94 Cent - Geissele & Botach AR Buffer Tube/ Receiver Extension Jig Tip

[@kyleb4151]

Time to 3D print that $300 jig....

[@justinblower7598]

That's genius, how did I never think of this in decades of taking them apart and putting them together?

[@tier1solutions28]

Right? Some folks are just creative

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Video Updates: 1) Per the manufacturer you CAN use the Green Jig in various positions to stake the castle nut. Just grab the various splines in a vise to get the proper angle. 2) I forgot to mention that I'm using a 4.5" vise in the video. A vise with jaws smaller than 4" may not work with the coin method.

[@CannonCountry]

👍 excellent video as always

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

@@CannonCountry thank you

[@CannonCountry]

@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle have you tried the geissele super reaction rod yet? Do you like it better than the midwest industries rod?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

@@CannonCountry I have a Super Reaction Rod. I prefer the Midwest URR over it.

[@florasena]

"change stack" love it!

[@markparker7778]

When you mentioned you like to make it as perfect as possible I couldn't help contain myself laughing. You are the epitome of perfection and I've been soaking up your intel every chance I get. I have nothing but respect for you and truly appreciate your sharing all this intel. Thank you so much Sir.

[@chriserickson4417]

I work at a Gun Range and our Gunsmiths are telling me about your channel. You do a great job and between you and work, I'm learning a great deal. Thank you!

[@gufbrindleback]

I was struggling with a wandering lower-to-buffer clocking issue during a build just this weekend. It turns out I have everything I'd have needed to fix it, without realizing it. Please award yourself one gold star and a banana sticker.

[@GunSmokeATCS]

Unbelievable. You are a wealth of information. Thank you, I’ve been building for years, but I learned so much from you on every one of your videos. God bless you and your family

[@cjanquart]

Funny that I picked up both the Geissele when they had it on sale over the holidays and found the Kley-Zion from a post in a FB group...I've had the Botach for a while and used it to assist with the assembly of my first rifle. Chad knocks it out of the park with another tip/trick that would probably be reserved to paying customers if it were another teacher. Thank you sir and give my best to the wife and boys!

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Thank you my friend.

[@LRRPFco52]

I've done this install so many times since the 1990s to where I start with the RET spine offset a bit, so that when I tighten the lock ring, I get proper 6 o'clock alignment with the torque. I also suspect Blue Loc-Tite might be better than staking, as staking doesn't seem to require as much torque to come off when I have compared the 2. Would be interested to hear your experience on that. You're one of the only guys who I recommend people to reference when it comes to AR-15 work, parts dimensions, and armorer-level processes.

[@sdsh3p]

with the green one, you can tighten the vise on four positions, which helps to stake the castle nut from multiple angles

[@bmb1506]

After much reluctance my wife gave her blessing to buy the alignment jig. I've been refreshing their page all day. But after your video I was compelled to confess the geissele jig is capable of doing the same thing. My wife thanks you

[@skennedy1217]

Thanks for this video. After over rotating a negative to spec buffer tube I started researching buffer tube alignment. Went back to my previous 6 builds and noticed a slight cant on a few of them. I bought the VISM jig but it was out of spec (imagine that). It’s on a warranty return but NCStar is out-of-stock. So I bit the bullet and bought the Geissele block (on sale though). Not only do I now have perfect alignment on my buffer tubes, but it also made staking the castle nuts so much easier. I just wish there was a jig for the UBR stock.

[@danclas5983]

Just finishing up my first build and finding your channel has helped me out a lot and has gotten my OCD and tool addiction in overdrive. I ordered the blue Vism jig and the FCD castle nut wrench and already thinking what's next. Thanks for the detailed content you put out, I've been benge watching your vids and now feel like I made good decisions on my build parts.

[@TheUbersam]

That coin shimming tip is great! I'm still using the reaction block and mag well block with two parallel vises. I think I got that tip from here as well.

[@michaelparks7563]

My gun clocked off to the side when tightening. I simply cannot live with that. So glad I found this video!

[@bjolly8924]

I'm building my first AR, it would drive me nuts I wouldn't sleep if it was not perfectly. I pause this video and spent $37 on the blue NC star jig Small price to pay for peace of mind

[@Mjdeben]

I own the Blue Vism jig. It's actually pretty dang good for the price ($25.99 on sale @ Buds). It can be difficult getting the lower attached to the jig with the grip screw. Also, you will need to fill the gaps in the section around the pistol grip tang as there is some slop. If you don't fill the gaps you end up putting all the stress from torqing the castle nut onto the pistol grip screw/tang thread. I just used elec tape, cause I didn't even think to use coins. Even with everything tightened down the receiver will still bend and flex if you tighten to the proper torque.

[@nurse-dude]

I have the Blue NcSTAR block, its worth its weight in gold, would recommend putting a flat washer under the grip screw though

[@mattofjax]

Before I started watching your videos, essentially taking your class through KZbin, I would always forget things and have little issues that I had to redo it at times. Things weren’t perfect. Since watching all your videos I put together the last rifle so precisely it went by so quickly I wish it had taken longer. Thank you for all of the wisdom you share. You are the best. I can just get a deal on some of these 3 bore Guages lol just kidding

[@jackbauer4186]

Sotar makes everyone who ever built a rifle go and take them apart and rebuild them.

[@devinacosta6307]

Yup!

[@BFVgnr]

It's all about the details. The tips, tricks, hacks, and quick steps that make the jobs easier with less chance of error. Excellent!

[@florasena]

Thanks for the "Rooftop Defense" mention. I found the LMT lower I am looking for there.

[@seanoneil277]

I've always wondered what forum chatters were talking about on these jigs, why they'd use one, etc. Now I know. Thank you Chad. Kley-Zion looks like the best of the lot unless you are a production facility. That ability to capture the armorer's wrench makes a nice 3rd hand. Always great content from you. Watch out for the fad-maker home "project" guys and their release of Artisanal Curated Custom Machined Genuine US Coin Replacements for home mechanics who want the very best. Our "Quarter" is precision machined from 7075 Alu to replicate a genuine US Quarter-dollar coin. Only $2.95 at the special introductory price. Our "Nickel" is $1.95, our "Penny" is $0.95, and our "Dime" is $1.25. Act now, and never again mar or mis-handle your genuine US coins. Limited time offer!

[@christinepearson5788]

Genesis tip, still think an NcStar is in my future for my OCD on alignment. Just got a Zion jig for my Birthday. Suggestion, get a 1/4" - 28 set screw to prevent pistol grip thread crushing and your guaranteed not to have interference with the width vs a conventional grip screw.

[@TwoWheelNinja]

I have the Botach jig and I have always drove myself crazy trying to get the extension aligned, I will be using this going forward.

[@JR-yn4cu]

I always purposely canted my buffer tube the opposite direction that you would tighten the castle nut. That way when I do the final tightening, the buffer tube gets pretty close to straight. Of course results differ depending on the fitment of the back plate into the lower. I recently did buy the Vism jig for under $30 on sale. Haven’t used it yet though.

[@malcolmpalm]

Great info, thanks, Chad. I was fortunate enough to snag a Geissele reaction block on sale over the holidays for $100.

[@cjanquart]

Me as well, although I don't know how often I'll use it, getting one at 50% off was a no-brainer!

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

I should have bought more. I want to pickup 3 more.

[@davidwarren4034]

You do make them pretty darn close to perfect my friend!

[@mattmarkowski909]

Love it! Now I don’t have to borrow the Green Monster from a friend. Lol. And it’s a lot cheaper than buying one since I bought the Geissele block years ago before the price increase. Thanks for the awesome tip Chad.

[@mikes8948]

One of the numerous tips learned in class. I sprung for the green monster, and the first time I used it was on a blem lower where part of the "blem" was a grip tang that was oversize in thickness and wouldn't fit the GM's extension. Scratched my head, then flipped the GM around backwards and used this technique! Worked like a champ...yes, I had to do a little "hand fitting" on the grip. 👍👍👍

[@eddieslight9203]

Got the Vism jig for $30. Had a stock clocked at 12:05 to the grip that I never noticed. The channel for the endplate key was off. It's a 12yr old P...S...A, though overall been a great tool once gone over plus some tweaks. Thought about grinding the key, instead swapped a spare buffer tube from a different mfg and now all is well. SOTAR is a great knowledge well.

[@MRTEE-sy7sb]

I use the NcStar jig. Excellent tool for $40, for a few builds/year it serves my purposes well. But man, anyone else notice the tight tolerances on that green jig when Chad put that RE in it? Very nice machining there. The blue jig you somewhat need to center the RE in the jig, if you’re being fussy.

[@LîNkxUSMC]

The king of AR Macgyver tips strikes again! This is fantastic Chad, nice to see you back.

[@sumohemo4805]

Every day I learn something new

[@blackyzfr1]

Awesome tip. Gives new meaning to "nickle and dime " something.🤣

[@triton302]

You sir are a godsend, I hate having my lower in a vice block and having to eyeball the buffer tube constantly to make sure it's still lined up as the castle nut tightens. I am most certainly going to try this method, much appreciated sir.

[@briancraft2160]

New to building AR platforms and really enjoying your videos. I just bought the Botach and will use your coin tip on my next build.

[@gunfisher4661]

Now that`s what I call a penny for your thoughts. Great channel

[@gadsdenjim8785]

I tried to buy the Botach a year ago, twice and they kept just canceling my order the next day telling me “it came back as fraud” so I did a little research on the company and realized it’s them that’s the problem. I ended up getting the Visim one when it came out and I’m pretty happy with it. I like the indexing on the lower and the tube together. Gets it perfectly straight for my OCD. I’ll never attempt to order from Botach again. They don’t have a good reputation and I found out why first hand.

[@blueeyeddevil1]

6:45 I'm guessing in a pinch you could simply thread the too-wide grip screw from the inside of the receiver trigger pocket (i.e., in the opposite direction) and provide enough squeeze protection.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

No all receivers have complete threads through the lower.

[@musician445]

Brilliant. Love to see it. Butting the Kley Zion or the Geiselle up to the castle nut is an awesome advantage.

[@willmarcus1777]

Hey Chad! For your info, the Green Monster has 4 Lobes at 12 O'Clock, 3, 6, and 9 so you can grab it in the vise at 90 degree intervals for easy access to stake the castle nut.

[@marcanthony854]

Chad, Bought 3 of the Green “Incredible Hulks” months ago, can’t be more pleased! Gordon makes a awesome product, the Geissele and NC-Star I have as well but By Far The Hulk is My personal Fav! Thanks for the Vids!

[@NotTheRookie]

I wish I had one of these (or even knew they existed) when I was assembling my AR 4-ish years ago. I noticed my buffer tube was rotating a bit when I was wrenching down my castle nut, so I just counter-rotated it so when It was done it was perfectly vertical as my eyes could get it. I did have some of the threading crack off, but it hasn't effected my performance yet!

[@EarthAltar]

Pretty cool, Chad. I like how these keep everything rigid so it lessens the chance of twisting the lower out of shape. Thanks for the info!

[@50calprepper]

I’ve gouged a few buffer tubes with the tang on the end plate, from trying to hold the receiver by hand while the tube was in the botach jig 🤦‍♂️ definitely getting one

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Sorry to hear about the issues with your buffer tubes getting gouged. It happens to many people my friend. I hope this video gives you ideas or methods that may help prevent damage in the future. Now for the sarcasm... Remember the experts say that what you experienced is: A) Not possible B) Better because canted and/or damaged buffer tubes are for delta ranger seals who operate operationally. :)

[@t1tan19]

Have the NCStar tool, love it

[@jakemerica]

Phenomenal. I've been struggling with slippage lately. Even chipped a castle nut. Great idea!

[@crdowney1]

A con to the blue one is that you have to assemble the gun in a certain order. Buffer tube first, then grip. That is fine if you have a system, but if you put together a gun a year, and buy random parts, and assemble randomly, you might have to take some stuff apart. But it is cheap and accurate.

[@MalleusSemperVictor]

As much as I change buffers I do not stake castle nuts on my own rifles. All the builds I've done for others have staked castle nuts and I explain in detail _why_ they should be staked.

[@ThePatriotParadox]

As always great information, and an asset to the AR building community

[@88magnum]

I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos . Thanks !

[@marktucker6749]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve been waiting for a long time for a video!!

[@HuckleBerry476]

Genius! Instructor Chad! thanks for the two cents! keep the change

[@alexmiller5796]

Sir, you’re an absolute genius

[@elbryan9]

I love this channel.

[@mylesrickbeil1493]

That is such a simple fix. I really could have used this knowledge a few weeks ago. Thanks for sharing

[@mrshort2379]

sweet idea!! about the change used..

[@dancarter7009]

Hi Chad, I’ve bought the Kley & finally tracked down the Vism a few months ago because of past videos that you’ve had & recommended them in. Also a big fan of the MI URR that I bought on your information/recommendation of. My specialty tool box seems to get bigger after watching your videos, lol. Love the channel & all the information & honest assessments. Thank you (& your family) for all the hard work. God bless throughout the new year.

[@waterboy330]

The Vism is an excellent tool. Probably the best of the four all factors including price considered.

[@michaelstarmer3497]

What a fantastic tip. I ordered the VISM one a few days ago but I can see where the Geissele would be a rock solid choice.

[@johngalt176]

Unless I'm missing something, could you use the head of the pistol grip screw as the shim? Obviously you would need to machine flats on the head to match the width of the buffer tool.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Tried it and it worked well for a short period of time, till a student broke the head off below the opening of pistol grip tang. That can be difficult to remove for most people. Change is easy and don't break like a screw.

[@johngalt176]

@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle Good to know. Tough to beat a 94 cent solution

[@joshuabruce9920]

That is a hex/socket head cap screw, if I'm not mistaken. Allen is a brand of tool but everyone associates their name with the hex head. All that being said, I say the same thing lol

[@jamesowens2781]

Thank you gearing up to build a couple of ARs on time advice

[@Knowledge315Official]

Thank you for the valuable information! I never knew these jigs existed.

[@drewbaglin1632]

I’m ordering the blue immediately.

[@MikeEdwards-j9g]

lol, I've run into the mis clocked buffer tube issues before. Ironically the one that I have that has this was a BCM lower. Perfect in every way but slightly clocked to where it's noticeable if you flip it on it's end and look down at it. not going to do anything bad as you said, but just enough to irk me that it's a freaking BCM lower that did this, not a PSA.

[@JustAverageJeff]

Love your videos thanks for the share, need to do my first castle nut.

[@17Liberty76]

Excellent tips. I'm a relatively new builder. Glad to see this and have an excuse to buy another tool

[@user-notAfed]

Quarters never fail!

[@ViperHummel]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@robertfoote3255]

Simply...... Outstanding!

[@powerman1955]

Fantastic information, these tools would make a huge difference

[@alecubudulecu]

Great tip but what I don’t get. About staking. Why does it need to be in a vise to stake? Just take off and put on bench block. No?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Almost every student of mine who tries to freehand staking does a poor job or they slip and stake somewhere they didn't intend. My advice is to hold the workpiece in a fixture. Some people will grab the buffer tube in a vise which is ok if you are gentle, but if you tighten too much you will crush the tube. You are free to work on your gun however you prefer. I'm simply passing on advice to minimize problems.

[@MJA5]

yeah, you can get a better aim and strike if the piece is firmly held. Stands to reason, eh?

[@alecubudulecu]

@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle oh apologies I didn’t mean it in sarcasm or derogatory way. Straight asking because I always assumed staking was just putting a notch and should be easy. Now I’m second guessing if I been doing it wrong the whole time.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

@@alecubudulecu no offense at all my friend. I was just sharing some things I have seen. If you can do it freehand I sincerely applaud your skill.

[@jammbbs1688]

As always you educate the masses

[@cheese.n.crackers]

Lots of great tips here. Thank you!

[@actionjksn]

I don't really build enough to invest the money in these, I just eyeball it and mine look good and straight. If I did one that looked off, I would loosen it and try again. I didn't even know about these until now. Maybe I'll get the NC Star some day.

[@ffostraining219]

Awesome video, what type/size extended fasteners did you use for the top of the blue VISM jig? The 2:05 mark, thanks.

[@bwayne4039]

Great information as always, I have a question, what work bench do you use or would recommend for purchase for this type of work? I want to be able to add a vice, and be able to make level for scope mounting. Thank you for any help.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

I use Seville Classic benches from sam's club.

[@bwayne4039]

@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle Awesome, thank you.

[@joshuawinne]

Awesome information. Thanks for sharing. I do appreciate it.

[@djinfwb]

Excellent demonstration video! Very good advice on the tools!

[@kasRose311]

Great stuff!

[@John-zf5wc]

Good morning, Chad. Great information on the receiver extension jigs. What jig would you recommend for the installation of an A2 buffer tube? I have a Brownells lower receiver vise block and also the NC Star Vism you show on this video. Which of these would be the best for this application, if either? If neither is suitable, what jig would you recommend? Thanks for all you give to us, Chad, it's the most useful information I've found anywhere.

[@50calprepper]

I literally just ordered one of the green monsters! $375 after tax and shipping 😢 cry once buy once I guess 🤷‍♂️ and they are selling out like hot cakes, was watching for back in stock status. Showed 30 by the time I got mine ordered was down to 13. Note.. the jig can be rotated to the other flats for staking purposes. UPDATE… sold out again!!!

[@Tom-qx5nl]

Great tip/trick. Why doesn't Geissele just improve their product by making the vice portion the correct thickness?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

1) Geissele may not know about this method. 2) The Reaction Block is an extrusion. If they mill the tang, it will add more cost. I would rather use some loose change than have the jig cost more.

[@sumohemo4805]

Excellent job 👏

[@ericchampion6993]

I have a question? While on the subject of the bcg it is ar relared. I want to change the typical ar front site to a low profile gas block, will the the front fore grip retainer also have to be changed?

[@Randy_84]

I'm honestly surprised YT hasn't shut you down... because, YT 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️ Glad to see you're still chugging along.

[@Mike44460]

How about using a set screw, no head, therefore no interference.

[@BuckRaeder]

A company needs to come out with a mix between the reaction block with multiple angles and the Tacone with the alignment key.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Patents prevent that.

[@GunCultureUSA]

Do you know why the green jig no longer has screws on the sides like the one in your video does?

[@AustinHillJD]

Any tips on getting your buffer tube aligned if you don't have a jig...?

[@mtnbound2764]

wish i woulda seen this vid 4 builds ago!

[@JoeSalazarIII]

I'm sold. EXCELLENT VIDEO.

[@ForceRecon112]

I have the NC star jig. How would you recommend staking the castle nut with that one? Could I just remove it from the jig and somehow secure the lower receiver in my vice?

[@davidmorris1536]

I stake using it. Be careful, as it is an alignment jig, not a staking jig.

[@vinceburris2538]

Thank you Chad for the information.

[@stephenjohnson6841]

What great info/video! Thanks again!

[@BB_Chaptsick]

What about the Present Arms polymer set, which has frequented your channel? Thoughts?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

I still have the present arms jig, but I retired it. These jigs work better in my opinion.

[@NomadicYeti]

Out of curiosity, who makes the "Green Monster" and where are they offered? The tolerances on that RE entering the tool is nuts!

[@brudamiranda3314]

Great one as always, thank you

[@mutatedgenome]

Thanks for sharing these tips Chad. Sol at RTD is a cool dude as well. BTW - What brand vice it that?

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Yost 445

[@rb7922]

Great tip, will have to use it! Quick question, and maybe I'm missing something but when the spare change is in the vice doesn't that make it wider than the grip screw shown? Not really a big deal just curious.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

The change may clear a grip screw that's too large. I just pointed it out as a caution.