AR tools

[stephen87]

What tools would everyone consider necessary to building, maintaining, and customizing ARs? Obviously an armorer's wrench, roll pin punches, rubber mallet. upper block. Anything else? I want to compile a kit of the tools that I'll need, that way if, I mean WHEN , I build another AR I'll have the tools.

 

[bstewrat3]

Castle Nut Wrench

 

[42769vette]

I consider roll pin punch's, and a armor's tool MUST have. I have a lot of other tools that are very nice to have, but the first 2 I could not build a AR without.

 

[42769vette]

Castle Nut Wrench

Part of most armor's wrench's.

 

[shooter521]

Also need a set of flat-nosed punches for doing things like the FSB taper pins, and a good hammer to hit them with. I also find Brownells' jig handy for holding the FSB in position (and reminding me which way the pins go in/out). A mag block or similar instrument for safely holding the lower in a vise.

 

[Mgderf]

A good armor's wrench will have a castle nut wrench.

 

[chezuki]

See, this is why we need a Gunsmithing section!!!

 

[Hammer]

What is a good wrench?

See a bunch on amazon, but do not know which one is good or bad.

 

[churchmouse]

See, this is why we need a Gunsmithing section!!!

Yeah....it is nice to "Have"....................

 

[Cannon762]

I find vice blocks to also be very handy

 

[whippo]

Personally the lower block is very helpful also

 

[churchmouse]

What is a good wrench?

See a bunch on amazon, but do not know which one is good or bad.

I know many on here are very budget minded but when buying armorers tools get good ones that will do the job all the time and not fail causing you to damage your gun.
I have bought the majority of my tools from Brownells. They are clearly marked as to use and they back them up with a warr. Yes, a few bucks more but you are getting the real deal from them.

 

[42769vette]

Also need a set of flat-nosed punches for doing things like the FSB taper pins, and a good hammer to hit them with. I also find Brownells' jig handy for holding the FSB in position (and reminding me which way the pins go in/out). A mag block or similar instrument for safely holding the lower in a vise.

Every time I do one I swear up and down Im ordering a Jig next time I order from brownell's, then I never remember until the next time I do one and start cussing. Thank god I only do about 1-2 a year, but its a real PITA without the jig.

 

[gunworks321]

Try the Wheeler Engineering mag well vise block. Not real expensive but a really well thought out piece of equipment.

 

[gunworks321]

What is a good wrench?

See a bunch on amazon, but do not know which one is good or bad.

Tapco makes a really sturdy one that does not flex. I have used mine many times and would not do without.

 

[stephen87]

See, this is why we need a Gunsmithing section!!!

We do need a Gunsmithing section. Hopefully soon.

 

[stephen87]

Also need a set of flat-nosed punches for doing things like the FSB taper pins, and a good hammer to hit them with. I also find Brownells' jig handy for holding the FSB in position (and reminding me which way the pins go in/out). A mag block or similar instrument for safely holding the lower in a vise.

What sizes would you recommend?

For the roll pin punches I got a set of 5 different sizes from Craftsman. or I could have bought the four sizes I knew I would need for $5.79 each.

 

[WyldeShot]

I have almost all of the parts for a upper build. I am looking for tools now. I have been looking at wrenches. The reviews are so mixed. Is Tapco really a good wrench. I read some decent review for the AIM wrench and then I read some really terrible ones, so I decided against it.

 

[ryknoll3]

What sizes would you recommend?

For the roll pin punches I got a set of 5 different sizes from Craftsman. or I could have bought the four sizes I knew I would need for $5.79 each.

A large one to get them started, anywhere from 3/16 to 3/8. Large is good. 1/8" to punch them out once you have them flush with the FSB. Some brands (BCM) are notoriously hard to get started.

 

[ryknoll3]

I also really like having a roll pin holder for starting pins when I'm building lowers. It's not necessary, but if you're placing a Brownell's order, a nice thing to throw in. 1/8" for the trigger guard and 3/32 for the bolt catch. #'s 3 and 4 from Brownells.

Also 5/64" for the gas block roll pin if you want to round out your set. #2 holder from Brownell's.