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Posted: 8/18/2015 11:19:52 AM EDT
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Team, I have a lower and a LPK and I am going to do my first build soon. I have reviewed some of NSZ videos and i am filled with confidence! I have also looked at the AR15 guide page here on AR15.com and it list some tools needed. But it says things like "Hammer" but I see there are brass hammers, nylon hammers, ect. I also notice there is a mag well vice block or something.
So does anyone have a noob friendly list of tools to make home builds go easy? Thanks. |
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There have been many threads on this topic. The most simple thing to do is go to Youtube or Brownell's website and watch some assembly videos. You will see the tools in use.
The consideration with what type of hammer to use is usually concerning the possibility of scuffing the upper or some other part when installing pins. A ball peen will work so will almost any other. A way to hold the barrel itself in a vise.(Pads for the vise jaws or barrel vise blocks) Do not hold the barrel extension, that can lead to problems that are avoidable. Roll pin punches, roll pin starter punches are a nice luxury but not necessary. A mag well block can make assembling a lower easier but you can also just put on the pistol grip and clamp the grip in the vise. A delta ring assembly tool is nice to have leverage to pry down on the assembly to remove/install hand guards. Snap ring pliers to install delta ring assemblies on barrels. Upper receiver vise block with supporting insert to install barrels is essential to prevent potential damage. Some sort of barrel nut wrench(depending on what you are installing) and torque wrench. That is the basics. Those tools will allow you to install barrels, pins, most muzzle devices and rails/hand guards. I believe a person should have a set of headspace gauges. Testing the headspace gives piece of mind and allows a person to keep track of wear. As with anything else how many specialized tools you buy to make individual jobs easier is up to you. ETA: Smooth jawed tongue and groove(channel lock) pliers are a good substitute to install pins. Less chance of damage when pressing pins in as opposed to hammering them in. I have gone this route lately on a lot of pins. |
| Buy some of the specialty tools from Little Crow Gun Works. They will save you a lot of heartache over breaking off a trigger guard tab. If you have an integral trigger guard, then you can get by with some standard Sears Craftsman punches, a barrel wrench, and an clam shell vice block. Watch the Little Crow videos too. |
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The tool I found most helpful are the Brownells large sized blue hockey puck bench block. It made removing a pinned gas block incredibly easy not to mention installing new gas tube and roll pin. Also get a set of roll pin holders. They will make your life easier.
As for a vice block... didn't really like the Bev block and currently shopping for another. |
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Quoted:
The tool I found most helpful are the Brownells large sized blue hockey puck bench block. It made removing a pinned gas block incredibly easy not to mention installing new gas tube and roll pin. Also get a set of roll pin holders. They will make your life easier. As for a vice block... didn't really like the Bev block and currently shopping for another. Upper receiver vice block? Here is the solution. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/bench-vise-blocks/ar-15-m16-upper-receiver-action-block-prod22385.aspx Lower receiver vise block? This works and is inexpensive. http://www.squirreldaddy.com/Lower-Vise-Block-p/sd20-101.htm |
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