You can own an AR-15 and enjoy shooting it without ever breaking out a set of tools to do advanced maintenance or make substantial customizations.
But, at the same time, much of what makes America’s Rifle so popular in the first place is its versatility paired with the fact that it can be easily stripped down and reconfigured on an almost atomic level.
Of course, doing so requires you to cultivate no small matter of familiarity with how these rifles work, as well as having a well-stocked bench on hand, complete with the following essential AR15 tools and accessories.
AR Upper Vise Blocks
An AR upper vise block is, more or less, exactly what it sounds like. Simply put, an AR upper vise block is a tool that clamps and secures the upper in place while performing maintenance.
Take a look at the following AR upper vise block, which we sell here, and which is made of solvent resistant polymer, making it perfect for securing your AR upper while cleaning. These can also be used to secure the upper when tightening the barrel nut, attaching or removing a threaded muzzle device, and much more.
In some cases, an AR upper vise block may be used to secure both the upper and lower receivers together while assembling or customizing, without damaging either component of the receiver.
Similar to but more specialized than a general gun vise, these upper and lower vise blocks should have a place in every shooter’s maintenance station.
Armorer’s Wrench
Commonly referred to as an armorer’s wrench, these are specialized firearm multi-tools with a lot of functions that are specifically designed for gas-actuated modern sporting rifles like AR-15 rifles.
Consider the following multi-tool for AR-15 rifles, which combines numerous beneficial functions and tools into one compact and highly utilitarian platform. This tool contains a barrel nut wrench (used to torque the nut that secures the barrel) as well as an old/new style castle nut wrench, a buffer tube wrench, a flash hider wrench, and a ½” torque wrench drive.
A tool like this is worth every penny and every bench and range bag should have one.
Pin Punches
You don’t need a specific brand of pin punches, but you do need the right sizes. Most gun tools will have pin punches in appropriate sizes; if not, just visit a hardware store and get a set. These are absolutely necessary as they streamline the process of removing roll pins and takedown pins.
Hex Wrenches
Like pin punches, hex wrenches (AKA Allen keys) are an AR-15 shooter’s best friend. In this capacity, hex wrenches are necessary to tighten a wide range of fasteners. Most frequently, they’re used to fasten Pic rail accessories which often tighten via a hex-headed fastener.
Torque Wrench
Another important tool for you to have around is a torque wrench, which is used to tighten fasteners to a specified torque rating. This prevents you from over tightening fasteners and also makes it easier to ensure that you’ve applied adequate torque in the first place. Common applications for which a torque wrench is highly valuable are tightening delta rings, muzzle devices, scope rings, and buffer tubes - but there are other uses as well.
Magnetic Tray
Go to any hardware store and get yourself a magnetic tray - not just a tray that has a flat surface that’s magnetic, but one which has a magnetic base, too. These trays are invaluable around the shop, as they can be slapped onto metal racks, trays, and shelves, without fear that you’ll accidentally tip them, and moreover, will hold pins and fasteners secure. Even if you do tip one, the tray will hold those little metal parts secure and won’t spray them all around the shop, never to return.
Flathead Screwdriver
This one’s not a necessity for a gun bench, but just a plain necessary tool to have around the shop as anywhere you encounter machine screws, they’re likely to have a slotted head. In this specific capacity, there is a wide range of fasteners commonly used on rifles that can be manipulated or tightened with a flathead - like some scope ring mounts, swivel mounts, and similar attachments and accessories.
Non-Marring Hammer
Non-marring hammers are great for when you need to drive in roll pins and takedown pins but you don’t want to scratch or scuff the rifle’s finish. Some are made of brass, but our suggestion is to get a polymer hammer, as polymer is much softer and far less likely to damage any finishes.
A Few Extras
In addition to the AR15 tools mentioned here, you should also have a cleaning vise or bench vise (useful for general maintenance) as well as a cleaning mat with plenty of room so you don’t lose your parts or tools.
On top of that, you should also have some gun grease, bore solvent, gun oil (Hoppe’s Gun Oil and Rem Oil are great) along with some clean rags, steel, brass, and nylon brushes, and maybe some Loctite, which you can use to make sure fasteners stay torqued and don’t walk loose.
If You Complete Your Own Lowers: An AR Lower Jig and Appropriate Drill/Router and Bits
One more mention we need to make is that if you build your own AR rifles using receiver blanks, you will need a jig, a drill or router, and appropriate bits.
The jig secures the 80% lower and serves as a template to guide the drill, drill press or router. The drill or router actually mills away the remaining areas of the lower that need to be machined out, and the appropriate bits are used for that purpose.
Of course this is only necessary if you complete home builds, but you will need these additional tools/accessories if you do.
Get Started with These Essential AR15 Tools and Accessories Here
Whether you came here looking for an AR upper vise block or an armorer’s wrench, we can help you out. Take a look through our full collection of AR15 tools and get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you need help or have questions before buying.