For buffer tube installation, how difficult is it to install the tube without the special tools? Am I likely to damage the tube, if I’m careful? Bear in mind that my standard of careful is tempered by ten years as an aircraft mechanic.
Thanks,
Go to any online AR parts retailer, like Bravo Company USA and buy the basics. You are going to need a castle nut spanner, it is less than ten bucks most place. You’ll need a AR barrel wrench-combo tool and a set of receiver blocks and a barrel clamp. You can get everything for under $75 bucks with some shrewd shopping but you can’t do an assembly without these basic tools without risking damage to either your upper and lower receivers.
How does a barrel clamp help me install the buffer tube? I actually have a set of those.
Roy
It doesn’t. And you really do not need the spanner. You can install the buffer tube by hand as per instructions. THen tighten the castle nut with a pair of padded (taped jaw) vice grips or slip joint’s.
I might even have the spanner around here somewhere. I built an AR about ten years ago, and bought some of the tools.
Sorry, for some reason I was thinking that you were doing an entire build. It’s been a really long week.
I am, but I’ve done most of the other parts. The last rifle I built already had a buffer tube installed on the lower when I got it.
Roy