Gunsmithing Bench Block Preference?

[trickg]

I know that many of you, like me, work on guns - especially the AR platform, but also pistols. For those who do and have had the opportunity to try one or more, is the one you might like more than others?

I ordered a Wheeler Universal Bench Block today - there were some other less expensive options that looked like the same thing, but I bought the Wheeler because I have other Wheeler tools such as the Fat Wrench, trigger pull gauge and a set of roll pin starter punches. Those all seem to be ok, so I figured, why not?

I ordered this block right on the heels of ordering a Stan Chen SI magwell for a 1911 - the installation video showed the use of a bench block, and I figured that picking one up couldn't hurt.

Anyway, I'm curious what everyone else is using - I'm not opposed to picking up other tools that I think would be worth it over the long haul.

 

[Gcs7th]

I haven’t splurged for one yet a piece of wood with a hole usually does the trick.

 

[trickg]

I haven’t splurged for one yet a piece of wood with a hole usually does the trick.

I suppose there is that. Now I feel like an idiot for spending money on a designer block of plastic, although I like the idea of a bench block that is specific to certain aspects of a build. For example, support for driving the pin for an AR trigger guard - I've heard horror stories of people snapping one off because it wasn't properly supported while driving the pin, and I know that some blocks have those things built in.

 

[Gcs7th]

I suppose there is that. Now I feel like an idiot for spending money on a designer block of plastic, although I like the idea of a bench block that is specific to certain aspects of a build. For example, support for driving the pin for an AR trigger guard - I've heard horror stories of people snapping one off because it wasn't properly supported while driving the pin, and I know that some blocks have those things built in.

It’s nice I’ve used them, they look more professional and since it’s rubber its grippy vs wood which can slip. I have plenty of specialty tools and having the right tool makes the job easier!

 

[brianns]

For example, support for driving the pin for an AR trigger guard - I've heard horror stories of people snapping one off because it wasn't properly supported while driving the pin, and I know that some blocks have those things built in.

Wheeler has a tool for that. I do have the gray bench block. It’s got a lot of the various shapes to help with various tasks.

 

[Magnumite]

I use the round Wheeler Bench Block as well. As stated specific made features help. Many features work for other arms as well.

 

[JimB]

Hockey puck

 

[trickg]

Hockey puck

I've read that. I read that guys will take a hockey puck, cut a groove down the middle, and drill various holes in other places.

That's a lot of doin' - I don't have a hockey puck, and my Wheeler block was delivered to my door after I ordered it off of Amazon using the app on my phone.

 

[HiStandards]

I have a $2 hockey puck with a couple holes drilled in it. Been working for over a decade.

 

[DutchV]

The Lyman X-block is pretty useful. I also scored a couple hockey pucks off eBay 'cause for longer stuff you might need two.

You also need a good variety of punches (brass and steel) and a set of roll pin holders.