How to make a barrel tool for $15.00

I have read many threads about removing and installing AK barrels so I thought I would put together a tool that any one could make. I used two 36" long threaded rods .375" diameter, two pieces of 1.5" x .25" x 3.5" steel for the side plates and one piece of 1.5" x .25" x 4.5" steel for the back plate. The ram is a .5" bolt and a .625" piece of copper rod. I used a .375" drill  to dimple the side plates for the trunnion rivets so it can be used to remove or install the barrel. I am not a master welder and used a 90 amp bench top welder with 1/16" rod to weld the thread rod in place. You need to take a little care to ensure that the thread rods are parallel to and level with the barrel but that is the only crucial part. I drew a center line lengthwise on the back plate and used the spacing on the rods at the back to mark the holes for the thread rod. I marked the hole for the bolt in the center of these two. With the back plate installed on the thread rods I put the .5" bolt in place and tightened it. Once I was satisfied that it was centered I welded the .5" nut to the inside of the back plate. Once it is set up in the vise it is just a matter of using a ratchet and .75" socket to press the barrel out. For reinstalling the barrel I drilled a .25" detent in the front of the .5" bolt and a .25" hole in each end copper ram. I inserted  a .25" piece of aluminum rod through in one end as a guide for reinstalling the barrel and a short rivet in the other end as a center for the bolt. All of the material I used for this project cost less than $15.00.

Removing the barrel

Installing the barrel

Keep an eye on the barrel index to ensure that it does not turn while you are pressing it in. Some grease or WD40 on the muzzle will help in this.

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