Calling all ar 15 builders out there!

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horsemen61

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Ok everybody I am wanting to get a “tool box” put together for building AR 15’s so my question is this what would you put in a Ar 15 tool kit?

Thanks y’all
 
I’m officially one of those now, because I bought a stripped lower. But I haven’t got anything else, so I don’t have anything to offer here. I’m as interested just as much as you are though.
 
Building several I just want a good kit to have so I can build as many as I like when I want you know
 
Don’t go crazy
I did my first lower build with an inexpensive hammer that had plastic heads and punch set from Harbor Freight, and some painters paint. I wish I had the punches that hold the roll pins and will get some for the next build. I highly recommend them.

For the upper I spent the money for a Bev Block and armorers wrench. I already had a torque wrench and a bunch of other tools. I really like the Bev Block and highly recommend it.

Any other tools I might have used I already had, but I don’t recall needing any.
 
Basics are quality sets of roll pin starters, roll pin punches, standard pin punches, an AR armorers tool, various sized hammers, bench vice, reaction rod or Magpul BEV block type of barrel block that locks into the barrel extension, 1/4 clevis pin is helpful for the pivot pin spring and detent, also a front site block if you will be messing with pinned front sight base, electrical tape for protecting certain areas when using tools. You can fudge on certain aspects of this, but if you're building uppers, don't fudge on the reaction rod/ BEV block. Using a "clamp" over type upper receiver blocks are just a good way to blemish up your upper receiver while not getting a great tight fit on your barrel nut.
 
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I would start with a minimum of a solid vise, BEV Block, quality armorers wrench, and a set of brass punches.

I would later add roll pin punches, takedown pin detent tools, and any other sort of jig or tool that eases the process. I think if you start with the minimum, you will figure out what you need after the first one. Maybe consider extra springs and detents, just to save down time if they launch themselves. Oh! A large clear plastic bag for messing with the springs, just incase.
 
The roll pin starters would be nice. The detents are rediculously easy, I have no idea why they make a tool for that.
 
ZGunner said:
Maybe consider extra springs and detents, just to save down time if they launch themselves..
Click to expand...
If?
Either you have better luck then me or you’re just too optimistic

WHEN

Springs always seem to fly for me.

A magnet and a good long broom handle help to find them after they fly. But spares are good to have when you don’t find that last one to get it all together.
 
someguy2800 said:
Bench vise, punches, hammer, barrel wrench, Allen wrench’s. Those are the only tools I’ve ever used.
Click to expand...

This is a good basic list with the addition of some device to hold the upper when torquing the barrel nut.

Roll pin punches make installing the roll pins easier but standard pin punches will work. Roll pin punches have a small bump on the end that help keep the punch centered on the roll pin.

A 1/4" diameter clevis pin, about 2" long available at your local farm and tractor store, can make installing the detent pins and springs easier. You can insert the spring and detent pin through the cross hole in the end of the clevis pin, compress the spring/detent pin to allow you to rotate the clevis pin and capture the detent pin in its hole. Then you can more easily insert the action pin.

Otherwise, how big is your wallet. There are many good tools out there that make the assembly easier but the assembly can be done without them.
 
It doesn't take much in terms of tools. I built a lower with roll pin punches, a rubber mallet, and an Allen key for the pistol grip. I had a rifle type buffer tube, so I just used a crescent wrench to screw that on, but you might need an armorer's wrench for the telestocks. I don't know, I've never installed one.

And I'll second the suggestions about keeping some extra detents and detent springs around. Those like to go flying.
 
I posted this list here before, so I’m quoting myself below. I do not care in the least to hear opinions from duct tape and baling wire garage builders what they use for their AR’s. This is a list of everything I touch to put together an AR. I started building them in high school as apprentice under a local smith, long since passed, and I’ve since built over 200 of them, and rebuilt and serviced twice as many more, both as a licensed FFL and as a “I know a guy,” guy...

This list is what is in my AR building workbench and tool drawers.

Varminterror said:
What tools are required and what tools I actually touch when building an upper might be different lists.

A guy doing a duct tape and vice grips build can get away with a lot less, but when I'm building an upper, instead of just assembling a pile of parts, the list below represents what I use.

When I build an upper (aka, let's see if I can remember everything without actually putting one together to check myself):

  • Upper clamshell block, lower magwell block, & bench vise to hold them
  • Roll pin starters
  • Roll pin punches
  • Poly wrapped Maul (leatherworking tool, but makes sinking roll pins REALLY simple)
  • Receiver tenon lapping tool & Compound
  • Sheet shim stock, antiseize, & shears for barrel extension fitting
  • Heat gun & freezer for fitting the barrel
  • Length of hardwood dowel (forget dia) to tap barrels OUT of the upper
  • Files, sandpaper, popsicle sticks, dowels, & lapping compound to dehorn the bolt & barrel extension, lapping ejector bore, & optimizing extractor
  • Flat jaw, dehorned needle nosed pliers for holding small pins
  • Drill bit, steel punch, & tapered reamer for gas block cross pins (for A2 style or other pin on gas blocks)
  • Wheeler Fat wrench & Torx bits for clamp on gas blocks & scope rings
  • Empty case with spent primer (plugs the chamber so I can blow into the muzzle to feel gas block alignment)
  • Rod shank for aligning barrel nut
  • Barrel nut spanner pin wrench & torque wrench (mil-spec always on hand, but have a few crow's feet and other proprietary spanners)
  • Old picatinny ring base to clamp on the receiver and force the handguard rail into alignment while tightening
  • Set of levels for aligning the handguard, front sight, muzzle brake, receiver, scope reticle, etc + plumb bob
  • Scope ring lapping spindle
  • Socket & adapter to mate my torque wrench to tighten ring bases or mounts
  • Cut dummy cartridge & Marlin 1895 mainspring to lap the bolt lugs
  • Thread chaser & bore alignment arbor
  • Piloted 90* Face cutting reamer & pilots for indexing muzzle devices (cold blue/black as needed)
  • Laser boresighter
  • ETA: Power drill to run the lapping spindle and polishing dowels
  • Castle nut wrench
Click to expand...
 
I will say having the full set of tools makes it inifinitely easier and faster, having rebuilt M16A2's to CAR's for the Recon unit on post back in the day.
 
Sounds like some are single-handedly keeping the tool industry afloat, but not everyone is building racks of rifles.

I've assembled a grand total of one lower, the only specialized tools I needed were regular punches. Everything else were just everyday tools I had around the house, including a vise, a 1/4" drill bit, some pliers, a small hammer, some blue painter's tape, and an Allen wrench.

I was very careful and took my time; no scratches, no flying parts, and it works. While it's no doubt faster and easier to do the job with lots of specialized tools, it's also possible with just a few.

As others have suggested, build one with the minimal, then decide if you're going to build more and what you'll want.
 
Varminterror said:
I posted this list here before, so I’m quoting myself below. I do not care in the least to hear opinions from duct tape and baling wire garage builders what they use for their AR’s. This is a list of everything I touch to put together an AR. I started building them in high school as apprentice under a local smith, long since passed, and I’ve since built over 200 of them, and rebuilt and serviced twice as many more, both as a licensed FFL and as a “I know a guy,” guy...

This list is what is in my AR building workbench and tool drawers.
Click to expand...

Nice list but some aren’t needed for a first build and even debated. Eg the lapping tools.

That said your list is quite extensive and a great reference.

Above I mentioned what I thought I used. I didn’t include anti sneeze, a screwdriver for the pistol grip and probably a few other odds and end tools because I probably grabbed them out of the tool chest and didn’t think about it.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend someone spend a lot of money until they figure out how much they like putting ARs together. As they decide they’ll quickly learn what on your list is needed now and what’s not. For instance, I didn’t lap the barrel, but if I get to the point that I’m trying to get every little bit of perfection, then I’ll consider it. Until then, I’ll just adding to my tools th8ngs that will make the builds nicer and more fun.
 
Speedo66 said:
Sounds like some are single-handedly keeping the tool industry afloat, but not everyone is building racks of rifles.

I've assembled a grand total of one lower, the only specialized tools I needed were regular punches. Everything else were just everyday tools I had around the house, including a vise, a 1/4" drill bit, some pliers, a small hammer, some blue painter's tape, and an Allen wrench.

I was very careful and took my time; no scratches, no flying parts, and it works. While it's no doubt faster and easier to do the job with lots of specialized tools, it's also possible with just a few.

As others have suggested, build one with the minimal, then decide if you're going to build more and what you'll want.
Click to expand...

Or concede that building ARs is addictive and a lot of fun and that you’ll want to build “one more”...

I’m thinking a 300 Blackout is next
Then one more say a 6.5 Grendel
Then one more maybe a 22LR
Then one more say a 308
Then one more maybe a 6.5 Creedmore
Etc
Etc
Etc
Just one more!
 
Lots of folks look at the list of tools and immediately assume all of these were purchased just for this purpose. I have never understood a paradigm where an American doesn’t have tools to rudimentarily service the items they purchase.

The only “AR specific” items on my list are:

  • Receiver clamshell block and magwell block
  • Barrel nut wrench
  • Castle nut wrench
  • Receiver lapping spindle

There’s less than $70 in that list. The rest are tools I would own whether I owned or built AR’s or not.

If a person has to buy more than this AR specific list because they don’t own sufficient “general tools,” then I tend to think DIY firearms are not a great idea for them to pursue.
 
Varminterror said:
Lots of folks look at the list of tools and immediately assume all of these were purchased just for this purpose. I have never understood a paradigm where an American doesn’t have tools to rudimentarily service the items they purchase.

The only “AR specific” items on my list are:

  • Receiver clamshell block and magwell block
  • Barrel nut wrench
  • Castle nut wrench
  • Receiver lapping spindle

There’s less than $70 in that list. The rest are tools I would own whether I owned or built AR’s or not.

If a person has to buy more than this AR specific list because they don’t own sufficient “general tools,” then I tend to think DIY firearms are not a great idea for them to pursue.
Click to expand...

There’s nothing wrong with an AR being the very first firearm that inspires someone to learn about assembling, working on or customizing their own firearms. Rather than make opinions on on someone’s choice of hobby based on what tools may already be in their toolbox, why not be excited that someone has been inspired to acquire knowledge, experience, and tools to become skilled. I will however agree that if you want to become skilled, understanding the right tools and how to use them is part of the equation. A lot of the tools you aquire to do it right can be used for other tasks. Nobody should feel ashamed to be a beginner and seeking out new information.
 
Varminterror said:
If a person has to buy more than this AR specific list because they don’t own sufficient “general tools,” then I tend to think DIY firearms are not a great idea for them to pursue.
Click to expand...

I agree that a lot of those tools can be used for many things. I’m also of the mindset that I will work with what I have until I can justify the “right” tool. I quite enjoy buying new tools to ease a process or allow me to do new things. Everyone has to start somewhere, but if you want to be serious, you’d better be ready to pony up for the proper tools to do the job cleanly and quickly. I’m comfortable saying I’m still in the incipient stage of building a tool collection that will never be complete.

Nice list!
 
The OP asked:

horsemen61 said:
what would you put in a Ar 15 tool kit?
Click to expand...

So that is what I answered.

The list I provided is specifically stated as “this is what I use.” In neither the original post I quoted above, or my restatement of it here in this thread did I ever make a recommendation for any one to use the same. I use what I use because it makes the process easier, and results in a better end product.

I also specifically stated I didn’t care to listen to whining responses about my tool list. I cannot express how little I care what tools someone uses for their own AR build. I offered what was asked - “what do you use?”

I do note, however, most folks who complain about the length of my list do talk about specialized tools, or expense, which really suggests to me they either don’t own ANY tools, or they didn’t actually read the list at all and just want to whine about someone putting more time, care, and energy into their AR’s than they did themselves. Other than a $20 lapping spindle, I didn’t spend any more on my list of tools to build an AR than anyone else did - as @Hokie_PhD mentioned above, everything but the AR specific tools were already in my toolboxes.

None on my list are expensive, and other than the $70 in AR specific tools I mentioned above, none are specialized. A piece of 1” diameter dowel isn’t an expensive or specialized tool. Sure, a tapered reamer for installing a pinned front sight base (gas block) is specialized, but I paid $12 for the last one I bought, and yes, you DO have to have one if you want to use a taper pin retained gas block - not many folks use this kind of gas block any more anyway. I’m disappointed in any American household which doesn’t own a hammer - I just happen to prefer using a polypropylene wrapped maul instead of a hammer - I owned it already for leather carving. Needle nose pliers are cheap and about as common as tools get. I do use torque wrenches in every application they should be used - other than the Fat Wrench used to tighten optics bases and rings, both of the other two were already present in my garage - nothing special or expensive, and they were bought to work on my cars, trucks, boats, ATV’s, and motorcycles, but they just so happens they also work for firearms. The first set of Torx bits I bought was to change the dash panels in my 1985 Chevy S-10 - and they happen to work for scope rings too. The dowels I use for lapping are under a dollar each, and I typically scavenge the popsicle sticks I use as sandpaper backers from my son’s craft table. The 1” hardwood dowel I use to tap my barrels back out of the receiver during fitting MIGHT have been $3, and can be found at any Home Depot/Lowe’s/Menard’s/etc. I have tools to chase/repair muzzle threads, and have the ability to time muzzle brakes and flash hiders - no, your average “I wanna build a $350 AR” guy doesn’t need that ability, but he might benefit from knowing he’ll need to pay a smith, use shims, or buy tools if he buys a brake which needs timed. I’d rather have a lathe to cut threads, but my gear works. I’d also rather have a lathe to true the receiver face as well, but the spindles work well enough for now - it’s a $20 tool and it lets me select my barrel torque exactly where I want it while lining up the gas tube, so I don’t give a damn about any debate about precision improvements. I do shim my barrel extensions if they are loose, and I do use a slight interference fit, so a heat gun and my freezer do come into play. I bought the tin snips I use to cut the shims to repair wind damage on one of my barns over 20yrs ago, and bought the heat gun to strip paint on a piano I refinished for a neighbor in 2006. I also used blow dryers borrowed from my college girlfriends as heat guns years ago, worked just fine too. I bought the freezer I happen to use for barrel fitting to store meat... but I guess it is fair to say it was a pretty expensive tool though... Sandpaper and files, eh, I fail to see how they are specialized, and they certainly aren’t expensive.

Haters gonna hate, I suppose.
 
Who’s hating and who’s whining?

Varminterror said:
The OP asked:



So that is what I answered.

The list I provided is specifically stated as “this is what I use.” In neither the original post I quoted above, or my restatement of it here in this thread did I ever make a recommendation for any one to use the same. I use what I use because it makes the process easier, and results in a better end product.

I also specifically stated I didn’t care to listen to whining responses about my tool list. I cannot express how little I care what tools someone uses for their own AR build. I offered what was asked - “what do you use?”

I do note, however, most folks who complain about the length of my list do talk about specialized tools, or expense, which really suggests to me they either don’t own ANY tools, or they didn’t actually read the list at all and just want to whine about someone putting more time, care, and energy into their AR’s than they did themselves. Other than a $20 lapping spindle, I didn’t spend any more on my list of tools to build an AR than anyone else did - as @Hokie_PhD mentioned above, everything but the AR specific tools were already in my toolboxes.

None on my list are expensive, and other than the $70 in AR specific tools I mentioned above, none are specialized. A piece of 1” diameter dowel isn’t an expensive or specialized tool. Sure, a tapered reamer for installing a pinned front sight base (gas block) is specialized, but I paid $12 for the last one I bought, and yes, you DO have to have one if you want to use a taper pin retained gas block - not many folks use this kind of gas block any more anyway. I’m disappointed in any American household which doesn’t own a hammer - I just happen to prefer using a polypropylene wrapped maul instead of a hammer - I owned it already for leather carving. Needle nose pliers are cheap and about as common as tools get. I do use torque wrenches in every application they should be used - other than the Fat Wrench used to tighten optics bases and rings, both of the other two were already present in my garage - nothing special or expensive, and they were bought to work on my cars, trucks, boats, ATV’s, and motorcycles, but they just so happens they also work for firearms. The first set of Torx bits I bought was to change the dash panels in my 1985 Chevy S-10 - and they happen to work for scope rings too. The dowels I use for lapping are under a dollar each, and I typically scavenge the popsicle sticks I use as sandpaper backers from my son’s craft table. The 1” hardwood dowel I use to tap my barrels back out of the receiver during fitting MIGHT have been $3, and can be found at any Home Depot/Lowe’s/Menard’s/etc. I have tools to chase/repair muzzle threads, and have the ability to time muzzle brakes and flash hiders - no, your average “I wanna build a $350 AR” guy doesn’t need that ability, but he might benefit from knowing he’ll need to pay a smith, use shims, or buy tools if he buys a brake which needs timed. I’d rather have a lathe to cut threads, but my gear works. I’d also rather have a lathe to true the receiver face as well, but the spindles work well enough for now - it’s a $20 tool and it lets me select my barrel torque exactly where I want it while lining up the gas tube, so I don’t give a damn about any debate about precision improvements. I do shim my barrel extensions if they are loose, and I do use a slight interference fit, so a heat gun and my freezer do come into play. I bought the tin snips I use to cut the shims to repair wind damage on one of my barns over 20yrs ago, and bought the heat gun to strip paint on a piano I refinished for a neighbor in 2006. I also used blow dryers borrowed from my college girlfriends as heat guns years ago, worked just fine too. I bought the freezer I happen to use for barrel fitting to store meat... but I guess it is fair to say it was a pretty expensive tool though... Sandpaper and files, eh, I fail to see how they are specialized, and they certainly aren’t expensive.

Haters gonna hate, I suppose.
Click to expand...
 
Real simple...because I have an old flip top tool box I loan out to people somewhat regularly as they build their rifles.
  • Armorers wrench
  • Castle nut wrench
  • Punch set
  • Starter punch set
  • Staking tool (nailset)
  • 3/8 drive breaker bar (my armorers wrench has a 3/8 hole for leverage when torquing a barrel nut.
  • Cheapo harbor freight 1” by 3” flashlight to help line up gas port holes in barrel nut
  • A tube of grease
  • Feeler gauges
  • Upper vice block
  • Lower vice block
  • Harbor freight Cheapo bench vice
  • Harbor freight Cheapo C-clamps to secure said vice down
  • Needle nose pliers for various manipulating of small pieces.
  • Allen wrench folding pack
  • Cheapo flat screwdriver that fits the Allen head for the pistol grip bolt
 
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