Best AR-15 Front Sight Tools – Buyer’s Guide For 2022

| Last Updated:
September 10, 2023

Finding the best AR-15 front sight tool can be a challenge. But if you have a good idea of what to look for, then the search process will be easy enough. You’ll want something that will help you easily adjust the front sight of your AR-15 so you can have a better performing rifle at the range or out in the field.

No matter what the application is or how often you use your AR-15, accuracy is always an important thing to have. To give you a good idea of what to look for in a front sight tool, we’ve taken the liberty of listing five of the best AR-15 front sight tools that are currently on the market.

While most of them look like the same, they do have some unique features and abilities that might stand out. Before we unveil our list, we’ll talk about the purpose of a front sight tool and what makes one great compared to one that is low-quality and ineffective.

Comparison of the Best AR-15 Front Sight Tools

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Black oxidized finish for added durability.
  • Sure-Grip texture for better handling during adjustments.
  • Pins included for adjustments (4 pins for A2 sights, 5 for A1 sights).
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  • Ergonomic design.
  • Made from high-quality steel.
  • Double-ended prongs for both A1 and A2 sight adjustments.
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  • Made from highly durable steel.
  • Dual-ended prongs for A1 and A2 sights.
  • Best AR-15 front sight tool for the money.
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  • Crafted from high-quality steel.
  • 4-prong and 5-prong ends for A1 and A2 sights.
  • Has a special hole for torque levers for easier adjustments.
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  • Made from high-quality steel.
  • Dual-ended prongs for sight adjustment.
  • Long and slim design for easy and compact use.
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What is a Front Sight Tool Used For?

An AR-15 front sight tool is designed to help you adjust the front sight of your AR-15 rifle. More specifically, you’re adjusting the elevation levels of the sight itself. In fact, the adjustment itself can be quite a challenge. For those who are new to using an AR-15 rifle, the task itself might be daunting and a little hard to understand why this has to be done at times.

One of the reasons why an AR-15 sight may need some adjusting will likely be due to the fact that your rounds might be fired a little too high than where they're supposed to. For example, if you’re aiming for the dead center of a target, it hits the circle that is slightly higher. If that happens consistently, that’s when you know that your sight needs an adjustment.

What Makes a Great AR-15 Front Sight Tool?

This is where things get a little complicated. The reason being is that AR-15 front sight tools are pretty much the same in design and color. They have the same number of prongs and have the same color finish. And last but not least, they’re pretty much universal.

This means that you can use a front sight tool on just about any AR-15 rifle that you can find. One thing for sure is that they are not multi-tools. But some of the front sight tools that exist may have other kinds of tools included, such as small knives and tools that are specific for different types of firearms. Here are some things to look for if you’re looking for a good front sight tool:

Is it Made in the USA?

Here’s the thing: most gun owners are not in love with the idea of getting accessories for their AR-15 rifle when they’re originated from any place outside of the United States. That’s because most USA-made gun parts and accessories are almost guaranteed to be high in quality.

Plus, they’re less likely to give you that cheap look and feel. If you’re looking to avoid something like that, find a tool that is made in the USA and from a reliable brand.

What Kind of Sight Do You Have?

Yes, all front sight tools are the same. And a lot of them are universal. But a tool can be even more effective if you have a specific kind of sight. For example, you could have an A1 or A2 style sight. Some other tools might not be so effective to work when it comes to adjusting these kinds of sights.

As you go through the list, you’ll be able to learn of some of the pros and cons of each tool. Be sure to pay attention to them, especially if you’re looking for a certain kind of tool (i.e. something that will easily work with A2 sights).

Material

The important thing to note is that the material should always matter when it comes to finding a tool like this. All of the tools are made from high-quality steel. Which means it will be hard to damage and hard to break, especially the prongs that are designed to help adjust your sight.

Review of the Best AR-15 Front Sight Tools

Below are five of the best AR-15 front sight tools currently on the market. While they are all the same in design, color, and in some cases features, there are some aspects that make a certain tool unique.

It’s imperative that you read through every review carefully so you know which tool has a unique feature that sticks out. At the same time, one of these tools might be more effective with certain AR-15 sights. With that said, let’s kick off our list with our “best overall” choice:

Best Overall:
Real Avid Front Sight Adjuster - for A1 & A2

Pros

  • Compact; can fit inside of a standard pill bottle.
  • The closest you can get to a mil-spec style adjuster.
  • Durability is not an issue; it’s rock solid and built to last.

Cons

  • May be a little too wide to fit some front sights.
  • Since it’s small in size, it may get easily misplaced.
  • Might be difficult to use if you have large sized hands.

First on the docket, we'll be taking a look at the Real Avid Front Sight Adjuster. This tool will be used for both A1 & A2-style AR-15 sights. For added durability, this has a black oxide finish, making it resistant to any kind of damage.

Plus, it's textured to give you a pretty easy grip while you're taking on the challenge of adjusting your sight. What you'll notice are the prongs that are made for this adjuster. There are 5 pins that you can use if you're adjusting an A1 front sight. If your AR-15 rifle has an A2 sight, you can use the four-pins to adjust it.

The body is made from stainless steel, making it a durable little tool to have while you’re out in the field or out at the range. This won’t break if you somehow accidentally drop it on a hard surface. Plus, it’s hard enough to make the challenging adjustments seem easy.

Why rely on something like a screwdriver or the end of a bullet for a sight adjustment? If you need a front sight adjuster tool that you can take just about anywhere, the Real Avid Front Sight Adjuster might be something that you’ll want to have handy in the situations where you need it most.

Bottom Line

This front sight tool does a great job of making something challenging like adjusting your AR-15 front sight a little easier. It’s durable and will be hard to break if you use it properly. Since it’s quite small, it’s important to have it stored away somewhere when you’re not using it.

The Sure-Grip feature is an added convenience to have. It will definitely keep your fingers from slipping when you’re trying to put something like a front sight tool to good use.

Runner-up: 
UTG Model 4/AR15 4 & 5 Prong A1/A2 Dual Front Sight Tool

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Pros

  • Prongs are ridiculously sturdy.
  • Best fit for Ruger brand AR-15 rifles.
  • Adjustments are a little easier than with most tools.

Cons

  • May require some fiddling, according to one user.
  • One reviewer says that the prongs may be a little too short to depress.
  • Prongs may be a little sharp to the touch; some protectors may be needed.

Now, we’ll be taking a look at the Model 4 dual front sight tool from the UTG brand. You’ll notice that it’s a little bit longer in length compared to most front sight tools. But it’s still an effective tool to have if you’re using it for either an A1 or A2 sight.

The pins are located on both ends, but each end is fit for a specific sight. On one end, you have 4 adjustment prongs that will be best used to adjust your A2 AR-15 sights. On the other end, you have 5 adjustment prongs that will be best for A1 sights.

No matter which sight you have, you have a tool that comes in handy. The long length will definitely be more convenient, especially if you have had a hard time with front sight tools in the past due to your hand size. So the reach will be slightly better when you’re making adjustments.

This is precision machined from steel, making it a tough overall tool that you can carry around wherever you go. On a hunting trip or a long day at the range, you have a tool that will be ready to use if your shots somehow end up landing somewhere a little higher or lower than the bullseye. One of the things that makes this tool easy to use is the ergonomic design.

Yes, site adjustments can get a little uncomfortable to the point where your hands get cramped. But if you want to avoid that from happening, it might just take the right kind of tool to make it happen. Other than that, it has a grip design that will make holding the tool a little easier for you. When you’re in bad weather or if you’re hands are sweating, you’ll be able to still get a good hold on it.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a great alternative to the last front sight tool, then the UTG model could be exactly what you’re looking for. Especially when it’s something that’s a little long in length. Add that to the easy ability to adjust your front sight and it might be a tool that you’ll want at the snap of a finger.

Yes, the prongs may be a little sharp so some small filing or adding protectors might do the trick. But be sure you don’t do it to a point where the tool is rendered useless. Other than that, if you’re looking for a go-to front sight adjustment tool, the UTG might be your saving grace out in the field or on the range.

Best for the Money: 
Tacfun .223 556 AR A1 A2 Carbine Dual Front Sight Adjustment Tool With 4 & 5 Prong

No products found.

Pros

  • Highly durable.
  • Easy to use for sight adjustment.
  • Compact and easy to store at 3 inches long.

Cons

  • May not work with some front night sights.
  • One reviewer complained that it didn’t fit their A2 sight.
  • One reviewer complained that the feeling and quality was a little cheap.

If you’re looking for an AR-15 front sight tool that won’t suck the life out of your bank account, then here’s one you might like. This is the Tacfun Carbine Dual Front Sight Adjustment Tool. It has prongs that are located on both ends for the designated sight you have.

If you have an AR-15 rifle that is more of a carbine style rifle, this might be the best adjusting tool for you. The durability is hard to beat since it’s machined from high-quality steel. If you also happen to have big hands, then you’ll rejoice at the fact that this tool is easy to use.

No matter what size hands you have, the tool is still usable. Especially when it’s a little long in length. Highly durable, easy to use, and quite affordable are the three phrases that we can come up with to describe this adjustment tool.

This is a tool that is so easy to use, anyone that is new to using an AR-15 can use it. Before you do, you need to make sure which site your rifle has. Once you do, you know which end you have to use.

Whether you’re spending a day at the range or if you’re looking for the perfect big game target, your shots need to be as dead on as possible each time. So if you’re looking for a tool that will allow for easier adjustments, the Tacfun might be worth the investment for less money.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a sight tool that fits all kinds of hand sizes, then look no further than the Tacfun front sight tool. This will help you get the job done so you can continue to getting back to accurate and precise shots.

Even the slightest of adjustments can make a difference. And all it takes is one tool like this. If you’re looking for something that’s compact but long enough to easily reach your sight, get the Tacfun front sight tool.

4. Lion Gears AR15/M4 Steel Front Sight Adjustment Tool, with Dual 4 & 5 Prong for A1/A2 Sights

Pros

  • Very durable.
  • Solid construction.
  • Much easier to adjust if you’re using a torque lever.

Cons

  • Prongs may be a little short in length.
  • Some have relied on bullet tips if the tools somehow fail.

Now, we’ll be taking a look at the Lion Gears AR15/M4 Steel Front Sight Adjustment Tool. One of the things you’ll notice about this is that it has a special hole in the middle of the tool that you can use to add tools for additional torque. So if you’re having a hard time using it as a standalone, then you can add on a small tool to make the adjustment a little easier and give yourself plenty of leverage.

Sometimes, you need to be a little resourceful to make the adjustment process less difficult. Now all you need to find is a good sized torque lever. Other than that, this has the usual dual ends for prongs that will adjust to either an A1 or A2 sight. Not only is this an excellent sight adjuster for almost any AR-15 rifle, but also for M4 rifles as well. So it’s quite a versatile tool to have.

Bottom Line

The Lion Gears tools is a nice little tool that will work even better with just enough leverage thanks to the hole allowing you to use a torque lever. This will definitely come in handy if the adjustments seem a little too difficult.

But if you just want to get it out of the way, get a torque level to go with this so you can use it whenever you want. If you’re looking for a good front sight adjusting tool to have in your arsenal, look no further than the Lion Gears front sight tool.

5. Ultimate Rifle Build Front Sight Adjustment Tool - 4 & 5 Prong for Quick Elevation Adjustment

No products found.

Pros

  • Very easy adjustments.
  • Fits almost any size of hands.
  • Prongs are super solid and hard to break.

Cons

  • May be a little oversized for some A2 sights.
  • Might be a little easy to lose because of its size.
  • Might be a little difficult to use after some time.

For our last AR-15 front sight tool, we’re going to take a look at the Ultimate Rifle Build brand’s Front Sight Adjustment Tool. Of all the designs on our list for review, this one is a little slimmer than the rest' so it might be a good thing if you seem to have an issue with fitting your current sight tool and trying to adjust the sight itself.

This is a dual-end design with the prongs you’ll need for the specified sight you’re trying to adjust. Plus it’s a little long which is a good thing when you’re looking to easily press or depress the prongs. This is designed to help you adjust the elevation on your A1 or A2 sight so you can be able to hone in on your shots.

Once you get it to a certain adjustment, you’ll know that your shots will be dead on accurate and will hit the bullseye every time. Or when you’re out hunting, you’ll be able to land a kill shot exactly where you want it. Sometimes, even the slightest inch will matter most. One inch off and the kill shot may not be so instantaneous.

Aside from its adjustment ability, it has a grip in place so you can easily hold onto the tool while going about your adjustments. If you’re caught in some bad weather or if you’re hands are sweating on a hot day, you’ll still be able to take hold of the tool and be able to adjust your set properly.

Bottom Line

While it’s slim and compact, it may be easier to lose. So if you've got an empty pill bottle or something similar handy, be sure to store it away. Other than that, it works with almost any AR-15 and any other site (despite some complaints about it being oversized for some).

But other than that, it does a good job making adjustments without the prongs bending or breaking. If you’re looking for a reliable tool that you can take just about anywhere, the Ultimate Rifle front sight adjusting tool might be just what you need.

Advantages of Having a Front Sight Tool

If you have a front sight tool, you’ll enjoy a few good perks, especially when you’re at the range or if you’re out hunting. Here are a few advantages that you’ll have:

Easy to Carry

These are not tools that you carry around in toolboxes. These are so small, they can fit right in your pocket. However, that’s something we don’t highly recommend. You can be able to fit it in a small bottle (like an Advil bottle or a standard pill bottle). Be sure to have a good place for them so you know where they are. These can get lost quite easily.

Make Adjustments Anytime, Anywhere

Since they’re easy to carry, you can take them just about anywhere. Whether you’re at the range or hunting in the middle of a field, if you’re shot is a bit off, you know you’ll need an adjustment. All you have to do is pull it out of your makeshift storage container and make the adjustment right there. All it takes is a few minutes of your time.

Will Last You a Long Time

Since most of these tools are made from high-quality steel, the durability is outstanding. And it will be even less to likely damage your rifle sight. This is a way better and even safer alternative to some of the other tools that might damage or scratch the sight or any part of your rifle. Plus, the prongs won’t easily break off despite trying to make some complex adjustments. Expect these to last you years or even decades with little wear or tear.

Conclusion

Finding the right AR-15 tool does take some work. Even when you have to distinguish one from the other considering that they all look the same in design and color. If it fits your sight nicely, then you’ll know for sure that you have a winner on your hands. If you see a tool that might pique your interest, see what people are saying about it. Also, pay close attention to the kind of AR-15 rifle they might have. If it works for them, chances are it might for you also. 

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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