Gunsmithing Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

flyfisher117

flyfisher117

Professional Milk Jug Hunter
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 25, 2010
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Idaho
#1
What would be some basic tools that everyone should have just to do some of their own basic at home gun smithing? I want to go to gun smithing school after i graduate, anyone know what kind of tools would be required there?

Ive been looking at an in/lb torque wrench but cant find any that are reasonably priced yes still made with decent quality.

I'm looking for a set of brass punches and a nice soft little hammer/mallet (plastic or rubber?)

Maybe a basic screw driver kit with many different heads?

Just curious your guys's inputs. I have a gun giving me accuracy issues so the torque wrench is my first purchase.
 
#2
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

If you go to a gunsmithing school the instructor will tell you what tools you will need there.

As far as tools to buy for your home, what you said is fine.
Obvious stuff. Screw driver kit with all size tips so you never strip a screw. Nylon and brass hammers. Brass and steel punches. Nylon punch. Calipers, Micrometer, depth mic, allen head wrench kits both standard and metric, tetra grease,

The list could go on until youre broke 100x over.


Just buy tools as you find you need them, and never rush the project by doing a job without the right tool. And ask your instructor what tools you need for school if you go.
 
#3
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

Anyone recomend a good little torque wrench?

I was looking at a snap-on, untill i saw the $200 and $300 price tag, you get what you pay for i know but i cant afford that much only to use it a few times a year.

What about something similar to these?
Wheeler wrench
 
#4
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

That same Snap-On can be had on Ebay for a lot less in great condition. Those are not the type of tools that people buy, and abuse. I got mine in like new condition for $45.00. Take your time, and don't get into bidding wars. There is nothing wrong with used tools in great condition. Good luck in school.
 
#5
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

The green torque wrench made in France.

We have one. Its great. Cant think of the name though.



As awesome as a torque wrench is to have, its not as important as some other things you may want to get first. The tool list for school will be expensive and huge if its like ours was.
 
#7
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

Brownell's Magnatip screwdriver set. Get the deluxe set and you can add specialty tips as you go along. Might also want to pick up a couple of the Chapman sets for your range bag.

Decent vise. Mine are just the Home Depot variety, but they are a must.

Pin punches. Brownell's has a product with replaceable tips.

Good barrel vise and action wrench. Mine is not the Brownell's, but it does fine for Remington and Winchester factory barrels.

Files. Decide what you will be wrenching on(1911's, 700 Remingtons, Winchester 70's, etc.) and you will pick up the specialty files as you go along. For starters, get a bastard file, some round files in various sizes, a med cut file or two, and a small assortment of Swiss files for delicate work.

A Decker(or other manufacturer's) rifle vise. I have had my Decker for 25 years and it is none the worse for the mileage.

Books, Books, Books: "Accurizing the Factory Rifle," Mike McPherson; "Gunsmith Kinks," don't know author, but the series is available from Brownell's; any number of books dealing with ballistics("Rifle Accuracy Facts," Howard Vaughn; "Understanding Ballistics," (don't remember author)

Buy good stuff. Gunsmithing tools are usually a good value in that you may pay a stiff price, but the quality makes it worth it.
 
#8
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

Carolina shooter or anyone else that knows, but by reading that list it looks like you actually build a gun from scratch? If so that makes me want to take the course even more! (pending we get to keep them in the end.)


A green torque wrench... doesnt help much the only one ive seen is the Weaver one. Its green.
 
#10
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Keith at PCR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its known real well on here. Made in France, Green, $80.
Someone knows which one Im talking about. I figured someone would chime in.... I forgot the name and Im not at the shop to look.</div></div>

Seekonk
 
#11
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

Ahhh ok, lol, Thanks. I was looking for a green one but that was pretty much like driving around town looking for a red car made in japan.
laugh.gif


Ill have to check them out. $80 isnt horribly expensive.
 
#12
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

I've been gunsmithing for quite awhile now...a torque wrench still hasn't made it to the top of the 'must buy next' list...the list is still too damnded big.
 
#15
Re: Tools needed for an average mans at home smithing?

The torque wrench was at the top of my list, why buy all kinds of other tools to do precision measuring and cutting and then wing it on final assembly? I like to know that everything within my control is done correctly.
 
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