Basic AR tools

[Josh Beauchamp]

Okay, I am embarking on building my first AR from the ground up and I an needing some help. Aside from an Armorer's wrench what are the basic tools I am going to need. If there is a kit you guys recommend I am open to suggestions.

 

[Matt1911]

Vise
Vise blocks
Hammer with synthetic ends
Screwdriver
Needle nose pliers
Punches

 

[Dustin Cantrell]

Looks like Matt has it all covered. Be sure to ask questions, I'd be glad to answer the few I can and I'm sure others would chime in.

 

[argyle64]

Brownells has a nice kit with the vice blocks and punches all included.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/gunsmithing-tool-kits/ar-15-m16-critical-tools-kit-sku080000812-41214-77813.aspx?sku=080-000-812

 

[Dustin Cantrell]

Also, I would go with a clamp style upper receiver vise block as opposed to the style that attaches to the upper using the takedown pin locations to hold it. Receivers can crack and break from the torque of installing or removing the barrel nut. Probably moreso from the torque of removing a very tight barrel nut, but I'd rather not induce that stress on the receiver.

I have this set:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/310152/promag-armorers-upper-and-lower-receiver-action-block-set-ar-15

It's cheap and has worked well for me. I'm sure there are better sets that some who build a lot of ARs use, but I haven't had any problems with it.

 

[Matt1911]

Definitely use the clamp style vise blocks for the upper. Thanks Dustin, I forgot to mention that.

 

[Josh Beauchamp]

Thanks guys I am looking at the kit Argyle posted and one by Wheeler that comes with a torque wrench. I am getting a different wrench and a full set of punches either way and probably a bench block also. Just have to decide of the torque wrench and carry bag are all that important to me.

 

[Matt1911]

When punching in the triggerguard roll pin, be very careful and use a block to support the back end. Those tabs can break pretty easy.. yes I know from experience.

 

[Wall]

Just have to decide of the torque wrench and carry bag are all that important to me.

I don't know anyone that uses a torque wrench on their AR

 

[Matt1911]

I don't know anyone that uses a torque wrench on their AR

Torque wrenches are for mechanics, not shade tree gunsmiths.

 

[Josh Beauchamp]

I was thinking that but every video I have seen online talks about using a torque wrench on the barrel

 

[argyle64]

You need to use a torque wrench for the castle nut if you're using a polymer lower.

 

[nikatkimber]

RoboGrips
Those are flippin' awesome for roll pins. The jaws close straight together unlike standard pliers.


Other than what Matt said...

Barrel nut wrench
Castle nut wrench

This is the barrel nut wrench I've got. I like it because it was small, and for a quality brand, low cost. My dislike is that it is a closed end wrench, so you have to remove the gas block to use it; even if you want to keep that gas block later.

PRI Barrel nut wrench @ Brownells