Ar-15 Build Question

[USAF_Vet]

If you will be doing many AR builds, it would be wise to invest in most of the tools MistWolf posted.

If you will be doing only one, maybe two in a lifetime, no need for any of that.

I build my AR pistol from a stripped Aero Precision lower, PSA parts kit, Aero Precision stripped upper and a no name FA/DC kit off Amazon.

I used a soft faced hammer, brass rod, channel locks and a few other standard hand tools out of my garage. I did not spend a ton of money on tools that I'd never use for anything but AR builds.

I did get an AR armorers wrench for my anniversary, though. That'll be about the only AR specific tool in my inventory.

 

[MistWolf]

Ha! There are only three AR specific tools in the list I gave The two blocks for the upper & lower and the AR multitool. The rest came out of my regular toolbox

 

[USAF_Vet]

As a mechanic, I also have those and more. But I also realize I'm the exception rather than the rule, and tend to assume most people won't have a need day to day for roll pin holders / punches, brass drift punches, even common Allen wrenches, let alone AR vice blocks or multitool.

If someone does not already have them, it's a unique tool for a specific purpose for their AR build, that just happens to have other uses (which they've never needed before, so presumably won't Ned after).

I don't keep roll pin punches in my tool box at home, no need.

What I'm saying is that what you posted is a great list, but could be a bit of an unneeded expense just to build a single rifle. I built my first AR from stripped receivers with nothing but a soft faced hammer, channel locks, a roll of tape , a block of wood, and a single 3/16" punch.

But if the plan is to build more than one AR, then I'd agree that for repeatability and simplicity, that's a great set if tool. I'd also add an upper vice block and torque wrench and snap ring pliers.

 

[SuperNaut]

LOL, I used a finishing nail and strap wrench for most of the "specialized" stuff on my AR build.

Both were already in my toolbox.

 

[MistWolf]

As a mechanic, I also have those and more. But I also realize I'm the exception rather than the rule, and tend to assume most people won't have a need day to day for roll pin holders / punches, brass drift punches, even common Allen wrenches, let alone AR vice blocks or multitool.

If someone does not already have them, it's a unique tool for a specific purpose for their AR build, that just happens to have other uses (which they've never needed before, so presumably won't Ned after).

I don't keep roll pin punches in my tool box at home, no need.

What I'm saying is that what you posted is a great list, but could be a bit of an unneeded expense just to build a single rifle. I built my first AR from stripped receivers with nothing but a soft faced hammer, channel locks, a roll of tape , a block of wood, and a single 3/16" punch.

But if the plan is to build more than one AR, then I'd agree that for repeatability and simplicity, that's a great set if tool. I'd also add an upper vice block and torque wrench and snap ring pliers.

Sure, you can assemble an AR with some round rocks, two sticks and a chicken bone, but why put yourself through all that agony? If you're building just one AR, punches are pretty cheap over at Harbor Freight. The most expensive tool on my list are the Knipex pliers and the vise, although it's easy to drop a wad of cash on a real good ratcheting screwdriver.

The MOST expensive tool is the wrong one, like Channel Locks. They'll press a pin in place but their teeth will tear chunks out of your lower and wrapping the jaws with masking tape is false assurance. If you're lucky, you may get away with it the first time. But the usual result is that the Channel Locks or the Vise Grips will slip and mar the surface or even break something.

I know there are guys who will insist they can do it, have done it and "You can too" but after decades of experience, there's a reason I warn folks away from Channel Locks and Vise Grips. All the time somebody posts up a video of some would be gunsmith in the Pashtu Mountains pounding some kind of shoddy firearm using makeshift tools for everyone on the forum to make fun of. Or photos of something someone ruined through bubbagineering or use of make-shift tools. Why then, is it ok to bubba an AR together just because someone once got lucky using a pipe wrench?

Most of the tools I listed should be in any shooter's tool kit. Screw drivers, Allen keys, punches, hammers etc. are staples for even the most routine work. Good grief, get some basic tools, even if you have to borrow them, and do the job right

 

[USAF_Vet]

I'm not gonna argue with you. You've offered your opinion, I've offered mine. You can disagree with my assessment despite the fact that I've not even disagreed with you.

What's with the increased amount of arguing over differing opinions lately?

I've got more money tied up in tools than many people have tied up in their car. I've been a professional mechanic for almost 20 years, but again, what do I know?

Well, guess I'll just be done with this thread, and get back to my rocks and chicken bones.

 

[MistWolf]

I'm not gonna argue with you. You've offered your opinion, I've offered mine. You can disagree with my assessment despite the fact that I've not even disagreed with you.

What's with the increased amount of arguing over differing opinions lately?

I've got more money tied up in tools than many people have tied up in their car. I've been a professional mechanic for almost 20 years, but again, what do I know?

Well, guess I'll just be done with this thread, and get back to my rocks and chicken bones.

Didn't mean to seem like I was getting after you. I've just been seeing a few posts around the internet scoffing at having the right tools for the job and I guess it's gotten under my skin somewhat. It's frustrating to have somebody ask how it's done, ignore the advice they're given and butcher a project because they tried a short cut they read about on the Internet

 

[zoom6zoom]

One last "tool" I will recommend for the novice. A large, clear plastic bag. Do your work inside it. When you launch a spring or drop a small part, which you will, you won't have to spend an hour on your knees trying to find that damn detent spring in your living room carpet or messy shop.

 

[cfullgraf]

One last "tool" I will recommend for the novice. A large, clear plastic bag. Do your work inside it. When you launch a spring or drop a small part, which you will, you won't have to spend an hour on your knees trying to find that damn detent spring in your living room carpet or messy shop.

Definitely!

I have built my share of AR-15s and each time I drop a small part or two or a number of tools on the ground. One of these days I will learn and position myself better over the work bench so that it catches the bits and pieces.

I have launched my fair share of springs and detents. The Bermuda Trigale must have a branch office in my basement as the parts are no where to be found. A bag would have been a help until I learned to keep the various springs captured.

I am definitely in the use the correct tool for the job camp, or just get a bigger hammer.

Sorry, I just could not resist.

Using the correct tool does not mean there is only one tool. There can be suitable substitutes as well as unsuitable substitutes. The key is to know enough so that you do not need that bigger hammer.

My name is Chuck and I am a tool-aholic.

I figured a long time ago that if i was starting a new project, it was well worth buying any specific tools needed for the project. Besides being an excuse to buy another tool and feed the habit, it made the job easier and I would have the tool for future projects. The less expensive the new tool is, the easier it is to buy for the project. I will agree, high dollar tools can be tough to fit in the budget.

Finally, I have many tools that fall in the category, "I could not justify it before I bought it, now I cannot live without it."

So, it was a no brainer for me to get the AR-15 specific tools.

 

[rust collector]

vive le differance!

Many different approaches to this job, and all valid. What I learned:

1. A box of fancy tools is not required to get the job done.
2. Learning what you will be doing, and the challenges you will likely face, ahead of time is more important than any tool. I like the Brownells series http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/GunTechdetail/How-to-Build-An-AR-15-Video
3. A good tool will make the job easier, produce a good result, and can be used again and again. The clevis pin isn't required, but it is simple, cheap and easy.

Number 3 is important because you'll want to build more, guaranteed.

 

[USAF_Vet]

There are some alternatives to the clevis pin. Some kits include a tool specific for the pivot detente pin. I made my own, a long shoulder 1/4"-20 bolt with a notch cut in the threads with a hacksaw.

Once you watch a couple videos and see how to go about doing the build, you can use your imagination.

I used the Midway USA build videos, they are on YouTube.

 

[Mike J]

The only tool I didn't have that I needed to assemble my lower was the armorers tool to tighten down the castle nut. I had line up type punches that were not made for roll pins. I just took a little bit of fuel line I had left over from my chain saw & slipped one end over the punch & the other end over the pin I was inserting to keep the punch from sliding off (found this trick online). If you do a search on assembling an AR you will find all the instructions you need & can make a tool list from them.