How to clamp my upper to remove the barrel nut

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=22385/Product/AR-15-M16-UPPER-RECEIVER-ACTION-BLOCK

Or a PRI type Block
M4build008.jpg
 
Last edited:
I don't advise you do it, because you risk twisting your upper, and it may not even work as I hear the barrel nuts on the Norincos were installed by 600 pound gorillas, but you could clamp it in a vise between the flat top and the underside.
I repeat, this is not the correct way to do it, and you risk twisting/crushing your upper this way but if you dont want to take it to a smith or buy the proper blocks, it's an option.
 
1. Use an upper block as Kevin has shown in his photos.
2. Use one of the hinged plastic wrap around receiver clamps.
3. Use one of the rear entry lug wrenches that engages the barrel nut.
4. Hold the barrel in aluminum barrel blocks, as Bolivar pointed out.

All of these require a barrel nut wrench, and the best system to use will depend on how tight the nut is on.

Last upper in the shop came off easily using method 4, although I have the tools for 2 and 3.

Don't do it like someone did on a second hand barrel I bought, using a punch and hammer on the barrel nut teeth. Made a heck of a mess, although the barrel was removed, and the nut is reusable.

If you don't want to invest in the tools, find someone who has them, or take it to a 'smith with the tools.

Some barrel nuts are really tight, to the point that there is real risk of damaging the upper. If it comes to it, one of these cane be cut off. Barrel nuts are cheap, uppers aren't.
 
You might remove it without a proper vice or clamp, but you will probably want to tighten it again to spec, and possibly to a particular alignment. You will want the proper tools for that.
 
And it is also useful if custom barrels are being made, for installation of the barrel extension onto the barrel.
 
Back
Top Bottom