Okay, I spent 2 hours or more looking for the info here in old posts, but either I suck at choosing search words or,,,,,,,,,,,,, anyhow, I'm looking to tweak a few things on my new toy, to make it fit New Jerksey rules, and among other things, like the front sight(thanks loads you guys). I also now need to remove the barrel and put it back on. What I have found tells me to either use the "vise blocks" or to use the "reaction rod" or "barrel spline socket rod". I have read reviews on both concepts, and can't be sure if the block will be okay with my upper as some have said it doesn't fit too well on some uppers (is our upper mil-spec?). And the "receiver insert to avoid crushing" seems a good idea, but some say it's too loose to effectively do the job. Umm, what? Block and insert is far far less costly, but--

I'm NOT going to be doing lots and lots of AR 15 work, so I don't want to blow all my birthday money on tools, but I have used enough tools in the last 50 odd years to know that c**ppy tools are not the way to go when it matters. Since there's no good local source for these, I have to do online, and don't want to waste time or effort with the wrong stuff.
HELP????

Oh yeah, one more thing: anti-seize grease (33, 64, aeroshell, etc.)on the barrel nut threads as some say, or plain old white lithium? Or a 3rd choice?
Thanks in advance!

I use the block, it works just fine. The Sport upper will fit it no problem. Don't overthink it if you are not going to be constantly working on the rifle, buy something that will work but won't break the bank. The block does that.

Personally? Use some sort of anti-seize, I think it's a much safer route for very little expense.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

Where are you in NJ?
I am around exit 137 GSP.
I will loan you the tools if you'd like.

If I can be of any help let me know.

Cheaper than dirt has this Armorers Tool Kit....AIM Sports AR-15/M4 Armorer's Tool Kit, Black - Cheaper Than Dirt

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. Are you happy with a certain block? Some reviews I saw mention that the ones they had were prone to a lot of flex.
I too was thinking that the better grease might be the way to go. I know that motorcycle parts, some of them, get locked on pretty hard when exposed to a lot of heat, I don't know just how hot my barrel nut is actually going to get.

Wow, that's hard to pass up on! Does it include your advice in using them? I have always been an R.T.F.M. kinda guy, but to hear it from one with experience is usually better than the manufacturers' directions alone.
Almost too good to be true, my exit is 135 when northbound, but I'm also right off 28, just a few miles west of 137! I use 137 when coming from above.
Sounds like I may be looking to pick up a box of donuts, or beer, or ice cream, to thank someone!

That is one of the sets I was looking at, as well as one of the ones Midway carries.
You liked that one enough to offer it up as better than another? Good to know, thanks

Be glad to help, if you need anything just shoot me a message.

I was gonna offer to send him my clamp, but this is a better option. This right here is what the gun community is all about. I wonder why others don't see it?

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Freedom isn't free.

Thx Rastoff, it's just good karma. I've had people on the forum do good deeds for me, no reason not to help others out.

You betcha, thanks.

Hey, I appreciate the attitude and the way you think. And may very well have accepted if it were not for the local support.

As to why others don't see it, I suspect it's just like the others who park halfway over the edge of the parking spot lines. They don't know better, and/or don't care about their fellow human beings enough to think about considering the results of their actions.

Thank you for the kind offer.