Wheeler Engineering Action Rod with One-Piece Aluminum Construction and Steel Contact Design and Locking Mechanism for Standard Gunsmithing and Assembly, Black, One Size

This right here is the tool to remove/install barrel nuts and muzzle devices. There is no better way to hold the barrel than by the bolt lug recesses. This tool operates as a bolt that you lock in place and then lock the tool in a vise. There is no stress put on the upper receiver or god forbid the lower like with those cheap plastic blocks in the mag well while torquing the barrel nuts. There’s also an alignment rod for getting the gas tube holes perfectly aligned so no messing with that afterwards. This tool works fine through the upper or just holding the barrel. There are more expensive and albeit more solid versions of this but unless you’re building AR’s for a living this tool will certainly last a lifetime for the hobbyist.

Well built, does the job, keeps the pressure off the receiver.

Wheeler Engineering consistently produces top quality tools for gunsmithing. This is just another example of their commitment to quality, price and performance. I totally recommend any and all Wheeler Engineering tools for the professional or weekend gunsmith.

This is a great tool for repairing, maintaining or assembling direct impingement style AR-15s. I know a lot of people like the MI one better, and I get it, that one is steel and this one isn't. However, the wheeler works just fine for anyone who isn't building multiple rifles per day, everyday, all year, every year. The locking feature is nice and I think that the indexing rod for the gas tube alignment is incredibly clever. Another point is that this thing, in my mind, is way better than the MI if you are assembling, repairing, or maintaining any set up with a delta ring. The indexing rod will easily line that right up for you, and that is a feature that the MI is lacking. The whole thing is aluminum, not plastic. It fits in the upper receiver just like a BCG does, aligns the extension just as well as the MI, and again, unlike the MI, it can lock in place to keep anything from moving while you are torquing the barrel nut down. Better features for half the cost, and the only thing the MI has over the the Wheeler is that it is steel rather than aluminum... I'll buy two of the Wheelers and be set for years to come. That said, I'm not a Wheeler fan boy and I like a lot of Midwest Industries products. I just like the Wheeler action rod much better for its lower price, better features, and comparable precision machining. For what I do, the Wheeler is just the better tool and the better deal.

This action rod for securing barrel/receiver is a must have for installing muzzle devices, barrel nuts etc!

so here is what I suggest as a bonafied experienced AR platform builder and re-builder. It could be offered in steel as a choice, 1. 2nd, the lock mechanism could have a more tactical stiff snap feel to it. seems like and air soft tool...The steel square stock would allow you to really crank down on tool. the locking part could use a really strong spring and ball detent. I like the fact that the back splins that are part of the main quare stock go in snug and even tight. when you push it kinda snaps in and you know you re bottomed out and then the licking part if it was a more robust snap holding type would allow to turn the entire unit over to mess with gas block when checking dimple and gas hole. you can line then up amd see if it's all lined up but have to go back and forth a couple times. I know my plain reaction rod let's my barrel assembly slide off.not good so you guys almost have it perfect. good job o putting a sail on top for the charging handle channel. that will keep it tight and strong when tightening n up barrel nut. so you would have two identical products one would be affordable for the casual guy home build and fixer. amd the more expensive production type out of steel. I have a VISM unit that's great too bad they miss the boat by not putting a removable bolt spline unit in the front with a slip fit slave pin in order to use it or not. that unit would be the perfect unit for some things. I would recommend still the steel reaction rods of steel with the sails for heavy builds on barrel nuts and your aluminum one to line up gas tube and block amd adding on the muzzle break. So do it. make it you will sell them. combine all the attributes of the others into your locking unit. thanka

I've thought about buying one of these for a long time. Every time I had to swap a flash hider. But I'd think, 'no - I'll just tough it out and wrestle the upper on a carpeted floor under my foot. Finally pulled the trigger (pun intended) and am kicking myself for not getting this sooner. There are a bunch of cheaper ones out there, but I have some other Wheeler stuff and really like the quality and durability of their products. Made swapping a flash hider to a new ASR compatible one so much easier! Nice locking feature, just slide into the locking lugs of the barrel and turn the dial. It locks the action rod to the barrel. Very stable and secure on my upper. Unlocking is just as easy. Just wish I hadn't been a cheap idiot and added one of these to my tool collection sooner.

I really wanted the Midwest Industries URR but this was less than half the price and it worked exactly as it should. At first I thought the locking feature was just a gimmick but it works well and I actually like it after using it. I’ve installed several barrels/muzzle devices with it and so far have had no issues. Maybe IF it ever breaks I’ll spend the money on the Midwest URR but honestly I’d likely just buy another Wheeler. YMMV.

Very high quality action rod. The gas alignment key and the lock feature is over the top but nice if you want to utilize it. Highly recommend.

Had a slight issue but wheeler fixed it right away, works great on Canadian ar clones