Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
If you own an AR-15, you’ve probably found yourself wanting to work on it yourself. The good news is that ARs are one of the platforms you can do your own gunsmithing on. The bad news is you’re going to need some tools. It’s possible to utilize tools you already own, like channel locks and adjustable wrenches, but it’s far from ideal, and it can permanently damage parts. A good armorer’s wrench should top your list for your AR-15. We’re here to walk you through the best options.
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How To Choose
It’s nice if your tools are as versatile as possible, rather than being dedicated to tweaking only one tiny part. Some armorer’s wrenches can handle more tasks than others. However, there’s more to picking one than just grabbing whatever comes with the most gadgets. Not all barrel nuts and muzzle devices will fit every armorer’s wrench. If you just have one AR-15—or more than one, but all the same brand—you should be safe getting the size necessary for that one gun. But if you own multiple rifles, you’re going to need more than one set of tools. Stop and make sure the tools you’re looking at are compatible with your parts before making a purchase.
Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench
This one’s a personal favorite because Real Avid did such a nice job making this wrench versatile. Does it fit every rifle I own or work on? No, it doesn’t, but it fits a lot of them, and the other attachments make it more useful than any other armorer’s wrench I have. The manufacturer describes it as a professional-grade tool with an ergonomic design. The shape is indeed more comfortable for me to grip than many others. It’s also heavier duty than some brands. The part you’re likely most concerned with is a ten-post free-float barrel nut wrench and also a MIL-SPEC barrel nut wrench, which fit a multitude of rifles. So, what makes it so great? The extras.
Thanks to a trio of interchangeable heads, the Armorer’s Master Wrench can double as a hammer. I’ve used it that way more than once because it’s flat-out convenient. Included heads are brass, silicone, and rubber, so you can work on your rifle without damaging the finish (or the metal). There’s also a dual-function muzzle brake wrench on this that fits ¾- or 5/8-inch devices. A ½-inch torque wrench receiver and castle nut wrench round out the options for the Many Things This Wrench Does. It’s my go-to when I’m working on AR platform rifles, something that happens rather often.
Magpul Armorer’s Wrench
When you hear the Magpul name, you immediately know the item in question is good quality, and that goes for the company’s tools, too. The Magpul Armorer’s Wrench is a more straightforward tool than some, but that’s a good thing. It’s compatible with USGI barrel nuts, free-float tube barrel nuts, USGI castle nuts, numerous aftermarket end plates, ¾-inch muzzle devices, and ½-inch torque wrenches. And of course, it also works as an armorer’s hammer.
What’s awesome about this tool is that it’s streamlined in ways that make it easier to use. For easy handling, it has the long, slim handle we’re all familiar with for wrenches instead of something thick and oddly angled—don’t knock good ergonomics, they make gunsmithing far simpler. It’s 11 inches long, giving you better leverage on tough parts, and because it’s durable and well-made, you don’t need to be afraid to put pressure on it. There aren’t any potentially loose parts that could be broken or lost, and it’s made in America. Also, it doubles as a bottle opener, which you must admit is handy (or am I the only one constantly hunting for one). If you want a no-frills yet highly useful armorer’s wrench, this is the one to add to your gun bench.
Wheeler Basic Armorer’s Wrench
There’s something to be said for a basic tool, but considering Wheeler made this one to handle almost every task on your AR-15, it doesn’t seem right calling it basic. The Wheeler Basic Armorer’s Wrench covers the big stuff you might need to handle on your rifle. It works with hardened steel barrel nut pins and features cutouts for a ¾-inch flash hider and fixed stock buffer tube. In addition, it functions as a buffer tube nut driver. There’s also a cutout for a ½-inch torque wrench, which is a feature that’s more valuable than you might imagine.
Although this particular tool can handle a variety of AR-15s, it’s important to note that it works well with Aero Precision’s BAR barrel nut. (Some nuts are harder to fit than others, so it’s worth mentioning it when a tool works well with them.) This AR-15 wrench is one of the more affordably priced tools in this roundup, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t tough. Its rugged design and overall quality exceed the price point. Don’t hesitate to get this one if you simply need a basic tool for general tasks.
TruGlo AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench
The TruGlo AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench is ideal for gun owners who also own a 1911 (or ten). That’s because this one includes a barrel bushing tool as a sort of bonus, and that’s a bigger plus than you may realize. I’ve misplaced more barrel bushing tools than I can list here, and having one built into a much larger tool makes it easier to keep track of it. But enough of that, let’s move on to the AR features.
This is a standard wrench with cuts for MIL-SPEC and ten-post barrel nuts. Additional cutouts include 3/8- and ½-inch torque wrench squares, an A2 groove, and a flash hider tool. There’s also a hook at one end to open drinks and a small hammer edge. It even has a takedown pin pusher. This makes a good starter tool, but again, I have to love it because it keeps a 1911 barrel bushing tool visible. Nothing wrong with multi-tasking tools.
READ MORE HERE: Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing
Get One!
Yes, you do need a good armorer’s wrench. That isn’t true if you only shoot bolts or levers, but odds are good you have at least one AR-15. Most of the things that need to be done with ARs can be done at home, whether that’s tightening a loose nut, changing out the stock, or swapping out the muzzle device. You can also never have too many of these because it’s easy to misplace them, plus you’re likely to end up needing multiple sizes for different guns.
Check out the Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench here.
Get a look at the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench here.
Find the Wheeler Basic Armorer’s Wrench here.
Grab the combo TruGlo AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench here.
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Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a prolific outdoor writer based in North Texas. Her love and enjoyment of firearms extends to both self-defense and hunting, and she’s driven to teach safe gun handling. Kat’s the author of several books and thousands of articles as well as a successful editor with more than a decade of experience in marketing. With experience in everything from defensive handgun use to field dressing a deer, Kat’s background is varied and extensive. She firmly believes in the importance of protecting the Second Amendment as well as the First.
When she’s not behind a gun or processing her own game meat, Kat can be found trapping, boating, doing yoga, and mudding. The outdoors and the Lone Star State are where she belongs.
Experience
Author:
Handgun Hunting and anthologies including The Deer Shot Back: And Other Hunting Tales and How Not to Shoot Fish and Other Deer That Got Away.
Dedicated Outdoorsman:
Year-round enthusiast of hunting, trapping, and fishing.
Advanced Training:
More than 1000 hours of training in defensive handguns, long guns, edged weapons, self-defense law, force-on-force, handgun retention, and related topics.
Focused Specialty Skills:
Expert witness. Massad Ayoob Group certified Deadly Force Instructor and graduate of Active Self Protection The Practice & Preparation of Being an Expert Witness.