Gunsmithing Tools needed to install Daniel Defense 7.62 Lite Rail on Armalite AR 10 T

[Cbmax]

Hi,

I just purchased an Armalite AR 10 T. This is the model with a 20 inch heavy stainless steel barrel, exposed gas block and factory aluminum free float tube.

I want to install a Daniel Defense 12 inch 7.62 Lite Rail in order to obtain a monolithic look. I have read Armalite's website and Daniel Defense's website but I am still confused on the tools required for the job.

I know for sure that I will need an upper receiver vice jaw grip. Where I am confused is on the wrenches needed. DD says I need an AR 15 multi tool. I thought you need a special wrench for the Armalite barrel nut? Does the DD rail come with their barrel nut for the Armalite? I think it comes with their wrench for their barrel nut. Do I need a strap wrench. The rifle is supposed to arrive this weekend, but I am trying to get a jump start on my upgrades. I think the tube that comes with the rule is a one piece unit.

Please be very specific with what I need for this particular Armalite. I think it already comes with the longer hinge pin for the dustcover. I can sometimes be very mechanically challenged. I will have a mechanically inclined individual help me with the install but I want to make sure I have everything I need!

Thanks!

Chris

 

[Cbmax]

Anyone??????

 

[Petey]

I can't say what it'll take to get the Armalite tube off without seeing it, but I have a few DD Lite rails. When I ordered the rails I had to specify either Armalite or DPMS barrel nuts, and so it will come with whatever one you mention, but I had to purchase the barrel nut wrench (that's specific to the DD Lite rail) separately.That is the only special tool you'll need for the DD Lite rail, since after the nut is torqued it's a simple matter of tightening an array of 6x bolts with a hex wrench to attach the forearm rail. No strap wrench needed. I have DPMS rails, so I didn't have to mess with the dust cover pin.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Yes, you will need a strap wrench for Armalites FF tube lockring. You need the upper receiver clamp for a vise. And you will need their barrel wrench for the nut. There is a pin in the bottom of the FF tube that goes into one of the holes in the barrel nut. Take off the gas block and tube. Loosen the lockring that the FF tube screws into. When you get it loose enough, the pin will be out of the hole and you can hold the lockring and turn the FF tube simultaneously. Don't use a strap wrench on the gas block end of the FF tube if you choose to use two wrenches. Don't try to put anything into the slots of the tube to turn it.

If you can't break the large nut loose, as if it has loc-tite, heat it with a propane torch to break the bond. Then freeze it. You might have to perform the sequence twice. If you aren't concerned about marring the lockring, you can just use a large set of slip joint pliers. I'm not sure they sell replacements, but if the pliers aren't slipping, you can probably get away with some paint or duracoat.

I don't think you will have to change the door hinge pin, it will be the longer one, that is correct.

Barrel nut wrench, item # 10901012
Viceblock set, either #15901202 or EX1615
Strapwrench, maybe rosin or something to ensure it doesn't slip