What tools / accessories for AR maintenance

[BSA1]

I am getting close to finishing my first AR. Other than the usual cleaning rod and brush what other cleaning accessories and tools should I get?

 

[Robert]

I keep a cleaning brush and pick set handy, and maybe a chamber brush. I need to pick up and AR wrench and then I'll be good to go.

 

[wally]

If you've finished a build you should have all the tools you need already unless you started with a complete upper. You need a few extra things for upper work most important are a solid bench vise and the clamping fixtures -- Wheeler makes a nice "kit" for about $80, of course it doesn't include a bench or vice

 

[MachIVshooter]

You need a few extra things for upper work most important are a solid bench vise and the clamping fixtures

Meh. A pair of soft pine blocks with one drilled for the pin lugs. I've never cared for any of the commercial fixtures, have built many, many uppers using pine blocks in a 5" vise and never, ever had a problem. I have, however, seen lugs bent and receivers twisted from pin blocks and clam shells. The rail and lower edges of the receiver will bite into soft pine pretty good, keeping everything straight even with factory barrel nuts that were way too tight.

 

[badkarmamib]

For routine maintenance, a cleaning kit and some pipe cleaners (for the barrel extension lugs, NOT THE GAS TUBE) should about cover it. I, too, stick uppers between two scraps of hardwood flooring, in a vise, when needed. I use an old magazine or my knees for a lower block

 

[FL-NC]

My AR cleaning kit:
- Otis pull-thru cable with brush and patch eyelet
- GI chamber brush with handle and rod
- complete GI sectional rod (take to range for popping a stuck case)
- old toothbrush
- GI 5.56 bore patches 1"
- GI large patches 2"
- small paintbrush for apllying oil to outside surfaces
- q-tips for applying grease to moving parts and cleaning bolt/bolt carrier
-rags
- dental picks for removing baked-on carbon from bolt head
- white lithium grease to lube moving parts
- lightweight motor oil for external metal surfaces
- Mpro-7 bore cleaner for bore and bolt carrier

 

[herrwalther]

A standard GI cleaning kit for the AR can be had for around $20. Has worked well for me for years and just needs a few items added onto it to make cleaning key parts a bit easier.

-The kit comes with a nylon brush. A stiffer bronze brush will help with stubborn, stuck carbon deposits.
-A lense pen or similar brand derivative is necessary if you have a scope or red dot.
-At least one metal dental pick. They make plastic ones for gun cleaning but have never worked well for me
-Pipe cleaners. White ones are best to see how dirty something is after you run one through.
-Bulk cotton patches from any brand
-Many guys I served with put a Kabuki makeup brush in their kits for wiping away sand

 

[BSA1]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Is a special tool needed to adjust the front sight on a M4 Carbine type upper? (Mine has a set of Magpul MBUS).

 

[badkarmamib]

The tip of a FMJ to push the detent down, and turn the post.

 

[wally]

Is a special tool needed to adjust the front sight on a M4 Carbine type upper? (Mine has a set of Magpul MBUS).

Generally the Magpul front sight comes with a 5-pronged adjustment tool. The "standard" is a four prong, its helpful, but not strictly necessary as you can use the tip of a 55gr FMJ round to depress the plunger and rotate the sight 1-click at a time.