Basic Gun Tool Box Setup

crolfe1984 · Feb 20, 2020

So I have an adequate collection of household tools (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and minor wood working), but I'd like to assemble a box for dedicated gun cleaning/building tasks. By no means am I a gunsmith, but I'd like to have a few tools handy if I need to make a minor adjustment, replace a broken part, and have a decent setup for building an AR lower.

Looking for a kit to cover modern firearms: pump/semi auto shotguns, AR pattern rifles, striker fired pistols, etc.. Suggestions for a few tools to purchase and always have on hand?

-Z/28- · Feb 20, 2020

An AR armorer's wrench and a high quality set of punches would be the main things for most uses. Also a good bench vise.

TheOriginalMexicanBob · Feb 20, 2020

Get a set of quality screwdrivers designed for gunsmithing work. Using standard screwdrivers will often end up in buggered screw slots. Check out what's available through Brownells...they sell just what will work.

CrazySanMan · Feb 20, 2020

A delta ring wrench/removal tool for the AR, and a set of upper and lower vice blocks for one.

Uncle Duke · Feb 20, 2020

TheOriginalMexicanBob said:
Get a set of quality screwdrivers designed for gunsmithing work. Using standard screwdrivers will often end up in buggered screw slots. Check out what's available through Brownells...they sell just what will work.

This right here.

All day long.

Atlasarmory · Feb 20, 2020

TheOriginalMexicanBob said:
Get a set of quality screwdrivers designed for gunsmithing work. Using standard screwdrivers will often end up in buggered screw slots. Check out what's available through Brownells...they sell just what will work.

MAGNA-TIP buy once cry once

Doco Overboard · Feb 20, 2020

Not AR specific but in general always keep a broken shell extractor handy whether it be in a range bag or your tool box. Outside of screwdrivers for common firearms tasks your always going to need a hard set of Arkansas/Norton stones in triangle flat and round shapes and a set of quality punches with a bench knife.
Plus some files from small to large in single and double cut configuration in different shapes sizes. Dont forget some chisels too, both wood and steel with a ball Peen hammer assortment and small cross peen for wood and steel guns.
After a awhile you will acquire all kinds of specialty tools as your interest increase.

kalister1 · Feb 20, 2020

Depending on what you want to do?

Roll pin starter punch set: Punches with a hole drilled in the center to hold the roll pin to get it started.
Roll pin specific punches: Have a small center section (Titty) sticking out from the center, used to center the punch on the roll pin.

Check Brownells, they have most everything

Dave MP · Feb 20, 2020

These may help:
Gunsmith Tools
Tools I purchased because of SOTAR

Rambler · Feb 20, 2020

TheOriginalMexicanBob said:
Get a set of quality screwdrivers designed for gunsmithing work. Using standard screwdrivers will often end up in buggered screw slots. Check out what's available through Brownells...they sell just what will work.

These Chapman drivers are a very good value versus cost. They are US made and the storage boxes are modular for expansion. Single broken tips can be replaced at reasonable cost. I started with a basic set and added (over time) darn near every tip they make and a spare empty organizer box. I later ended up getting a second basic set to have spare handles and extenders.

Here is a link to the gun-smithing specific sets.

https://chapmanmfg.com/pages/gunsmith-screwdriver-sets

DutchV · Feb 20, 2020

Follow SOTAR on Facebook for lots of useful info about tools and techniques.

Magnumite · Feb 21, 2020

Rambler said:
These Chapman drivers are a very good value versus cost. They are US made and the storage boxes are modular for expansion. Single broken tips can be replaced at reasonable cost. I started with a basic set and added (over time) darn near every tip they make and a spare empty organizer box. I later ended up getting a second basic set to have spare handles and extenders.

Here is a link to the gun-smithing specific sets.

https://chapmanmfg.com/pages/gunsmith-screwdriver-sets

I have had that set for years. It is typically sent with a good discussion on torque.

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