AR Tools

[Freebird01]

So I am looking at building my first AR's... What would you guys recommend for an armour's wrench and maybe a basic tool kit? Am I better off going to menards or lowes to buy a set of punches? thoughts?

 

[Hop]

1/4" hitch pin with holes will help get that front detent spring & pin installed.

Are you doing an upper too?

 

[Freebird01]

1/4" hitch pin with holes will help get that front detent spring & pin installed.

Are you doing an upper too?

Yep full build. Upper and lower

 

[Vigilant]

The newest 23&P available.

 

[Freebird01]

The newest 23&P available.

As in the Tech manual?

 

[Hop]

You could assemble one with regular tools but this stuff makes it easier. If you will be changing up the rifle or building more than one, get some of these specialty tools. Links are just to see what I'm talking about...

#1 imo = a sturdy table and heavy duty bench vice with those magnetic plastic jaw covers!
https://www.amazon.com/Vise-Jaws-Mu...s=AR15+tools&qid=1569337207&s=gateway&sr=8-48

If you don't have a nice vice then this.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016339811?pid=393867

Action block set.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003265152?pid=310152

A bench block if you are doing taper pin in the front sight.
https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Non-...s=AR15+tools&qid=1569337207&s=gateway&sr=8-47

Muzzle devices and barrel nuts install easier with a BEV block.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015877615?pid=855360

I have both steel and brass punches. Brass punches are nice for beginners but tend to wear / bend. Steel punches will last but will mark up your gun if you slip.
Roll pin punch set
Roll pin starter punch set
Regular punch set
Small hammer (one end non-maring)
Big hammer for doing taper pins

AR multi-tool with a square for a torque wrench - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007352657?pid=747639
Torque wrench

The odd ball stuff like:
1/4" hitch pin for that front detent
Painters tape
magnifier
Wheeler FAT torque screwdriver - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007367010?pid=718023
blue locktight
center punch for staking a castle nut (if used)

 

[Vigilant]

As in the Tech manual?

Yes

 

[indysims]

I did a few builds with basic tools.

Bench Vice
Upper Receiver Vice Block
Magazine Well Vice Block
Tapco AR Wrench (only for castle nut)
Basic Steel Punches
Small Ball-Peen Hammer
Tape

Some of the other things mentioned by others might make the process go smoother, but if you're careful and take your time you can do it with the most basic stuff.

Some tools are build specific depending on the 51 flavors of receivers and barrels/barrel nuts/handguard attachments available.

A lot of the mid-level lower receivers have threaded pins for the bolt catch, and integrated trigger gaurds, those features make builds soooouper simple.

 

[Freebird01]

I have multiple vises and I made myself a lower bench block... I work as a machinist/lab tech for Purdue and have been doing all kinds of Fab work for a long time. I have a decent selection of tools...but I know there are specialized ones for this task. And I've never built one. Looking at the parts it doesn't seem that difficult.

Thanks for all the great info guys. I really appreciate it!

 

[bwframe]

Be sure to study up on all of the modern methods of blocks and clamping. If you are getting even 5 year old info, there may be more to learn.

I had two different upper receiver holding jigs, before I found out about wooden blocks and rolling the receiver on it's side, clamping top and bottom, actually works better in some instances.

 

[Freebird01]

Be sure to study up on all of the modern methods of blocks and clamping. If you are getting even 5 year old info, there may be more to learn.

I had two different upper receiver holding jigs, before I found out about wooden blocks and rolling the receiver on it's side, clamping top and bottom, actually works better in some instances.

got any good links?

 

[sugarcreekbrass]

After seeing their tools at the ATA show in January, I really like Real Avid. I had already purchased several tools individually, but would have bought the Armorer's Master kit.

https://www.realavid.com/

 

[gmcttr]

...before I found out about wooden blocks and rolling the receiver on it's side, clamping top and bottom, actually works better in some instances.

Sounds like a less expensive version of this...https://www.plastixrevolution.net/c...cts/ar-15-upper-receiver-vise-block-black-pin...which I really like if I'm not using a Reaction Rod.

 

[churchmouse]

Sounds like a less expensive version of this...https://www.plastixrevolution.net/c...cts/ar-15-upper-receiver-vise-block-black-pin...which I really like if I'm not using a Reaction Rod.

I actually prefer using my reaction style rod.

 

[bwframe]

Be sure to study up on all of the modern methods of blocks and clamping. If you are getting even 5 year old info, there may be more to learn.

I had two different upper receiver holding jigs, before I found out about wooden blocks and rolling the receiver on it's side, clamping top and bottom, actually works better in some instances.

got any good links?

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/gunsmithing/448820-ar-vice-blocks.html?448820=#post7397611

 

[charley59]

From Magpul, the BEV Block and the Armorer's Wrench. Steel roll pin punches.

 

[j706]

From Magpul, the BEV Block and the Armorer's Wrench. Steel roll pin punches.

This^^^^^

 

[Freebird01]

Sorry to dig up an old thread...I'm finally getting around to collecting tools. I managed to build myself a workbench for in the house...got an AR wrench and a bev block on order from Primary Arms.. just need to pick up some punches and ill be ready to rock and roll. thanks for all the replys!