Barrel wrench for an inch barrel

[runningiron]

I've seen various posts to the effect that you need a 1 1/16 in. (or 27 mm) wrench for the barrel flats. I have two L1A1 kits waiting to be finished, so I bought the inch, got out my file, and got ready to have some fun. Oops, 1 1/16 in. is way to big for either of my barrels. Tried it on a Century L1A1 next, still way too big. It looks like I'll have to get a 26 mm and file the hell out of it to get a tap on fit. Is this an issue, or is this normal and it's just that no one has mentioned it.

[RufusG]

I have yet to build a rifle, but I made a wrench for my L1A1 barrels by filing an old 1" wrench I had. Slips on perfectly snugly. It is way too small to go on my G1 barrel. Sorry I didn't bother to take measurements but my mic was too small to fit the barrel flats. I think it is normal and no one has mentioned it.

[bykerhd]

27 mm works fine on my L1A1.
Does not fit my metric barrels.

[ricochet]

You are right. I just tried my trusty 1-1/16" on an a couple L1 barrels and sure enough, sloppy fit. I have been using lead blocks lately, but for sure thought the wrench size was the same. Maybe that's why I rounded one last month, duh.
So I guess it is normal, altho I had just taken that 1-1/16" was common with 2 flats or 4. Live and learn. :p
Thanks for the heads up, I will sacrifice another wrench now :D