Suggested minimum/required tools for AR build..

ZeroRing · Feb 7, 2009

Question: What sort of "tools" would be recommended to have to complete a new AR build?

I know there are several "special" tools out there but I'm curious if anyone has a list of tools that one should definitely have on hand to put an AR together?

Are there other tools that aren't necessarily required but DO make the process easier and/or simpler than just the "typical" contents are a general purpose tool box?

I'll get whatever tools are needed... but I don't want to spend a ton of green rectangles on stuff that's not necessarily "required" for the build.

wichaka · Feb 7, 2009

Pin punches, roll pin holders (punches), barrel wrench multi tool. If installing barrel onto upper receiver...head space gauges, small hammer. Upper receiver vise block.

ZeroRing · Feb 7, 2009

Outstanding... thank you. Have or will have all of these once parts arrive. :s0155:

Jaybo · Feb 7, 2009

ZeroRing said:
Outstanding... thank you. Have or will have all of these once parts arrive.

Would a person even need these if the rifle being ordered is a completed upper, and parts for completing a stripped lower? I cant imagine anyone would need any of those unless truly "building from scratch"

I am also under the impression that when you buy an completed upper.. its just that... Completed. Connect it to the lower and go shooting?

Dutchy556 · Feb 7, 2009

You can get away with a brass hammer a pin punch and a vice grip if just doing the lower and popping on an upper. Need to be careful not to mar the finish this way though (put a couple idiot marks on some lowers doing this...)

Most of what you need to know about building your own AR can be found below

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

wichaka · Feb 7, 2009

...or check out the video series on Brownells web site.

They have the whole series you can watch on line, and show you how to build an AR.

ZeroRing · Feb 8, 2009

wichaka said:
...or check out the video series on Brownells web site.

They have the whole series you can watch on line, and show you how to build an AR.

Yeap, I saw that series online and got the DVD when it first came out. Good stuff. :s0155:

RockKrawler · Feb 9, 2009

So can someone suggest some good books that will help with assembling the AR family of rifles ?
I intend to build mine completely,no assembled anything unless done by me.
RK

wichaka · Feb 9, 2009

RK, check out the on-line AR build video series on Brownells web site, can't think of anything better right off.

jmfh · Feb 10, 2009

You should definately get some sort of barrel vise jaws if you are going to be installing any muzzle device.Using an upper receiver block is not good, you can snap the locating pin on your barrel or hog out the notch in the upper receiver.

Doc In UPlace · Feb 10, 2009

Unless you have a third hand, a Brownells bolt ejector tool is the handiest thing since TP:
They have three types, this is the one I have, it also does .308 bolts

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=23114&title=EJECTOR REMOVAL TOOL

ZeroRing · Feb 11, 2009

Doc In UPlace said:
Unless you have a third hand, a Brownells bolt ejector tool is the handiest thing since TP:
They have three types, this is the one I have, it also does .308 bolts

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=23114&title=EJECTOR%20REMOVAL TOOL

I'll have to look that one up. Good to know! :s0155:

ghanderson10 · Feb 12, 2009

I built mine using only a screw driver, multi-tool, and a vise.

I lightly tapped the roll pins with my Gerber until they sat tight enough to put in the vise. Worked just fine, but the end of the roll pins aren't completely flush. Should be mostly a cosmetic issue though, and I'm sure I can find a way to make them flush WITHOUT buying punches. If I put my upper together, I'd need a lot more specialized tools, I'm sure...but improvisation saves money

Also, advice for installing the takedown pin detents and springs: Put a towel over your head.

Seriously.

You don't need a fancy tool like AR15.com would have you believe... just grab yourself a Gerber and drape something over the work area to keep it from flying away if you lose your grip. It happened to me before I thought of the towel, and I was sure I would be buying new detents.

the4thshake · Feb 15, 2009

I cut up an old plastic cutting board and used it to to keep the jaws of the bench vise from marking up the upper reciever.

Old drill bits can be ground down into punches for the small roll pins.

A standard pair of pliers with masking tape on the jaws comes in handy.

The only tool I have had to buy is the armorers tool.