Must have tools for AR building?

[ScatmanCrothers]

This thing is starting to take a turn for the ridiculous. I use this vise and have been for several years. I got mine at Lowe's for about 70.00. It has done hundreds of AR's over the years. http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-11106-B...=wilton+6+vise

This. I've got the Irwin branded version of this vise from Home Depot and it's been a beast for the money. Broke the jaw of a parrot vise in half last year and this style has really sold me on its rigidity.

Here's the majority of what I use most of the time, some lent out punches/vise blocks/torque wrenches not included:

[TacticalMark]

I agree with buying a decent vise, I have a 12yr old (USA) version of this 6" Wilton http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-21500-6...=wilton+6+vise which is great all around vise for the money. Large nylon blocks with a few holes also come in handy for misc tasks. PRI barrel nut wrench works good for stubborn standard barrel nuts. http://www.amazon.com/PRI-AR-15-Barr.../dp/B003XEJXK8. Take shouldered 1/4" bolt 3" long or so and cut the threads off, then drill 1/8" hole through it for a front pin detent tool. Or you could buy one http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...prod26488.aspx

[T2C]

This kit would be a good starting point.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...MzY0MjUyNTczS0

[teutonicpolymer]

You could also try looking for used vises, I've seen guys set up with a ton of tools to sell (including numerous vises) at gunshows sometimes

[556Cliff]

For standard barrel wrenches I would use these. Best ones I have found so far.

http://www.2uniquellc.com/#!shop--cart/c1eip

[cfrock]

After very recent experience my #1, must-have is a vise.

[Gentleart]

The only thing I found (other then everything that's been mentioned) is having a tool specifically for the castle makes removal easier. I found it was a lot easier to slip with the single nub on the multi tools.

[Blak1508]

I also will add, a multitasker series 3 multi tool. In the field and in the work shop while working on builds this tool has proven itself over and over to be useful. It's got a pretty decent castle nut tool on it also. I also bought one of the hammerhead tools straight from the gentlemen that makes them, I think there are a few imitations on the market. Geissele reaction rod has also been priceless. I also found the roll pin holder punch set very useful, I have to get a new set though I bent a couple of them after lots of mileage. IG, brownells will replace them if they break ? I did not know that, maybe I will inquire about them. Thanks for the intel.

Link to hammer head tool
http://hammerheadrifletool.com/Hamme...Tool_Home.html

Link to multitasker series 3
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Serie...-88011-blk.htm

Geissele reaction rod
http://geissele.com/reaction-rod.html

Roll pin holder punches

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...s-prod781.aspx

[RussB]

What separates the Geissele reaction rod from the Brownell's rod?

[Rascally]

What separates the Geissele reaction rod from the Brownell's rod?

The Geissele reaction rod has flats at the end to allow for easy clamping into a vise. I don't think the Brownells has those.