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Posted: 11/9/2014 4:47:49 PM EDT
| This is my first AR build and I am looking for lots of advice. First of all I have already purchased my stripped lower, but now I am looking to buy the tools needed. What tools are abosultely a necessary? Thanks for all your input. |
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everything is right here. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/605350_Important_Threads__Check_Here_First.html |
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Basic set of roll pin starters and punches and brass/nylon hammer (the set I used was from Brownell's), armorer's wrench, a magwell vise block, and some masking tape. A piece of 2x4 is good to support the trigger guard "ears." The pivot pin tool is good but not necessary.
I'm a big fingered uncoordinated greasy handed mongoloid and I built my very first lower this morning with the aforementioned tools. I actually put in everything except the bolt catch and trigger guard with stuff I had laying around the house...I'm talking framing hammer, wooden chopsticks, and razorblade for the pivot pin (tape the sharp part, trust me). It's not rocket science, but there are tiny detents and springs that just want to soar into orbit if you slip up holding them. Follow the videos on Midway and Brownells, as well as the guide on this site. Youtube videos can help but I have already spotted some mistakes in those videos, so take anything on youtube with a grain of salt. Let me know if you have any specific questions. |
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Absolutely needed may vary from person to person.
I have many tools I would not build without these days, but I started with the basic armorer’s kit in the TM plus Go, No-go, and Field headspace gages. Read the TM which is available on this site, it describes a lot of procedures and tools. The TM is for mil-spec weapons that passed headspace checks when bought by the gov. So you should also get a set of headspace gages. There are a slew of aftermarket tools out there which can make things easier and make it less likely a person might damage something. Like using a pin pusher to install the trigger guard pin. It is also easier to work with roll pins with RP starter punches and RP holder punches. |
| Thanks for everyones suggestions. I completed my lower build with minimal issues. I really enjoyed it and found it to be kind of easy. I am still unsure of what a head gauge does, so will be doing some research on that. Now time to build the upper. i know i want a floating 16' barrrel. Any ideas or tips. |
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