Guides

Tools for Installing AR15 Free-Float Handguards

REQUIRED TOOLS:

VISE
For clamping the upper receiver assembly. Recommend 5” vise as a minimum

UPPER RECEIVER VISE BLOCK (AR15)
To hold the upper receiver securely. Usually a two-piece plastic clamshell design.

SAFETY GLASSES
For eye protection. Look for Z87 rating as a minimum.

BALL PEEN HAMMER
Used with punches. Four to eight ounces recommended.

#2 (5/64”) ROLL PIN HOLDER
To start gas block roll pin. Makes starting roll pins MUCH easier.

#2 ROLL PIN PUNCH
To drive gas block roll pin in and out.

CUP TIP PUNCH
For driving out taper pins without damage.

ARMORER’S BENCH BLOCK
Steadies barrel assembly and gas block when driving roll pins. Also used for assembly of upper receiver and charging handle assembly.

ARMORER’S WRENCH
For removal/installation of barrel nut and flash hider (also used on stock and buffer tube).

½” TORQUE WRENCH
For proper tightening of barrel nut. Can also use 3/8” torque wrench with a ½” adapter. Use a torque wrench with a range between 30-80 ft-lb.

STRAP WRENCH
To tighten and loosen free-float handguards. Use a rubber type to prevent scratching the handguard.

LEVEL
To inspect relative alignment of handguard rail and upper receiver rail. A small handheld level or one attached to a machinist’s square works great.

Related Items

OPTIONAL TOOLS:

HANDGUARD REMOVAL TOOL
Used to compress the delta ring spring when installing or removing two-piece handguards

SOFT-FACED MALLET
A plastic dead-blow type works well for loosening stubborn front sight gas blocks

HEX KEY
Also called an allen wrench. Used for removing & installing clamp-on type gas blocks.

REQUIRED PARTS:

LOW PROFILE GAS BLOCK
Replaces front sight gas block and fits under free-float handguards

GAS TUBE ROLL PIN (5/64”)
Retains the gas tube inside the gas block

CRUSH WASHER
For barrels with flash hiders or other muzzle devices.

LITHIUM MOLY GREASE
High-pressure grease applied to the barrel nut in order to prevent galling of the upper receiver and barrel nut threads.

MEDIUM STRENGTH THREADLOCKER
Used to prevent loosening of lock ring, handguard and other metal hardware.