Reccomendations on hand tools.

[xxjumbojimboxx]

So I've done work on A LOT of guns now. All of this with strictly amateur business, but I'm getting pretty good, and pretty confident. I fix and customize my friends guns now, and I'm thinking its probably time to get the APPROPRIATE tools for gunsmithing. I've been through a wealth of punches, used a wide variety of standard tools, And broken quite a few drill bits in my endeavors thus far. All of it is trial and error, but I'm proud to say I haven't had to give up on something yet.


Either way.. Does anyone have a suggestion for a tool kit that will have all of the hand tools needed? Specifically designed for gunsmithing... Such as screwdrivers, allen keys, punches, punch hammer.. all that good stuff? I don't mind spending the money... but I don't want to spend it twice... what say all yee gun smitees?

 

[BBBBill]

www.brownells.com Get the catalog and study it for general purpose gunsmithing tools and gun specific tools. Excellent quality, great warranty, fantastic service, and in many cases the only source of some tools. The cost of the catalog is refunded on your first order over $xx. Not sure what that number is now since mine comes free, but as I recall it was first $35 order when the cost of the catalog was $3.50.

Measuring tools, end mills, etc. - http://www.mscdirect.com/ http://www.travers.com/

You will eventually make some of your own tools if you stay in long enough.

 

[rcmodel]

+10000!

There is no 'Kit' that contains what you need, and NOT about 90% more you don't need.

The Brownell's catalog is the best 'Gunsmith Kit' I know of!
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/general/catalogs.aspx

Order it, read it, memorize it!

The first thing you need though, is a good set of Gunsmith screwdrivers.
Chapman is good.
http://www.chapmanmfg.com/MasterKit.html

Brownell's is better.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...a-tip-sets/magna-tip-super-sets--prod417.aspx

rc

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

Thanks guys, yeah I keep hearing that screwdrivers made specifically for smithing are a must. So that'll be the first purchase.... I was also pretty curious about the punches... I don't know, sometimes some of those drift pins can be a real pain in the ass to move... I'm assuming when I meet something that stubborn I should probably just push it with a press though huh?

 

[rcmodel]

No.

Use a short starter punch that won't bend or break to get it busted loose and moving.
Then use a long pin punch to tap it on out.

I use tapered nail sets from any hardware store for starter punches.

http://stanleytools.com/default.asp...ARTNUMBER=58-230&SDesc=3-Piece+Steel+Nail+Set

Further, if the gun can move, a tight pin won't move.

You need a heavy steel bench block of some kind to support the receiver while you knock out the pin.

Pounding on a tight pin while resting it on your leg, or a stack of old Playboys on the coffee table
Will Not Work!

rc

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

RC... You are a wealth of knowledge...

Thanks for the input, what about when you buy a replacement drift pin, and its difficult to get back in. What does one do then? I had one recently that I literally used a pair of channel locks, patience, and some padding to avoid any damage but it was stubborn.

 

[rcmodel]

I use a homemade brass punch & hammer.

If you are talking about a roll-pin?
Brownells sells roll-pin starter punches.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...h-tools/punches/roll-pin-holders-prod781.aspx

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...nches/roll-pin-starter-punches-prod20640.aspx

rc

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

I am talking about a roll pin... lol... see? WEALTH of knowledge.

 

[rcmodel]

Order the catalog!!

rc

 

[max it]

jimbo,

I got a Jeweler's hammer on eBay
also a smooth jaw pliers, both very necessary. otherwise good advice above, swear by Brownell's.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I now have the following:

Brass punches.
Nylon drifts (only one or two).
Steel punches.
Roll pin punches.
Roll pin starter punches.