m1 carbine receiver wrench/Block

[gunsdora]

Need some help. Has any one tried this receiver wrench & is it any good . You see them on ebay & Numrich sells them also. The wrench don't look like it has a very snug fit ??. Thanks for any info
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Information

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[Bruce McAskill]

Yes they work but I use the handy mans secret weapon ductape on the receiver to take up some of the play. Do not try to use it on a tube receiver. You need to use a steel rod the same diameter as the spring tube taped in place before you try and remove or replace a barrel on a spring tube receiver.

[ChipS]

I bought the set some time ago from a reputable dealer and quite frankly I was disappointed with the very sloppy tolerances on both of the pieces, particularly the wrench. I considered sending them back but it would have cost a bundle due to weight and length. They are very heavy and sturdy. I made a thick brass shim to go around the barrel before I clamp it in the blocks and a similar brass shim for the receiver. I further shim the receiver wrench with brass and steel strip shims (obviously placed in different locations depending on whether going on of coming off) to where the wrench fit is snug on the receiver before I apply the force. I have mounted and dismounted several barrels with this tool, some requiring all of the torque I can muster to get it done and one on a spring tube receiver. But with the shims I always make sure there is NO force at all applied to the outer edge of the operating spring housing (top or bottom). IMHO if you use this thing right out of the box you will destroy a receiver eventually. Just my 2c. Be very careful with this tool or you will be sorry. ChipS

[gunsdora]

Thanks for all the info very helpful. Some times you wonder whey they would make something like that that don't fit right. Was thinking of cutting a part of the wrench to accept the part of the receiver were the front of trigger housing slides in the receiver. mite make it more stable ???.

[USGI]

That set looks like the one I bought from Nick Daily several years ago. I really wanted the one from Chesnut Ridge, but it was quite a bit higher in price (but probably worth it). I've only used it once and thought it worked OK. I did use some shims on both the wrench and the barrel block to protect the finish - I think it was just some thin card stock. Before I tried it, a "parts guy" at a gunshow gave me a tip about puting the barrel block in a shop press to hold onto it, and to make sure the shop press is bolted down. My press isn't bolted down, but I know if I had tried holding it a vise, it would have probably broke the vise or the workbench. I thought the wrench handle could have been a bit longer, but did do the job - it took a lot of effort to break the barrel loose from the receiver. It seems like the wrench design is similar the GI tool in how it grips the receiver - you just need to make sure you place it in the right spot. - Bob

[jimb16]

I use one like that. But I modified it. I drilled two holes in the bottom and tapped them. Then I made a plate to fit across the bottom gap. It fits much more snuggly and I have swapped out a dozen + barrels for myself and others with no problems.

[ChipS]

Was thinking of cutting a part of the wrench to accept the part of the receiver were the front of trigger housing slides in the receiver. mite make it more stable ???.

I think some of the higher end wrenches are made that way but it is probably beyond my capability and energy level.