of places.
6) if your building stripped lowers this is a great tool. 100 003 308, pivot pin and spring with detent installation tool.

This will get you started, some roll pin punches, cup tipped punches are nice.

[Big Frank]

The only wrench I ever used to change barrels was a Mil Spec AR15/M16 Combination Wrench that you can get as cheap as $14.95. That's what I used in the army too. It removes the barrel nut, lower reciever extension tube, and flash suppressor. I ended up buying a seperate spanner for doing carbine stocks. http://usarmorment.com/mil-spec-ar15m16-combination-wrench-p-563.html?currency=USD

[Thanos]

JP's owner's manual said I should send it back to them if I needed to do any work like that. I am pretty handy with tools and can figure just about anything out. But, what is the opinon on working on your own AR if you havn't torn one down before?

[Sponsor]

[Big Frank]

If it's covered by a warranty you probably shouldn't work on it yourself. If you do want to work on it you can download an army manual in PDF format.

[Ironhawk]

Thanks everyone for the posts.  This will definitely help.  Know I just need to be patient unitl my middy rifle kit ships.