Good enough for the one job - Midwest Industries Stock Wrench For Ar-15

Buffer Tube Review

This style of buffer tube wrench is a must for tightening or removal of a castle nut on an AR pistol system. The buffer tube on most AR pistols are larger than for the carbine variant. I have several other tools (Magpul and a USGI) that I use to service the carbines. They will not fit to work on the pistol tubes. This tool got the job finished. However, this maybe a one time (limited time) use tool.

This tool is manufactured with stamped steel with some type of dark blue-black oxide finish. Overall, the product seems good. I did not test the hardness of the tool to see if it was hardened after the stamping. I may later when I take it to work where I will have access to a Rockwell harness tester.

I did notice the "teeth" appeared rounded now that I was asked to provide a review by Optic Planet. I used it only once to install the buffer tube. It could have been rounded due to my use. If that was the case, this tool will not last long. If it was rounded to start, then it was not that well made.

The thickness of the tool matches the notch on most castle nuts, both are at around 120 thousand thick/deep. What is not matching up as close as I want is the width of the teeth to the width of the notch on the nut. There is roughly about 15-20 thousands of play. May be OK on wrench/nut systems with more baring (contact) surface. With this tool, given the smaller amount of baring surface for the wrench to work with and the amount of torque needed, this is a likely failure point. As a point of reference, my Magpul and USGI tool have very little play. I have high confidence applying the needed torques without it stripping out of the nut.

As to being able to measure torque, this tool will not allow that. The hole next to the teeth is not made torque wrenches. It is for removal of the standard (fixed) M16/AR15 rifle stock buffer tubes.

As an experiment, I was able to get my ½ torques wrench into this hole and get it to measure to a point. However, I did not use it after a few pounds for fear of damaging my torque wrench. My fear is when I'm done applying the needed 35 ft/lb and then not being able to rotate it off my torque wrench.