If you are working on your AR-15 build, you need to have some of the best tools with you. If you’ve built an AR-15 with a poor quality armorer’s tool, you know how much of a nightmare it could be. Therefore, you should always look for the best AR-15 armorer’s wrench for the best reliability and safety as you build your AR-15.
With the sheer amount of options on the internet, finding the best AR-15 armorer’s wrench might not be a walk in the park. Nonetheless, we’ve done most of the research work for you and have listed some of the best AR-15 armorer’s wrenches in this article. Before that, there are some factors you should consider before making a decision.
| Armorer’s Wrenches | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench | Most Recommended Option 1. Includes standard wrenches for AR-15 nuts and parts | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 | 1. Non-slip phosphate coating 2. solid forged steel cosntruction 3. integrated torque | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Arrington Accuracy Works AR-15/M16 Colt Law Enforcement Carbine Armorer’s Wrench | 1. Beefy construction for good leverage | 8/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16 Armorer’s Wrench | 1. Durable 2. Easy to use 3. Solid construction | 8/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench | 1. Anti-corrosive coating 2. Intergrated torque 3. Excellent leverage | 7.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
The Criteria : How To Identify The Best Armorers Wrench?
Price
If you opt for some of the cheaper AR-15 armorers wrench out there, it might last you for only 1 AR-15 build. However, getting a great wrench will not break the bank, therefore you shouldn’t have any problems finding a great AR-15 armorers wrench with a $50-$80 budget.
Brand
Both the price and brand of an AR-15 armorers wrench is crucial. You should always stick to buying products that are manufactured from companies that don’t compromise on the wrench’s construction. Also, you should also make sure the price is justifiable as some well-known brands have come out with mediocre wrenches with a premium price tag.
Ease of use
As with any other product, you should always ensure that the AR-15 armorers wrench that you’re looking at is easy to use, handle, and store. You wouldn’t want your AR-15 building experience to be a total nightmare. The more frequent you work with guns, the easier to use your armorers wrench needs to be.
Safety
There are plenty of manufacturers that don’t really pay much attention to upgrading their AR-15 armorers wrench with having an ergonomic design. The preliminary design would ultimately lead you to more discomfort as you work on your AR-15. In some cases, you might even end up injuring yourself.
The rule of thumb is, whether on or off the range, safety is always first. A poorly designed AR-15 armorers wrench will not hesitate to hurt you and leave marks or scuffs on the surface of powder-coating of your AR-15.
The 5 Best AR15 Armorer’s Wrench – An Overview
1. Arrington Accuracy Works AR-15/M16 Colt Law Enforcement Carbine Armorer’s Wrench
Specifications
- Dedicated, heavy-duty wrenches are designed to enable easy removal and installation of the proprietary barrel nut on the Colt LE6940
- Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine (ALEC).
- Self-contained Armorer Wrench
- 3/8″ thick handle
- ½” square cutout for a torque wrench or breaker bar
- notch for removing the ALEC flash suppressor
- Compact Barrel Nut Wrench
- ½” torque driver/breaker bar cutout only
- Make: AR-15
Features
The Arrington Accuracy Works AR-15/M16 Colt Law Enforcement Carbine Armorer’s Wrench was specifically designed to work on law enforcement carbines. If you think that would rule out civilian AR-15s, you’re wrong. This AR-15 armorer’s wrench is one of the most reliable armorer’s wrench you can find on the market for your AR-15.
In terms of construction, the Arrington Accuracy Works AR-15/M16 Colt Law Enforcement Carbine Armorer’s Wrench is constructed with a thick ⅜ inch handle that would offer you nothing but excellent leverage as you install and/or remove the nuts on your AR-15.
Besides that, this armorer’s wrench also comes with notches for you to effectively remove any muzzle devices and to attach a torque wrench. As such, you can now easily install and remove any muzzle device on your AR-15 and check them for the proper torque. Additionally, the torque wrench attachment point could also allow you to attach a breaker bar for removing difficult nuts.
The barrel nut wrench was specifically designed for the colt advanced law enforcement carbine, and any rifle that adopts the Colt ALEC barrel nut. If your AR-15 has an ALEC barrel night, the Arrington Accuracy Works AR-15/M16 Colt Law Enforcement Carbine Armorer’s Wrench is going to be the ideal choice for you as, without it, it’s going to be a nightmare.
This AR-15 armorer’s wrench also comes with a notch for you to remove any ALEC flash suppressors. As such, it makes it an excellent all-purpose muzzle device wrench especially for law enforcement armorers who work with Colt law enforcement rifles.
You will like this product if:
You need a wrench for Colt law enforcement rifles. The Arrington Accuracy Works AR-15/M16 Colt Law Enforcement Carbine Armorer’s Wrench was specifically designed for Colt law enforcement rifles, therefore making it the ideal choice for you if you happen to own one. Even if you don’t own one, it’ll also work nicely as a muzzle device wrench on all your other AR-15s.
You don’t want to suffer from sore palms. In terms of safety, this AR-15 armorer’s wrench sits pretty high on top. Additionally, its beefy construction and ample handle space will provide you with the leverage you need to prevent any soreness from working on your AR-15s.
You might not like this product if:
You are shopping on a tight budget. The Arrington Accuracy Works AR-15/M16 Colt Law Enforcement Carbine Armorer’s Wrench is not the cheapest AR-15 armorers wrench you’re gonna find on the internet. However, if you are looking for a long term investment, you will love this AR-15 armorers wrench.
2. Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench
Specifications
- Gun Model: AR-15
- Color: Black
- Overall Length: 10.75 in
- Blade Material: Steel
- Hardened stainless steel
- 3 interchangeable hammerheads (Nylon, Rubber, Brass)
- Ergonomic grip
Features
If you are looking for the perfect AR-15 armorers wrench, the Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench might just do the trick. This armorers wrench meets all the requirements for an armorers wrench as it comes with all the tools you need.
This AR-15 armorers wrench features a castle nut wrench, ¾ muzzle brake wrench, mil-spec barrel nut wrench, free-float barrel nut wrench, and a ⅝ receiver extension wrench. In addition to all the mainstream tools, this wrench also features a variety of hammers such as a steel hammer, brass hammer, nylon hammer, and a rubber hammer.
With such versatility, you will find it extremely handy as you tap pins in and out and/or knock things loose without doing any marring on your AR-15. Moreover, the wrench also comes with a torque wrench attachment to ensure you never under or over-torque anything as you work on your AR-15.
All the torque specifications on the Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench are laser-etched right on the side of the wrench. Therefore, you won’t have to do a Google search on everything before you tighten anything.
The Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench was specifically designed to provide you the maximum leverage and to use its hammers effectively. This all would make your work much easier especially when you have a barrel nut that’s rusted or caked in carbon.
You will like this product if:
You want great value. You might think that with all the amazing features and specifications mentioned above, the Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench is going to break your bank. However, this model actually costs around the same as most standard AR-15 armorers wrench you can find on the market. In terms of value, this wrench sits high on top.
You want a versatile wrench. If you are looking for an AR-15 armorers wrench that would allow you to do more than merely tightening and loosening screws, this is the perfect AR-15 armorers wrench for you.
You might not like this product if:
You want a compact wrench. With all these amazing features and specifications of the Real Avid Armorer’s Master Wrench, it’s inevitable that it’s going to be a little bulkier than your average AR-15 armorer’s wrench. That said, weighing the wrench’s pros and cons, its bulkiness shouldn’t stand in the way of you making your next great purchase.
3. Brownells AR-15 Wrench
Specifications
- Made in the USA
- Make: AR-15
- Works with either encapsulated or peg-style barrel nuts
- The long handle ends with a carbine buttstock wrench
- Features four teeth that ensure full engagement of all four notches in an M4-style receiver extension nut
- Easy removal and installation
- Includes a 1/2″ square drive opening for torque wrench application, 5/8″ and 3/4″ slots to fit receiver A2 receiver extensions and flash suppressors
Features
If you are looking to find an AR-15 wrench that would give you all the utility you need at the most affordable price tag on the market, you are going to love the Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench. Just like every other Brownells’ product, you’re not going to break the bank to get great quality accessories.
The Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench features wrenches for muzzle devices, barrel nuts, and even castle nuts. Furthermore, it even comes with space for you to attach your torque wrench. As such, you can now tighten or loosen anything you want without over or under-tightening anything on your AR-15.
The buttstock wrench on the Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench features 4 teeth to engage all 4 of the notches the M4 style castle nuts. Additionally, the exceptional grip on these carbine castle nuts are going to significantly reduce the likelihood of you damaging your AR-15 as you get to work.
The Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench comes with a nice long handle to provide you the leverage you need to effectively loosen and tighten basically anything on your AR-15. Besides that, this AR-15 armorer’s wrench is also covered in an anti-corrosive coating that would protect the wrench to extend its service life.
If you are looking for the best basic AR-15 armorer’s wrench, you’ll absolutely love the Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench as it will get the job done for you for many years to come at a cost of an incredibly affordable price.
You will like this product if:
You are on a tight budget. The Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench is probably going to be the cheapest AR-15 armorer’s wrench that comes with such features and specifications. For such an affordable price, you’ll have all the wrenches you need to effectively work on your AR-15.
You want a durable wrench. The Brownells AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench features a thick anti-corrosive coating. As such, this AR-15 armorer’s wrench is not going to rust for many years to come, significantly enhancing its lifespan.
4. Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4
Specifications
- Gun Model: AR-15
- Length: 11.7 in
- Included Accessories: Bottle Opener
- Finish: grip-enhancing phosphate
- Length: 11.7 in
- with US steel
- Heat-treated steel construction with manganese phosphate finish
- USGI barrel nut wrench
- Free-float tube barrel nut wrench
- 1/2 in torque wrench/breaker bar interface
- Armorer’s hammer
Features
At first glance, the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 might seem like your typical AR-15 armorers wrench. However, just like most of Magpul’s products, there’s a lot more than it meets the eye that justifies its slightly higher price.
The Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 will come with everything you need to effectively work on your AR-15’s barrel nuts, castle nuts, receiver extensions, and muzzle devices. All these wrenches were specifically set up by Magpul to work on the standard AR-15 so you won’t have any compatibility issues.
Additionally, the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 will also fit your AR pistol receiver extensions with 3 notches. Along with that, this AR-15 armorers wrench also comes with a torque wrench attachment point for you to ensure all the parts are secured properly.
In terms of construction, the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 is forged from solid steel to provide you with the durability and lifespan that you need for many years to come. Moreover, the wrench also comes with a non-slip phosphate finish to prevent corrosion in order for you to get the most secure grip as you work on your AR-15.
With all of that, you know that the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 is going to be as tough as nails for you to work with your AR-15s in many years to come. Like many other shooters, if you decide to opt for this wrench, it’s going to be your go-to AR-15 armorers wrench for a pretty long time.
You will like this product if:
You are looking for a long term investment. With all its features mentioned above, you know that the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 is probably one of the toughest AR-15 armorers wrench with some notable ergonomic enhancements.
You might not like this product if:
You are shopping on a tight budget. The Magpul Armorer’s Wrench for AR-15/M4 might not be the most affordable AR-15 armorer wrench on the market as it comes with a slightly higher price. If you have a really tight budget, this might not be the best buy.
5. Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16
Specifications
- Made in the USA
- Make: AR-15
- Extra-heavy duty armorers wrench provides easier installation and removal of all barrels up to 1¼” diameter
- The extra-long handle features smooth, contoured edges for comfortable use
- Includes ½” square drive opening for torque wrench application
- 5⁄8″ and ¾” slots fit receiver extensions and A1/A2 flash suppressors
- .223 for AR-15/M16 application
Features
If you are looking for an extremely sturdy AR-15 armorer wrench to make tightening up all kinds of nuts and bolts on your AR-15 a breeze, the Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16 Armorer’s Wrench is might just do the trick for you. With this wrench, your nuts and bolts are going to stay secure in the long run.
In terms of construction, the Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16 Armorer’s Wrench is constructed from high-quality stainless steel with an additional black oxidized finish. This essentially makes it one of the most durable AR-15 armorer wrenches on the market at this price. As such, this AR-15 wrench will be a great long term investment.
Besides great durability, the Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16 Armorer’s Wrench is incredibly effective for tightening and/or loosening any nuts and bolts on your AR-15. Besides that, you won’t have to worry about compatibility as it’s encapsulated for peg-style barrel nuts to make the installation and removal of all barrels up to 1 ¼ inches in diameter.
Since the Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16 Armorer’s Wrench was specifically designed for ease of use, it comes with an extra-long handle along with smooth, contoured edges for comfortable use. Unlike other wrenches, it won’t slip off and will be more than enough to handle the torque.
You will like this product if:
You want a wrench that’s easy to use. The Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16 Armorer’s Wrench is perfect for DIY AR-15 shooters from all walks of life due to its ease of use. No matter how experienced you are in working with the AR-15, you’ll love this wrench.
You might not like this product if:
You plan to install flash hiders. Some users have reported the Smith Enterprise AR-15/M16 Armorer’s Wrench as being slightly too large to perfectly install a flash hider without doing some damage to the crush washer.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, we hope that this article will be helpful in aiding your search of the next upgrade for your favorite rifle. We understand it is not going to be easy to get the most fitting armorers wrench. Price and brands aside, we wish you’d place serious consideration on the safety and the ease of use as the top priority when it comes to making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Other Available Best AR 15 Tool?
Besides the armorers wrench, there are actually plenty of other AR tools that can be used to help build an AR15. The list includes bench vise, vise block, nylon vise jaws, bolt catch kit, pivot pin tools, hammer, pliers and screwdrivers and gunsmithing tool kit where the usage would be discussed as follows:
- Bench vise – assists in mounting your vise block and secures your upper receiver and lower receivers when torqueing your castle nuts and barrels. Furthermore, it allows you to handle and install small parts which are difficult to be picked up by your bare hands.
- Vise block – must be used alongside with your bench vise as mentioned above. Essentially, you’ve to insert your vise block into your magazine properly to secure it. Also, it helps to protect the exterior by giving it an extra layer of protection.
- Nylon Vise Jaws – mainly used to clamp your barrel down and remove the flash hider without any excessive pressure to the surface.
- Bolt Catch Kit – install and remove roll pins.
- Pivot Pin Tools – secure and align your roll pins.
- Hammer – the hammer head is used to combat stubborn roll pins which are stucked.
- Pliers and Screwdrivers – to hold small parts and treat small dents by using the pliers whereas screwdrivers could also treat dents or even pushing down the springs.
- Gunsmithing Tool Kit – comprehensive set of gunsmithing tools of everything you need to build your AR-15. Excellent for beginners for convenience and ease of mind.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.