half the stuff in that midway kit is pot-metal that's well known for breaking as soon as torque is applied. which is unfortunate, because it's a great idea.....just craptastic in application.
Can you recommend me a tool kit?
- Thread starter Evojoeix
- Start date
The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast
Member Benefits:
No ad networks! Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership Discuss anti-gun legislation Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses Discover free outdoor shooting areas View up to date on firearm-related events Share photos & video with other members ...and so much more!
Member Benefits:
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
Brownell's has a complete kit of tools for ARs. Not cheap, but VERY high quality pieces.
I have just been buying the tools I need, as I need them. For a lower, the roll pin punches and roll pin starters are good.
Brownell's has a special punch for the bolt hold open roll pin. It had a flat ground down it, so it clears the receiver better.
I have just been buying the tools I need, as I need them. For a lower, the roll pin punches and roll pin starters are good.
Brownell's has a special punch for the bolt hold open roll pin. It had a flat ground down it, so it clears the receiver better.
I have that punch. It's for removal from the muzzle end rearward. No different/handier for installation. Most lowers you can't install from muzzle end due to the profiling on the magwell. Honestly I just use electrical tape on the receiver and a bench vise with taped jaws to install that one.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
I figured that out while building a lower today.
Still nice to have.
I found that roll pin holder was great for getting the pin in and into the bolt catch. then finish with a normal punch. No vise needed.
Still nice to have.
I found that roll pin holder was great for getting the pin in and into the bolt catch. then finish with a normal punch. No vise needed.
Magnumite
Ultimate Member
I borrowed tools from a friend for the first AR I built.
Recently I got the Wheeler Engineering AR Kit to complete the second upper. Seems pretty good to me. Torque wrench isn't anything to write home about but is okay for occasional use. I may get the actual armorer's wrench in the future.
Including the small hand tools others mentioned should round out a decent tool kit.
Recently I got the Wheeler Engineering AR Kit to complete the second upper. Seems pretty good to me. Torque wrench isn't anything to write home about but is okay for occasional use. I may get the actual armorer's wrench in the future.
Including the small hand tools others mentioned should round out a decent tool kit.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
Glad I had it. Buggered up a roll pin for the bolt catch and had to remove it.
Anderson Rifles sells an Oops Kit. Nice to have around, the commonly lost or damaged parts in building a lower.
I also managed to launch a pivot pin detent.
But found they are easy to install without the special tool. Glad I saved my money.johnnyb2
Ultimate Member
On the MidwayUSA website, ( and Brownell's also, buy Midways is easier to view ) they have a Video Library at the bottom of the page that shows you step by step how to install each component and what tools you will need. But, Larry goes a little overboard with some of the extra tools he would love to sell you. :-) Very good video and easy to understand. Good luck, and show us some pics of your build when complete.
Mcmaster sells roll pins in bags of 100....for about 4-7 bucks per bag depending on size.
Of course with lpks for 22.50 from brownells, not a huge thing to have a couple extra full kits and then extra pins from mcmaster.
Stuff like buffer retainers and springs are under a buck each so I usually add a few to each order and build up extra everything that way.
Same with ak springs, extractors, firing pins, etc.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
I am doing the same thing, having a whole LPK on hand, and buy little parts with each order, especially of the things I have already buggered up or lost.
I don't WANT 100 roll pins. But if you want to make up a small bag with 10 of each size.....
I don't WANT 100 roll pins.
But if you want to make up a small bag with 10 of each size.....
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
To build a lower, I saw no need to use a mag well block. I found it easy to work on with my hands.
Roll pin starters and proper roll pin punches make for an easier build. And less likely to ding up the lower.
Roll pin starters and proper roll pin punches make for an easier build. And less likely to ding up the lower.
Roll pin punch set
Roll pin starter punch set
upper vise block
DPMS multi tool
I'm assuming you have a bench vise and smallish hammer. If not, add those to the list and you're pretty well there for 99% of the stuff you'll do with an ar-15.
I also happen to be just across key bridge from you more or less, and happen to have all those things and even a few more.
Hint there.
Very thoughtful. Thanks for putting in the time.
Users who are viewing this thread
Latest posts
Forum statistics
Latest threads
-
-
MUST READ!!! If you are current USCCA Member or considering becoming a USCCA Member (2 Viewers)- Started by Tactical Shepherd
- Replies: 0
-
MUST READ for current USCCA Members or those thinking about joining...
- Started by Tactical Shepherd
- Replies: 0
-
Have you ever tallied up the amount of money that you’ve spent on one gun? (2 Viewers)- Started by Bafflingbs
- Replies: 11
-
-
-
