Ideal AR Upper Receiver Tools & Techniques - Myth Unbusted

I do my best to answer questions when I have time. However, if your question was covered in the video, I am not going reply. This video explains things 100% better than a long typed up post will. Additionally, the comment section on YT is a poor place for technical discussions. We have numerous places to talk tech. Our Facebook Group, and SOTAR Society are the two of the best places to ask questions and discuss technical topics.

It's nice that you actually took the time to demonstrate everything instead of just hitting your viewers with the "trust me bro" claims.

As others have mentioned, props to your wife and her camera work. The two of you make a great team.

Love waking up to a LONG Sotar video to watch while I drink my morning coffee.

I started assembling ARs in 2007. Promag clam shell and a crappy casted armorer's wrench was all that was available. Its crazy how far we have come.

Not only do proper tools help ensure you don’t break things, but something like Midwest action rod can tell you a lot about the quality of prebuilt rifles and parts. I’ve saved friends a lot of time when they can’t get their gun to run, and I go to put it on the action rod and it runs right into the barrel extension & won’t go on. You know from there, that’s likely your problem.

I love that he listed himself under tools. Hilarious Easter egg for us. Chad, you are not a tool, thanks for all the information you put out.

I started my AR upper building with the clam shell tool. Moved on to the Bev Block. Today, all I have are both the Midwest and the 2 Unique rods as my only used tools. The 2 Unique rod doesn't always work on a cerakote upper, but the Midwest will just slide in. I also have a upper holder that uses only the lugs. Along with a JP Enterprises Cleaning Bore Guides for cleaning a AR15 or AR10. On edit. I once sheared a index pin removing a extremely tight barrel nut using only the clam shell. This was in my young and dumb building days. But, i had access to a toolmaker at work. With a new pin in hand, he used a just smaller diameter carbide drill bit and drilled in pin. Then used a pick to remover the thin shell of the old pin and installed the new pin using green loctite. Still using that upper today. That event got me to using a Bev Block with a bolt carrier. But I like the Midwest and 2 Unique rods best. It's all I use anymore

As a hobbiest gunsmith, I love Chad’s videos.

I am trying to figure out how this video was "Long Winded"? 30 minutes was the perfect length. You explaned everything with a good amount of words and didn't Ramble on. 10/10 Sir.

I once was firmly in the 'As Good As' camp (ignorant me), but have learned and your videos only drive the point home more forcefully!

Long winded? Nay. The amount of info and practical application you condensed into half an hour is appreciated.

I believe this video is geared more toward the "ar's are legos for adults" crowd. Hopefully the right people are watching this,kinda sad it even has to be explained. If people would just look at what their doing and think a little bit, its very easy to tell where force is being applied to the various components. Great video,Chad💪💪

The FORCE is strong with this one ... priceless information for the AR home builders and some so called professional gunsmiths. Thanks to you and your wife's amazing content to the 2A community 😉👊🇺🇸

I assembled my AR on my kitchen counter using Tonka Tools. Thanks to this video I have a pretty good idea of how I ended up with a grenade instead of a rifle.

Dude. Your channel is gold. You explain the concept, the physics, then demonstrate it clearly without being a snob about anything, shilling, or putting in useless fluff. Thank you.

Super thorough. My ocd brain accepts this format. Thank you for your wisdom

This is amazing. One of the best videos of many. Direct response to brownells? Lol

Brownells: "Trust us guys, you will never ever break a retaining pin or ruin your receiver". Chad: "Here are examples of snapped pins and damaged receivers."

So I built my first AR recently, your information was beyond valuable and taking your advice I bought the Midwest Industries reaction rod. Well worth the price. Thank you so much for what you do!!