Must have tools for AR building?

[Koshinn]

In my opinion, which is worth far less than IG's...

Roll pin punch set
Hammer
Nylon block with holes
Nylon upper receiver block for a vise
Torque wrench
Very solid vise
Multi AR wrench that can handle castle nuts/A2 receiver extensions/A2 muzzle devices/delta rings
Flat head screw driver for most pistol grip screws and installing a few magpul stocks

That's all you need as far as tools most of the time.

Very nice things to have include roll pin starter punches, bolt catch punch, reaction rod, magazine/lower nylon vise block, a long and strong breaker bar (for removing things only of course), a large rubber mallet (removing FSPs), brass/nylon hammer, center punch for staking... I think that's it.



But if you're only building lowers and buying uppers, you can get away with a set of punches, a hammer, a screw driver, and something for the castle nut.

[Iraqgunz]

I think the Brownells version is cheaper. Another thing to remember is that if you buy something from Brownells and it breaks, you can send it back for replacement or refund. I have sent in probably over 300.00 worth of tools over the years.

Another thing I discovered here on M4C and have been using for a few months is Bob Smiths 161 Un Cure. If you need to remove Loctite and similar products it works very well. http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Smith-161-.../dp/B0000DD1QS

Don't forget a bolt catch roll pin punch!

https://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdet...ntorynumber=63

[MistWolf]

Here is my humble contribution-

Lower vise block


Panther Claw


...and/or Reaction Rod


AR Multitool


Roll pin holders


Roll pin punches (a real long one for pinning the bolt release)


Brass drift punches


Brass Hammer


Clevis Pin- http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/362...56K_death.html


Knipex


...and/or quality c-clamp


Magnet


Blue or Green masking tape


Work bench & vise


Tappet wrenches


Allen wrenches


Ratcheting screwdriver set with bits


Aeroshell 33MS


NO Vise Grips, NO Channel Locks

[Eurodriver]

Wow! Great advice so far. Thanks to those of you who spent time sharing links and pictures.

For what it's worth, I have assembled AR15s in the past. This isn't new to me. But I'm moving into a place where I won't have to make compromises (like using a hard cover book and a brass hammer to install a trigger guard on the kitchen table) and want the right tools for the job.

Roll pin punches and Clevis pins are exactly what I'm talking about.

PS $700 vice?!?!? LOL

[TXBK]

Here's a 6" Craftsman Vise for $70.
http://m.sears.com/craftsman-6-in-be...p-00951856000P

[GH41]

This is the vise I want. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too..._245473_245473 Most people will not have a bench stout enough to warrant a good vise. Mention forged steel and made in America when discussing vises and you will spend big bucks.

[Eurodriver]

This is the vise I want. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too..._245473_245473 Most people will not have a bench stout enough to warrant a good vise. Mention forged steel and made in America when discussing vises and you will spend big bucks.

Why do you want that vise?

[bushyacrm4]

Good call on the Knipex MistWolf those things are a life saver I probably use them every day at work, so many applications.
All I can think to add is maybe a fsb tool to pin it if you're not going to use a ff handgaurd. Also as stated above knowing how to properly use the tools is helpful.

[MistWolf]

Why do you want that vise?

Because that, my friend, is a vise. With that vise and a stout bench, I could torque a barrel to a FAL receiver from the 9 o'clock position!

[teutonicpolymer]

For the lower: pliers, screwdriver, and masking tape

For the upper: barrel nut wrench, torque wrench, vise, pliers, masking tape, vise block, possibly allen wrenches, possibly a hammer if the gas block roll pin is tough to get in with pliers alone

Not quite tools, but you will probably need them: Lubricant for the barrel nut threads and loc-tite for various other threads



Pliers are a wonder tool