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Create a channel Learn moreThat's what I'm trying to figure out, what companies sell the quality tools. I'm familiar with automotive work,and woodworking, so I know what the quality tools are and where to buy them, but building ARs is new to me so aside from general tools like, bit drivers, screwdrivers etc, I need to know who makes the best specialized tools.It's honestly best to just peace it together. I would start off with these, and don't cheap out on them.
Bench Vise
Standard Punch Set
Roll Pin Punch set and Roll pin starter punch.
Armors wrench and hammer.
JP universal vise clamp
AR15/AR10 Vise Block (Real Avid makes a decent one)
Gas Block assembly Jig
Ft- LBS Torque Wrench
In-Lbs Torque Wrench
Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench Set
Reaction Rod for AR15/AR10
Bolt disassembly Tool.
Everything else you can pick up at your local hardware store.
PSA has that kit on sale for $79.99 (plus tax & shipping, as applicable) "today only".Wheeler makes an entire "AR Armorers" kit for <$200 if I remember.
Top tier? Probably not.
"Essential" for when you need it? Probably.
+1 to this, and the Geissele reaction rod (or similar) in that list above. That reaction rod is my most-used tool.The Magpul armorer's wrench is a must have
Why? I don't really follow him that closely but it seems like he knows things.I don’t like SOTAR
I just started another thread but I found this today and some other handy tools to keep around.
AR Ejector Tool
If you've ever tried to remove or install the ejector roll pin from your AR bolt, you know that, without a tool, the ejector and spring can go flying out, never to be seen again. Enter the 3DGearGuy AR ejector tool... This simple tool allows you to place tension on the ejector, making it easy to...threedgearguy.com
you don't need that, don't waste your moneyI just started another thread but I found this today and some other handy tools to keep around.
AR Ejector Tool
If you've ever tried to remove or install the ejector roll pin from your AR bolt, you know that, without a tool, the ejector and spring can go flying out, never to be seen again. Enter the 3DGearGuy AR ejector tool... This simple tool allows you to place tension on the ejector, making it easy to...threedgearguy.com
The Real Avid master block includes this feature, is inexpensive and has provided more than adequate service for a hobby builder and servicing.you don't need that, don't waste your money
I do t need 50+ guns but here I am.you don't need that, don't waste your money
Which companies make the best quality armorer's/Gunsmithing tools to build AR-15s? I'm trying to put together an essentials tool kit.
@MontanaMan nailed it. You won't be able to get all of the best tools from 1 company. For example, the best armorer's wrench I've used is my Magpul armorer's wrench. And either a Geissele Reaction Rod, or Real Avid reaction rod are a must-have. You will also need at least a good Wilton 4" bench vise. One tool I cannot recommend enough, is if you're building standard forged lowers, where you press in the trigger guard roll pin, get yourself a Wheeler Engineering Trigger Guard Install Tool. Don't try to hammer it in, you can break one of the flanges if you're not careful, or if you have the pin in crooked, or miss and hit the receiver. They are NOT very thick flanges.Pretty hard to get all that you need from any one manufacturer .
Also depends on how for you want to go on the list of possibilities.
MM
One tool I cannot recommend enough, is if you're building standard forged lowers, where you press in the trigger guard roll pin, get yourself a Wheeler Engineering Trigger Guard Install Tool. Don't try to hammer it in, you can break one of the flanges if you're not careful, or if you have the pin in crooked, or miss and hit the receiver. They are NOT very thick flanges.
The only thing Geissele that I own is a set of punches. They are awesome.You are right that tool is awesome and it comes in this set which has some great AR punches.
Can’t recommend the reaction rods enough.The only thing Geissele that I own is a set of punches. They are awesome.
100% agreef you're only buying one I find the Midwest Industries reaction rod the most functional hands down. The "sail" on it helps prevent clocking of the barrel extension in the upper. It's also less expensive than the Geissele.
Geiselle makes a set of the gas bllck roll pint starter punches too, but w/o the hammer......................a must have if you many, makes life easy.Sorry, I didn't link the set I was talking about above. Here it is with that trigger guard roll pin tool.
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How do you install the bolt catch? How do you install the forward assist?I don't use any hammers or punches.
I still use a roll pin starter punch for the trigger guard, FA and bolt stop pins to get them started. But I press them the rest of the way with a 10" Knipex pliers wrench with some tape on the jaws. I've done it for gas tube pins as well.How do you install the bolt catch? How do you install the forward assist?
A real man just pushes those pins in with his fingers. You a real man, right?How do you install the bolt catch? How do you install the forward assist?
Pressed them in with my tiny bench vise quite a few times. And I've used hammers. I've assembled quite a few AR's with no specialized tools actually.How do you install the bolt catch? How do you install the forward assist?
Forward Controls has a nice jig to hold the gas block while inserting the roll pin with proper size punch.Geiselle makes a set of the gas bllck roll pint starter punches
Check out Classified Defense.That's what I'm trying to figure out, what companies sell the quality tools. I'm familiar with automotive work,and woodworking, so I know what the quality tools are and where to buy them, but building ARs is new to me so aside from general tools like, bit drivers, screwdrivers etc, I need to know who makes the best specialized tools.
How do you install the bolt catch? How do you install the forward assist?
And when you buy, get off the wallet and get a life time tool you won't regret buying the best tool to avoid screwing up a nice rifle art form.you'll likely be better off piecing together your set than buying a premade one.
Sweet!Musing on the lathe today. Fabricated a quick-reference guide gauge for AR carbine / rifle buffer spring lengths. I have observed some AR gunsmiths apply an adhesive measuring tape to the work bench, others take a yard stick for reference. Used 3/8" 6061 aluminum round stock to fabricate a 15" OAL gauge, creating precision Go-NoGo color coded zones for the two common spring lengths.
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