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Posted: 4/18/2016 6:02:44 PM EDT
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Despite having them for around 10 years, I never really built up any specialty tools for working on ARs.
Since I have been buying more kits, and put a couple pretty good scratches in a receiver while using some incorrect tools for the job, I figured it's time I put some money into some tooling. I do have a pretty good bench vise. I have been surfing Brownells and was figuring on the following: 1. Critical Tools Kit 
I guess it's good that I don't have much because this kit has a lot of what I think I need. The only thing I really have in it already is the mag block. 2. AR15 Armorer's Punch Set 
"Includes: 3 starter punches, 3 roll pin punches, 1 flat punch, 1 double sided delrin plastic punch." 3. Magpul BEV Block 
I was originally thinking of going with the Reaction Rod, and also noticed the Brownells version, however that relied on a 1/2" square drive instead of flattened surfaces on the rod itself for the clamping. It seems like clamping the wrench into the vise instead of the rod wouldn't be quite as solid. 4. Front Sight Bench Block 
For around $210, can I do better than these four things? The only things I do have already is a small castle nut wrench and a handguard removal tool and generic crafstman punches. |
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I would skip the Brownells FSB bench block, it doesn't support the FSB good enough for removing/installing taper pins. Also, the one I had needed machine work so that it wouldn't bend the handguard end cap.
I would get the RGUNS bench block set, it is much better and also more expensive. You might as well buy their bolt catch roll pin punches while you are at it. 
Also, the PRI wrench is good but you have to remove the FSB to use it. Check out the wrenches from 2UniqueLLC, they are the best wrenches that I have used and you don't have to remove the FSB to use them either. Use barrel blocks for muzzle devise work. Brownells has a nice rubber lined set, it's not cheap though. Avoid, the standard Geissele Reaction Rod and any Reaction Rod style copycat tools. There has been far to many posts about them shearing index pins when used to remove/install barrels. Clamshell upper vise blocks have a much better track record. The Geissele Super Reaction Rod should be okay since it has a brass wedge feature that stops the upper receiver from putting any rotational force on the index pin. I use this for buffer tube and castle nut work, it has been great. > Link. |
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Quoted:
am i the only one who went away from pins for hte bolt catch? i ordered a long drill and tap and thread them all. 3 bucks for a threaded bolt catch pin and i have no more headaches with that pin. I've been told that, but I have no experience with threading anything. |
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Quoted:
am i the only one who went away from pins for hte bolt catch? i ordered a long drill and tap and thread them all. 3 bucks for a threaded bolt catch pin and i have no more headaches with that pin. Never had a bolt catch pin walk out, whats the reason for threading? |
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I prefer the Wheeler clamshell and insert that incorporate a line up rod for barrel nuts that require alignment with the gas tube.
I use barrel vise jaws for working on muzzle attachments. A roll pin starter punch is better for ejector pins. A roll pin holder punch set makes it easier to start roll pins. These days I press the trigger guard pin in and out. I have never had a problem with the standard roll pin for the bolt catch; this would include my time as a military armorer. |
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