Gunsmithing LR308 barrel nut torque technique

[RprtasteforLR]

Have all the parts put together for my first lr308 aero build but I need to torque down the barrel nut. I have a torque wrench but watched a video showing I need to use a vice block to hold my upper while torquing. Is there a home made way to safely hold the upper while torquing down the barrel nut ? Thanks ahead of time

 

[jet_lagged]

You can try clamping the upper in a vice between some plywood or other semi-soft wood. But risk cracking the upper.

080001040

080001040 https://www.brownells.com/search/?sku=080-001-040&search=080001040

www.brownells.com

Tool from Brownells or the more expensive version from Geissele would be a much safer way. Brownells accepts at 1/2 inch drive, or you can place a 1/2 stub of metal to hold it in a vise. Then you can do the torque wrenching with both hands.

 

[Easy_E]

Twisting on the barrel extension makes me nervous I know guys do it and some have issues. I used some nice plywood soft jaws in a bench vice for years never had an issue. You have to be careful not to let it twist or slip. A friend uses some of the plastic holders after using them I bought a set. https://www.plastixrevolution.net/products/ar-10-lr308-sr-25-upper-lower-vise-blocks

 

[RprtasteforLR]

Thanks for the input. I ended up using a vise with some nylon pads off Amazon around the upper. Final torque was 40ft lbs. If I was to do another build I would buy the correct tool but luckily this worked out this time.