SmythBusters: Top 5 AR Building Myths

[@Zenerd775]

The indexing pin is in fact very sensitive, but only emotionally. Make sure to give it lots of positive affirmation and sing it a little song too.

[@Abbynorml1979]

Seriously though, the ones you need to worry about are the ones that let you know they identify as an indexing pin. They tend to be extra sensitive and easily broken.

[@scottmichael3745]

You guys crack me up!! 😂😅

[@wannabecarguy]

Could you recommend a song for assembly?

[@davidtimmermann7226]

Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur...

[@Zenerd775]

Baby shark is my go-to

[@davidforce5617]

When I was an armorer in the Marines 77-88 all we had to remove and install barrels was aluminum blocks to clamp the barrels and never had a problem. People act like they are assembling 1000 yard 1MOA rifles Your not hand fitting anything you are assembling parts. Most off the rack AR15/M16s shoot better than the people shooting them.

[@hairydogstail]

That's because you were using parts that met the TDP spec..When you add parts from multiple different manufacturers that do no meet the TDP tolerances, that's when problems occur..Go on line and you will find endless videos of problem AR rifles..Sort stroking, jammed cases, clocked barrels, won't cycle, etc,etc....If it was as easy as you say, none of those videos would exist..There is a reason certain tools and techniques are used and Caleb is over simplifying that subject IMO..

[@09jisaac]

I never could figure out why you couldn't just clamp the barrel. My first build used two 2x4s and some bolts for clamps. I had my girlfriend stand on the 2x4s to hold them steady. Now, I have all the "proper" tools.

[@hairydogstail]

@@09jisaac You can and that is how the military did it for years by using barrel clamps..The problem with that method, the device or the clam shell vice is it still torques the barrel in the upper and if too much torque is applied, it can shear the barrel index pin, damage the upper in the index notch or both..Many upper receivers have more play between the index pin and receiver notch than others and the barrel can clock using these methods..This can cause the bolt to hit the outer receiver extension lugs, damaging both..A receiver rod with a sail like the Mid West ind. or the 2Unioque will limit the movement and takes all the stress off of the barrel index pin and upper receiver notch..Look up sheared index pins or damaged uppers, there are a lot of them..

[@beardoe6874]

Well, some of us are building 1 MOA, 1,000 yard rifles... The beauty of the AR platform is you can do that if that is your thing., Now, regarding the barrel nut, clamping force is a product of the torque applied and the size (and thread pitch) of the fastener. The barrel nut is quite large and the torque spec wide, I think 30-80 ft-lbs. For the size of that fastener, both ends of that spec are low values. By comparison a 1/2" wheel stud is usually 100 ft-lbs or a little more. If the barrel nut torque was a spec for maximum clamping force it would be well over 200 ft-lbs. The takeaway is that the required clamping force is low and some of these specs were written just to tell people it has to be kind of tight but don't overdo it. The unfortunate result is some people crying because they torque to 80 ft-lbs and their gas tube is hitting a barrel nut tooth. The real method is you should torque to 30 ft-lbs, then tighten it a bit more to clear the gas tube if you need too. But some people will still be clutching their pearls and then you can say, fine, mark the tooth that is blocking the gas tube and dremel it off. You don't need all of the teeth and that will let you get your precious 80 ft-lbs. Now some people are crying because you said the D-word and you have to lap the receiver more or use barrel nut shims to get the gas tube to align at 80 ft-lbs. No matter where you stop on that journey, the result is the same. I know that but I do some unnecessary things. I prefer an upper receiver block that grabs the picatinny rail of the upper. I just think the upper rail has more material to efficiently transfer barrel nut torque through the receiver to the vice. I don't loosen fasteners with my torque wrench if I have my breaker bar handy. I don't use a 1/2" torque wrench that goes up to 200 ft-lbs to torque a 30 ft-lb barrel nut. Torque wrenches are most accurate in the upper half of their range so I go for an appropriately sized torque wrench that will be accurate around the value I'm shooting for. Lastly, I am going to clamp my barrel when I mess with my muzzle brake. I know it's not required but I might need to use more than 30 ft-lbs to clock my muzzle device on a crush washer, that might twist the barrel under the barrel nut and for that 1 MOA, 1,000 yard rifle, I don't want to mess with that after I have tightened it... With all of that said, I do have a reaction rod (no wing) and one of those Magpul things. I have tried them and I might use a reaction rod in an upper with the barrel extension pin notch wallowed out to keep everything straight (this might also be a reason to dremel a barrel nut tooth and go to 80 ft-lbs) but I usually use nice parts that just don't need anything special. I do like the reaction rod for tightening muzzle devices. It's a balance of putting in a minimal effort over what is absolutely necessary without convincing myself that my way is the only way or that it's better. It is just the way I do it because doing it the same every time helps me avoid stupid mistakes and a method that works on a 1 MOA, 1,000 yard rifle is going to work on a mag-dump in to garbage rifle too.

[@bartshowman6067]

Well said. ​@@beardoe6874

[@Yoda63]

Shots fired at my harbor freight torque wrench 😂

[@Ash_95]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@scottzackery3209]

You get what you pay for, 😂😂😂

[@ishnifusmeadle]

It's a qc thing. Most of em are spot on and hold spec for a long time, but every now and again they're waaaaaaaaay off. That's something that's caught in better name brands more often but also why hf is cheaper.

[@investigativeoutcomes9343]

you need a torque wrench for a barrel nut? lmao!

[@drewschumann1]

I have a balance bar wrench that I use to check calibration and my Harbor freight torque wrenches are near perfect

[@denniswerner1670]

Everyone on the internet thinks they’re an expert, and they’re cocky about it too.

[@ratagris21]

Don't forget KZbin Certified Armorers too.

[@liggerstuxin1]

Honestly, everybody nowadays is becoming incredibly educated. Just a matter of whether or not they are an asshole about their opinion or whether they are willing to be corrected.

[@ratagris21]

@@liggerstuxin1 so true.

[@TrashAnyway]

You don't know what you're talking about.

[@didamnesia3575]

You sure about that?

[@badgerord]

As a guy that MAKES gas blocks, the gap is ONLY necessary if the gas block is made wrong! On a Mil spec barrel, the gas hole is .395 "+/- .005" When we intelligently designed our gas blocks we made the hole in the block the EXACT same distance from the shoulder as the gas hole in the barrel. problem solved through Engineering and COMMON SENSE!

[@gunztommiegunz]

I just installed one and because of the geniuses online I used a compressor to test it. You’re supposed to go to the shoulder on Milspec barrels but It doesn’t really matter because it’s huge. I went all the way to the shoulder. It’s only for barrels made for hand guards. JP Enterprises actually has it in their instructions. They make excellent gas blocks

[@bernardomontell873]

The chemistry between these two is great.

[@hateferlife]

In all my years, I recall 3 'excessive stress failures' of M16-family weapons: -Brand new A4 during bayonet training, cracked the receiver extension off at the receiver. -M4 run over by a HMMWV. Didn't 'fail' per se, bent the barrel just before the D-ring and also the buffer tube -buffer tube bent in a Stryker ramp I have faith in the barrel/upper interface to be plenty resilient against Infantrymen. The buffer tube on the other hand...

[@halogod0298]

I always imagined the buffer system to be the most vulnerable

[@hateferlife]

@@halogod0298 Just what I'd seen. Also edit OP: just reread the first point, the A4 doesn't have a castle nut, just a one piece extension.

[@seven_sixtwo]

People really don't understand that parts and tools are consumable, everything will eventually wear out, but when it does, you just buy another one or replace a part

[@robertpettus6037]

Yup. Well said. People spend ots on a barrel and then can't afford ammo.

[@HDBee]

When you run a business, you try to keep costs down and profits up. You can’t do that by misusing and breaking your tools, it will put you out of business.

[@gonerydin4225]

"Don't over think it." Is some of the best advice I ever received.

[@hairydogstail]

As oppose to under thinking it??

[@wannabecarguy]

If it disassembles at the range, you might need to improve your process.

[@MichaelSmith-hu5tw]

You mean like these guys are? People recommending the URR (and similar), aren't the ones overthinking the interaction of the tools and parts.

[@Makingnewnamesisdumb]

Torque wrenches in general have to be the tool with the most myths around them.

[@onmilo]

+1. Guys mixing up inch Pounds with Foot Pounds.

[@Ratkill9000]

That and using extensions lessen the amount of applied torque. Its BS.

[@AmesArsenal]

@@Ratkill9000 straight extension id say are negligible and wouldn’t even worry about it. Now something like crows foot or dog bone id try my best to get it 90* from the head of the wrench. Because adding length does change torque.

[@ronsorrentino6207]

@@Ratkill9000The reason that’s a thing using extensions, especially longer extensions, as well as swivels for that matter, is because they flex and people think that that flex can, will and does alter the torque amount. Which it doesn’t.

[@Steel_shooter]

@@AmesArsenal I saw a video where they tested the difference with a crows foot, and in regards to barrel nuts, the amount were not high enough to be any meaningful difference, as the torque specs are so wide that its not really an issue. For other things it might be more important.

[@gregoblv5561]

Hey Caleb, when I was a mechanic YEARS ago I had a Snap-On torque wrench, not a cheapy, and I used it to torque and remove, sometimes, 3 to 5 times a week. I showed the Dealer that my wrench would dial down, mechanical adjustment, about 3 lbs below 0. He said that would take all the tension off the spring as it is in compression when in use torquing a nut/bolt. So that is how I stored it and if I needed the length to take something off that is where I set it. Then the only action was the 'click'. And I never had a issue with torque values changing. SO go for it and for all you out there, shop worrying and over thinking this stuff. Next you will worry about over torquing your 1/2 inch box end wrench.

[@Cruiser777]

You're absolutely right.I still have my dad's torque range from 50 years, and it works fine. And I used it for another forty years working on transmissions But that's the way I store it. Take the pressure off the spring, all of them.

[@Mihogan]

Can confirm that Torque Wrenches are a lot tougher than people believe. Bought my wrench 16 years ago, from Harbor Freight at that, and never knew until a year ago that you are supposed to not loosen with them and that you are supposed to lower the torque setting to relieve tension. I had always stored my wrench at 90 ft lbs! Tested it and it's accurate within 2.5%, which very well might have been the standard deviation of it when brand new.

[@hateferlife]

Now this is some good data! Leaves me with a question, how many people check calibration?

[@scottmichael3745]

Now I'm a professional mechanic for a multi billion dollar corporation, so I understand we may not be the norm, but, our torque wrenches are calibrated 4 times a year. Again, probably for liability, but they get shipped off very 3 months and we get new ones in return (well, recalibrated ones).

[@charlieghague]

It's not that you shouldn't ever loosen fasteners with a torque wrench. That's not the issue. The issue is when you go over the max torque spec for that specific tool. Most have a reverse gear for left handed fasteners. But if you use it as a breaker bar and go over the max rating, it can damage the spring and cause calibration issues. But they neglected to say that part. Instead, they make it sound like you can just loosen anything without concern. Which simply isn't true.

[@IndependentArmz]

Yeah, I think those old rules more applied to older wrenches

[@hoosiered471]

These videos are gold.....absolute GOLD i tell you!!!! I love how you guys delve into the details of the "whys," "hows", and "why nots" of the AR15 build. Please keep doing informative videos like these!!!!

[@leepate6188]

I use a Craftsman torque wrench I received in the late '70's. I did not use it much in Automotive work. Dug it out when I started building AR's. it is still accurate. Almost 50 years. I was taught to take care of my tools. I have a set of pliers that my father had before I was born. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your videos. Caleb, don't change your hair. You do you!

[@lmbear]

Good info guys. Sometimes I don't agree with your content, but you guys hit the nail on the head today. This stuff can be done different ways. The main thing is the AR works without fail, when you are done.. I build mine for precision. I'll do extra things like bed the barrel to the receiver. Also, the barrel nut has a broad range/spectrum for torque. You can do it with a crescent wrench, tighten the damn thing and be good enough. If you are familiar with what torque values are. Also, when installing a barrel device on the barrel, I always throw the barrel in a vise. That way there is absolutely no torque on the receiver. It may not be necessary, but it sure does help when taking a muzzle device off, that has been torqued on too tight!! Keep it easy, keep it simple. No need to overthink this stuff...

[@cooziedoo]

I love this video! Besides guns, I work on cars, bikes and airplanes. They’re all just machines. Nothing magical about them. My favorite was the torque wrench. Why DID they put the reverse switch on them, lol! Those folks would probably pass out watching me use one as a breaker bar! The key is to buy a good quality one so you can trust the cal! Keep up the good work!

[@556online]

You did it. You addressed all those comments from "The Device" video that said it was over priced and didn't do as good of a job as the MI reaction rod. So glad you came through. I am no expert but I have built a few dozen AR's and I just purchased the Lite Device and man I love it. The ol reaction rod will probably be going on tacswap. It is the beefiest and stoutest way to hold the upper reciever period.

[@soliduslake21]

“This ain’t no middle of the mall barrel” 😂 nice Riff Raff reference!

[@bradadcock1346]

Only non-boomer thing about this video, including the gen Z’r that said it. Lol

[@Mikey_Mac]

I’ve put 6 uppers together with the cheaper upper vice block and never had any issues. Although a few times I was nervous about torquing the barrel nut but lo and behold everything was just fine. Never sheared an index pin or bent the upper.

[@BigHarryBalzac]

I worked on thousands of M16A1s in the army and never heard of a reaction rod until 35+ years after I got out. We had aluminum vise jaws that fit around the barrel and when the barrel started to turn, we grabbed a junk barrel out of the garbage can and stuck it through the front sight base. Then we either had someone hold onto the junk barrel, or just let the one in the vise turn until the the junk hit the workbench and it couldn't turn any farther. Usually the latter. Sometimes we had to use extreme amounts of force to loosen barrels, and even a breaker bar wasn't enough if someone didn't properly torque and grease the barrel the last time it was installed. That's why you should never use a torque wrench or ratchet wrench to break loose a tight nut of any kind, whether it's a barrel nut or a lug nut. Sometimes you need to slip a pipe over your breaker bar for extra leverage, and that would be enough to destroy a torque wrench. Something you just tightened within the limits of your torque wrench can be loosened with it no problem, but I still use a breaker bar to loosen everything because I think it's a bad habit to get into. One time I had to change an upper receiver but the barrel was still good, and they were seized together because someone didn't coat the threads with molybdenum disulfide grease like they were supposed to. I used a big piece of steel pipe to beat the upper off of the barrel. Things like that are why I got into a disagreement on KZbin with someone at a gun company who just puts a bit of oil on the threads of the upper and torques the nut down. ONE TIME. We always torqued them down, loosened them, torqued them down, loosened them,and torqued them down again because the threads on a new upper receiver will stretch when you tighten the barrel nut. Not to mention some of the anodizing grinding down. The nut actually tightens down farther when you reapply the same amount of torque again the third time, when compared to the first. If your barrel gets hot enough, maybe because you went "full semi-automatic" 😉and did several mag dumps, oil can burn off but the metal particles in moly grease are like a thin plating that isn't going anywhere.

[@johnnydude1488]

Wow Steve REALY looked like he was drinking, but what gave it away was him drinking it too much and implying he had some left at thr end

[@chipsterb4946]

Now hold on a minute! I bought not 1 but 2 reaction rods from Brownells - one for an AR-15 and another for a 308-AR. I want a refund since they are totally unnecessary according to Caleb here! 😜

[@CalebSavant]

I was quoted as saying the opposite at 6:05 lol

[@chipsterb4946]

@@CalebSavant I know that 😝 That device you demonstrated is interesting. However, I have the reaction rods and will continue using them. Especially for installing and removing muzzle devices because they secure the barrel itself, not the receiver the barrel is attached to. I “get” your point that if the torque needed to remove a muzzle device is enough to damage the receiver we have bigger problems.

[@vlodpg]

Send them back, 100% satisfaction guarantee!

[@davidschaadt3460]

But they look nice hanging on your shop wall.🔧

[@masterk5066]

Why do I feel like this was a sneak diss towards PSA lower parts kits 💀💀😂😂

[@Perez1492]

One of the best ones ever, you guys are great.

[@knine8154]

I put mine together with a vice, two blocks of wood, and a cheap barrel wrench, people are obsessive

[@analogludite9575]

Wow!! As a novice to the AR world, you have debunked myths about "problems" I never even would have though of. Maybe I don't worry enough.😉 Here's a couple of my obsevations: Aluminum Oxide is tougher than Aluminum. You can use Aluminum Oxide sandpaper on Aluminum, it's how they clean up castings. You said a torque wrench doesn’t know which way it's going. I have one that does. It was my Dad's, and probably made in the early 60's, maybe before then. It's still in it's steel case, though most of the paint has worn off the outside. It measures torque for clockwise wise rotation. When you flip the lever for counterclockwise rotation, it "locks up/out" the torque mechanism, and behaves like any other ratchet. You can break loose any rusty nut or bolt you want. It does mean it cannot do LH threads, which is occasionally a pain in the A$$. 😉 I am learning a lot, keep up the good work! 👍

[@manlystuffs4197]

Thank you so much for debunking the whole indexing pin myth. I was always pretty worried about that when dealing with muzzle devices.

[@daviddrago9360]

Title should’ve been “ Caleb takes down the armchair warriors” Steve is the icing on Caleb’s cake 😂😂😂

[@sladeoriginal]

When being tightened, once the lugs of the reaction rod contact the barrel extension engage, there is no more stress on the pin.......kicker.....AS LONG AS the slack in the pin and slot is less than the barrel extension and lugs. The most value a reaction rod has is to prevent clocking of a barrel with a FSB.

[@willo7734]

There’s enough real knowledge out there to learn without having to make up imaginary stress on the barrel extension pin lol. Great video guys.

[@hairydogstail]

There is a lot of broken and sheared barrel extension pins if you cared to look..Must be a lot imagination going around lol..

[@SL-ix4yk]

Every ar I’ve built has been on one of those blocks that holds the pins and I will say I did accidentally forget to pin the front one time I installed a barrel and I snapped off the rear takedown pin hole, but other than that never had a problem, I also keep the upper in that jig to install the muzzle device, I agree you guys are very good when it comes to information ! Keep it up !!!

[@MrScary67]

This was probably the most informative (for me) video about AR building I've seen in a while! Good vid!

[@scubasleeve3497]

When tightening the barrel nut just put the upper in the vise sideways, with some softer material in the jaws to protect the Picatinny rail and bottom of the receiver, rather than using some jig which relies on the "feet" that the takedown and pivot pins pass through to carry that torque. Also, if you're concerned about this, rather than buying some expensive "reaction rod" to install muzzle devices, just take the rail off and put the barrel in a V-block in the vise when installing the muzzle device. ZERO torque is applied to the upper this way.

[@michaelsinclair7253]

Who woke poor Steve up for this video? I’m crying tears of laughter at his lack of enthusiasm. He keeps sipping coffee, waiting for it to kick in. From 7:00 to 7:25 made me spit my coffee. “Oh my G-d. I wish you wouldn’t have said that. Oh no.” in that monotone voice of the not yet caffeinated, as he sips his coffee at the cyclic rate. Always a pleasure to watch your content. Much appreciated.

[@walkercustoms]

Great video. Novice people can become consumed with details. Which propagates on the internet exponentially.

[@SelfHandledRogue]

with cheap handguards the barrel nut will get out of position and can not be fixed leaving the handguard canted. if you do not clamp the barrel . cough bca owners are aware of this cough cough. love the videos

[@Jeff11776]

You guys are the absolute best. Thank you so much for being real. God bless.

[@Andrewsky347]

If you use a reaction rod that only grabs the barrel extension you will have issues with the index pin getting smooshed and the upper receiver index pin slow getting enlarged. You just need something that holds the upper itself, not just the barrel extension.

[@williamshephard640]

Thanks for the video it was informative and entertaining as always!

[@sethmiller5413]

As long as you don't exceed the torque wrench specs, you can loosen all day long. Sometimes you just don't know how tight something is though. Loosening with a breaker bar is the best way to be sure. Every toolbox should have a breaker bar.

[@sheahargis7453]

I work on aircraft. A 737 has a 150 FT/LB final torque on the axle nut. A 3/4 drive torque wrench is used to break it loose routinely and the torque wrenches withstand it no problem. A recreational user assembling gun parts will not wear out their torque wrench breaking a few barrel nuts with one.

[@lynnhunley7597]

Yall are doing too much!!!! What a great catch phrase! 😂😂😂😂😂😂thanks appreciate you guys!

[@mikecollins8241]

I've been watching lots of these videos, both Brownells and a bunch from Chad at SOTAR, while I consider building (vs buying) my next AR... I'll probably buy another one for now, maybe separate upper/ lower. But I am learning a lot about what to look for, and if I do decide to swap parts/ build, i feel like I have a good knowledge base to do so, from these videos :)

[@kdw75]

I have heard that the reason your torque wrench has a reverse switch is so it can be used in the southern hemisphere. Down there you tighten bolts the opposite direction. Using the reversing lever in North America will throw your spring drozilator out of whack.

[@Enword_Jim]

Gas block alignment certainly does matter with some gas blocks. Buddy built his first AR and it wouldn't run at all, we moved the block off of the shoulder and suddenly it ran with no issues.

[@RobinP556]

Agreed. As for the torque wrench, as long as you aren’t exceeding the amount of torque that you have it set for you’re fine.

[@leesorensen3077]

The only time I over-torqued a muzzle device was because I wanted to go from a 1:10 twist to a 1:7 twist. You are correct on the barrel nut, I have never done one less than 80 foot lbs.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Always an outstanding video and presentation.

[@codybill24]

Yeah, torque wrenches can pretty much handle the normal use you described. In theory, in extremely precise applications, a torque wrench may be calibrated slightly differently going one way vs the other. It doesn't really cause damage using it the other direction, just may be very slightly off if that's not the direction in which it was calibrated. Still doesn't matter for the vast majority of applications, including pretty much anything you'd be doing at home.

[@chadillac95]

The torque wrench wouldn't have the option to knuckle that way if it wasn't designed to work for left hand threaded fasteners. That's always been my argument as well when someone says you shouldn't use them to loosen things. I could understand that argument for in-lb torque wrenches, maybe, but not ft-lb torque wrenches

[@anthonyshepard9606]

6-10-2024, 8:08AM, PST : When not using my torque wrenches, either for firearms or for automotive use, I always set them to zero. There won't be any standing pressure on the wrench/spring when not in use. Unless you're doing something stupid, a torque wrench might outlive you calibration wise. LOL. Outstanding instructional info information. 🐢 🤔 🐢 😲 🐢 😀

[@randymagnum143]

I always back the torch regulators off when I'm done too. Really aggravates the next guy, lol.

[@1014p]

True, good practice to tune them down. I should probably start doing that for the work ones.

[@BuffRANGE]

Thanks for the tips!

[@fredsalter1915]

I love these guys! People think the hardened steel/aluminum is like paper mache

[@hairydogstail]

What people??

[@iandouglas3940]

Re. 11:35 to end or near end: Country bumpkin! You are not touching my torque wrench!

[@russelraven7004]

Steve is a man of great patience

[@TyroneBrown-mz9qi]

Torque wrench calibration is generally +/- 4% in Clockwise, +/- 6% Counter Clockwise. Ive calibrated many many. Also who would of ever give it a thought to hold the receiver to tighten the barrel nut? Ive always held the barrel with hardwood blocks.

[@bwayne4039]

Absolutely love and appreciate these videos, please do not stop. Great no non sense information.

[@hairydogstail]

The reaction rod with a sail will keep the barrel straight compared to many other clam shell types..Many AR uppers are not made to spec or are on the outer end of the spec, add a wide index slots and the barrel index pin (will) move side to side while torquing the barrel nut..This can cause the barrel to clock enough in the upper to cause misalignment between the bolt and barrel extension..I have seen a lot of home made AR's where the bolt hits the barrel extension while closing the bolt, causing peening on the out side of the bolt..I have fixed many of these clocked barrels using the Mid West reaction rod or the 2Unique reaction rod ..The reaction rod with a sail will also prevent damage to the uppers index slot or breaking the barrel index pin if too much torque is used..The 2Unique reaction rod uses wider lugs and a thinner sail compared to the Mid West URR that has narrower lugs with a wider sail..

[@michaelcasey1488]

You guys are awesome and funny. Keep up the good work.

[@Raven_96001]

Great video. Great audio. Thanks

[@-andy-rocketman8025]

Working in automotive and motorbikes section in Italy and being self taught mechanic I heard this thing about torque wrenches a lot. I honestly think about that the myth come from the idea of prolungating life of a costy tool...if u use it only to torque to spec u definetly use it 1/2 of the times so it can be logic....but than not using it for the opposite if u have to work on something specific it is just stupid...as u perfectly said they have a switch so that's the best clue that it can be used reverse mode

[@whahahajr]

My Savage MSR barrel nut was so tight from the factory. I destroyed my upper removing the nut. There was no locktite or rockset once I cut it off. I heated it. And steamed it. I broke my armorers wrench first. Then upper twisted after i got a better tool and a breaker bar. I had it in a vise block that had two pins. Ripped the uppers receivers pin block. So I just tighter the upper in the vise. I was at a point of no return. That’s when it twisted.

[@blacksmithcowboy4725]

Great video, guys. Don't think I've ever heard any of those myths before. Keep up the good videos.

[@DonnaSeward-m7l]

Ive been building for 10 yrs now...but, these were questions i had as a noob. The new guys are so lucky to have vids like these. (I started building when there were actually yt vids showing u how to build)

[@Fadaar]

watched enough School of the American Rifle videos to actually agree that using a proper reaction rod for barrel torques, while not 100% required, is highly recommended. it's a one time purchase, may as well play it safe.

[@David-dp1rk]

I stopped giving my advice on this subject everybody is a pro . These day people are worried about quantity vs quality. Thanks for the videos

[@number23br]

This is my favorite Brownells' video by far.

[@timswinscoe2895]

😂awesome video you guys are great I understand everyone has an opinion on something and don’t always need to share

[@MrMech-oj7iy]

Agreed. Torque wrenches go both ways.

[@Darius10thP]

i recognize that torque wrench lol glad to see you use high quality tools i use too

[@drewschumann1]

I think its a good practice to loosen torqued nuts with torque wrenches. It provides important information about pre existing torque

[@imgoatmunk7903]

Thanks for the video

[@bradadcock1346]

This could have been a 30 sec video. One tool is good for installation only, the other is good for everything including breaking free nuts that are inevitably over-torqued. Geissele reaction rod for the win.

[@LilYeshua]

I've put my gas block a business card thickness distance from the barrel shoulder. That's what I've learned from watching KZbin videos. Works for me.

[@daultonhuskey2804]

I use a 90 deg. bore scope to check alignment and it really makes no difference. My buddy had vapor lock about leaving the space till i sent him a video from the inside as i installed the gas block. Have a good day Bud!

[@b0tay]

the common sense is strong with this one!

[@HDBee]

You can ruin a torque wrench by putting more torque on it than it’s set for or rated for. The head of a torque wrench swivels on a pin, once you hear the click you need to stop. I was taught that in auto shop in high school and motorcycle school in college, and have seen wrenches with the pins, heads broken and sides smashed down. Just try torquing down a bolt that requires 120 ft lb with a 50 ft lb rated torque wrench and see what happens, it’s not a breaker bar.

[@hairydogstail]

You can..

[@TheArmamentShop]

I’m curious, what AR has a barrel nut torqued to 120 ftlbs?

[@hairydogstail]

@@TheArmamentShop Ones the customer red loctited the threads because some nimrod on the internet told him to do it..

[@HDBee]

@@TheArmamentShop FAL Imbel kit with the receiver stub still on the barrel. I don’t know what torque specs Imbel used but I have had to use a cut off wheel, hammer and chisel to split the receiver stub to get it off. Steel receivers with threaded barrels sometimes require high torque to time the barrel within specs, without shaving the barrel shoulder.

[@other9293]

Maybe more relevant to removing a spent barrel and/or removing a sig muzzle device after boiling the hell out of it.

[@dillyoverwood9690]

This might be the craziest thing you’ve ever heard but I check all my gas tube alignments by sucking air through the gas tube after I have tightened the set screws on the gas block. I’ve done it enough to know exactly where to set my adjustable gas blocks to shoot 300 blackout subsonic rounds.

[@hennysworld2382]

While I agree with most of the things in this video. I don’t agree with the gas block alignment. I ran a suppressor on my 300 blackout for the first time a few months back..and got a superlative arms Adjustable gas block. Had my LGS install it. It was right on the shoulder at first when they installed it. No matter what setting I put the gas block on…it short stroked like crazy. I moved the gas block maybe a MM off the shoulder. And….MAGIC! No more short stroking. On pretty much any setting I had it on. (Yes I know adding a supressor does change the way the gas operates on an AR) and they may mean running supers on no can but still. That statement still applies.

[@PatriotFlames]

Love these videos. I totally agree, in general, about removing things with a torque wrench. I would caution against using a torque wrench when listening auto parts that may have untold high torque, I think that's where the people get confused. They were told in shop class not to loosen with one and they took it as gospel.

[@ethan5.56]

I scooped up a real avid reaction rod for cheap and there's no wing. It works great and I've had no issues with it. I also have a cheap plastic vice block that clamps around the whole upper receiver but I rarely use it. Got a harbor freight torque wrench as well as a wheeler fat wrench and a tapco AR wrench that are all affordable budget tools that get the job done. Great video

[@Chris-pq8oj]

Lol I started building my ars with the plastic clamp around one build like 5 with it don't use it anymore but it's with all my other gun tools just on case , it worked fine for the 1st ones I build years ago

[@edb4526]

You guys are so geeky! Please continue, its awesome!

[@zmbombr]

Im glad you addressed the reaction rod myth...i thought i need to run out and get a new widget....Im sure if Mr Stoner thought the index pin and 6 x 1.25in worth of threads ( some one get me the linear ft on that please) was insufficient, im sure he would had made something that was sufficient.

[@hairydogstail]

It is not a myth and he proved nothing..The reaction rod with a sail prevents the barrel from clocking in the upper unlike other methods..This is how we fix clocked barrels..

[@1014p]

The reaction rod, a silly name. Having used one makes assembly very easy. During torquing you can see the receiver flex. Several uppers done around same time and all flexed. So sure, you could torque without a reaction rod. It’s a good practice to use one. We saw near no flex, level the rod in the vise and go. I assembled my first lower with a few Allen wrenches, upper pre-assembled. So to throw together an upper with minimal tools is possible. Tightening the barrel nut adds a challenge. If you from the Navy probably can do it without a torque wrench… Oh if you vape, it’s a good way to test if gas block is aligned or anything can get through. It was cool to see. Cherry smell lasted till first few shots. Regarding the torque wrenches, all the trainings I get. Every one of them specifically say do not use it to break a bolt or nut off. Even engineering explanations have very good reasons. It’s not just about the spring in the wrench. I’ve seen damage occur on a few systems of others just cranking on the wrench. It can happen, example noted one guy had to recheck up to 5 systems. On the spot my wrench was able to tighten more while the later just clicked each time. Mine from cal was good, theirs was not from the incident. But you’re not dealing with rotating mass like our stuff. Things fly off due to damaged bolts by torque or not right spec reached.

[@jasongaudreau2075]

Pretty sure I’ve used my torque wrench as a hammer a few times here now. Still does that “clicking” thing. I mean, I’ve never calibrated it. But my right arm is pretty darn close to perfect…except that one time I bashed my finger…using it as a hammer!

[@timturner7609]

If you loosen a faster that exceeds the torque wrench spec, you will fuck up your torque wrench. The warning isn't there for thread seasoning. Its there so you don't try to loosen your lug nuts that were tightend to 250 with an impact. Or try to break a rusted siezed up ass bolt

[@MsPatriotfront]

It hurt to hear some of this... but I guess I needed to hear it.

[@MoonMoon-gu2ge]

Morning yall

[@RFPews]

I’ve got an old DPMS block that fits into the upper and pins on. Triple digit uppers have been assembled on that thing over the last 20 plus years. No issues at all.

[@lawrencewu3356]

I love these 2 guys. They’re hilarious

[@Thisisoscar_]

10:38 there is an equation to calculate the ft-lbs of torque that barrel nut applies to the threads and barrel. Something crazy last i heard like over 2,000 ft-lbs

[@Paladin1873]

Torque wrench? Torque wrench? I don't need no stinking torque wrench.

[@whatsmolly5741]

Ya i just run the rifle until a problem is encountered and then focus on fixing that specific problem instead of trying to predict all possible issues.

[@Firedrake1313]

Standard springs are rated to 10000 cycles. I'd be surprised if anyone other than a factory assembler ever reaches that limit on a torque wrench.

[@atomiklam]

The torque wrench comments were cracking me up in that video as someone who uses torque wrenches in the garage a lot.

[@armorers_wrench]

If you want a really good torque wrench, like for people who use them in a professional context and you're using it all the time, DeWalt makes a very nice digital one. It's available in various drives. You definitely can loosen/tighten lefty fasteners with a torque wrench btw. If you weren't supposed to do that, the manufacturer wouldn't install a knob to reverse the torque.

[@mstephens8996]

It sounds like an adjustment wrench with several uses.

[@jimmywilliamson8540]

You can potentially throw your torque wrench out of whack, so it's just good practice to have a different ratchet or breaker bar, handy at all times. It will most likely be okay but why take the risk, you can not only damage to the wrench but whatever you're working on. The torque specs shouldn't be that critical on anything but it's easy to just have two of a given socket or whatever you need to do the tightening and loosening

[@brownells]

How does it throw it out of wack? What's actually happening that is bad?

[@pkake1319]

This ia anecdotal, but i built mine with a reaction rod, that has no wing, therefore only supporting the barrel extension. And mine are fine. Ideally you would support both the barrel AND reciever, but sometimes you have what you have. I also think that the torque wrench thing comes from the idea that you can "measure" proper torque values by using a torque wrench to break things free and re torque ing the faster to the break away torque. That being said I'm still not using my snap on tech wrench to break things free, too expensive to chance it.

[@jimscott5705]

I only use torque wrenches for head gaskets. 😁