Finally bought an armorer's tool

[rugerla1]

http://www.amazon.com/Tapco-Intrafuse-AR-Armorers-Tool/dp/B006PTMYHM

 

I've been wanting/needing one for a while. While the Magpul tool just came out and has great reviews, I'd read that some people had fitment issues. (That can be with anything though, so I'll probably still get one later) One that was decently priced is the Tapco version. Now typically when I hear the name Tapco I think el cheapo, but this had a lot of great reviews. 

It seems to be well made, and the bottle opener is a nice touch. I only drink once or twice a year these days so just a novelty accessory for myself, but still funny they thought of that. Also, made in the USA is nice to see on the side of any tool these days and the price was great.

Anyone else use the Tapco version?

[gjohnsoniv]

I do, yes.  Only difference is that I got mine from Academy.  No issues from mine and it's found a home in my travel gunsmith tool case.

[btq96r]

I bought one a year ago, it worked good for the lower I was building.

 

I also paid $10 less than Amazon is selling it for now...guess they've been selling well.

[rugerla1]

I bought one a year ago, it worked good for the lower I was building.
 
I also paid $10 less than Amazon is selling it for now...guess they've been selling well.

I'd say so with as much as AR building popularity is increasing. I found a couple places a few dollars cheaper but after shipping cost were added, it was the same as Amazon with free shipping.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Looks like a great wrench. The only issue I have ever seen is the barrel nut pins breaking off. That was not specifically with the tool you ordered but the multi tools in general. I am sure those that broke off were muscled a lot more than needed. Use the contoured part for milspec barrel nuts if at all possible.

 

If I need to tighten a barrel nut using pins I use a tool I made. I drilled and tapped the jaws of a large adjustable wrench for machine screws. Then I installed hardened screws. The adjustable wrench allows me to use it on pretty much any barrel nut out there.

 

I also use a separate castle nut wrench for the stock too.

 

But having the right tool makes a world of difference in how easily a gun goes together.

[rugerla1]

Looks like a great wrench. The only issue I have ever seen is the barrel nut pins breaking off. That was not specifically with the tool you ordered but the multi tools in general. I am sure those that broke off were muscled a lot more than needed. Use the contoured part for milspec barrel nuts if at all possible.
 
If I need to tighten a barrel nut using pins I use a tool I made. I drilled and tapped the jaws of a large adjustable wrench for machine screws. Then I installed hardened screws. The adjustable wrench allows me to use it on pretty much any barrel nut out there.
 
I also use a separate castle nut wrench for the stock too.
 
But having the right tool makes a world of difference in how easily a gun goes together.

The pins breaking issue was why I chose this one over the DPMS, which had decent reviews except for having only two pins. Hopefully don't have an issue with that. I also have a separate wrench for the stock castle nut that I carry in my rifle bag.

I'd like to see the wrench you made if you don't mind sharing it on here?

[Dolomite_supafly]

It is just an adjustable wrench with like a 1.5" opening. I drilled and tapped a hole on the top jaw and bottom jaw about a 3/8" from the tip. Then I installed the screws.

I will try to get a picture in a day or two.

[rugerla1]

It is just an adjustable wrench with like a 1.5" opening. I drilled and tapped a hole on the top jaw and bottom jaw about a 3/8" from the tip. Then I installed the screws.

I will try to get a picture in a day or two.

 

Thanks Dolomite, that description actually made it more visible to me. Pretty slick idea!

[Ted S.]

The pins breaking issue was why I chose this one over the DPMS, which had decent reviews except for having only two pins. Hopefully don't have an issue with that. I also have a separate wrench for the stock castle nut that I carry in my rifle bag.

I'd like to see the wrench you made if you don't mind sharing it on here?

 

I have to DPMS and the quality is fine, especially considering the price. Outside of standard Mil-Spec parts though, it has proved useless on several occasions.