Armorer's Tools

[Black&Blue]

I'll be taking an armorer school soon. The course will cover Glock, Sig, 1911, MP5, AR15, and Rem 870. I'm completely ignorant as to what tools are quality and which ones are not. Any suggestions for the following list? Oh, and Hi everyone. First post. Thanks in advance for the replies.

1 - Pin punch set
1 - Roll pin punch set
1 - Ball peen hammer (2 oz. or 4 oz.)
1 - Bench block – may be a piece of 2x6 with a 1” hole in the middle
Allen wrenches or screwdrivers to remove grips
1 - Jeweler’s screwdriver for 1911 magazine catch
1 - Dial calipers

Optional for those working on AR-15 type weapons would greatly benefit by buying these:

Armorers wrench - Brownell’s # 851-115-003-001
AR-15 upper and lower receiver blocks – Brownell’s #702-003-015
.223 headspace gauges - GO and NO GO

[darr3239]

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463

[one]

Just out of curiosity, are you taking these armorer classes from these manufacturers actual? The reason I ask is that they'll all provide the necessary tools for the classes.

[Black&Blue]

I'm required to buy these tools. This is a basic five day course covering the above systems.

[g5m]

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463

Interestingly, many of these photos are now red 'x's.
At least for me.

[PappyM3]

Just off the top of my head, I'd also recommend a plastic mallet. You said allen wrenches or screwdriver. You want allen wrenches AND screwdriver set. Maybe add a pair of pliers as well.

[Iraqgunz]

I recommend going to Brownells and ordering the Magna-tip set that has the various flat tip bits and hex heads. You don't need the GO and NO GO gages especially if it's in .223.

Pick up a Glock tool and some good needle nose pliers as well as some dental picks. They come in handy, quite often.

[Black&Blue]

My search for bench blocks at brownells leads to various types of bench blocks. will one do all, or do I need to buy several different types? Which one do ya'll recommend?

[one]

Those red X's have been on that link for a long time.

http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-armorers-combo-tool.html

I've always had good luck with this Sig armorer's tool. It'll be handy for the small spring.

The small ball peen hammer you can pick up locally without much trouble I'd think. I've always made my own bench blocks (I do now have an AR bench block for front sight work). In fact in the Sig class the bench blocks were just pieces of 2x4 with a small hole drilled in the middle to push pins into and catch. They recommended we make our own at home and I did.

Starrett punches are what I use and you can get the set from Brownells. I'd recommend having a couple extra of the small 1/16th punch. They break easily. Roll pin punches I bought a set out of a tool supply house here.

There are lots of small tools for AR's that make the job easier. If you go to ADCO's site as well as researching the link provided I think they still sell most of it.

[SpaceWrangler]

For AR castle nuts, the Hammerhead spanner is the bomb...

http://hammerheadrifletool.com/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool_Home_files/shapeimage_9.png

http://hammerheadrifletool.com/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool_Home.html

[one]

That Hammerhead is a great tool. I've removed at least one castle nut that I can think of with it that I couldn't previously on a couple other wrenches.

Which reminds me I also have a Starrett spring loaded center punch that does good on staking for the receiver extension nut. I wasn't sure how well it would do when I bought it but I've been quite pleased with the results.

[Airborne12b]

... as well as some dental picks. They come in handy, quite often.

+1! Can't even tell you how often I use mine, on nearly every project.

[OMD]

Magna-Tip, Magna-Tip, Magna-Tip! Real lifesaver set that you'll use a lifetime and can build on as you work on more guns.

[az doug]

Either of these are "generic" bench blocks that work with most weapons. You can also buy blocks designed for specific weapons and tasks. I personally own the top one. It is not the only one I own, but it is a good "general" bench block.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26833/Product/GUNSMITH_TOTALLY_NON_MARRING_NYLON_BENCH_BLOCK

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24254/Product/EXTRA_LARGE_BENCH_BLOCKS

What class are you taking? One of the best Armorer classes I took was many years at Yavapi Community College taught by the instructors of the College's Gunsmith Program. They taught Smith and Wesson and Colt revolvers and 1911's that week. Another of my favorites was the NRA Precision Rifle Blueprinting coarse taught at Trinidad Community College. Factory Armorer Classes are alright, but, in my opinion, have always left a little something to be desired. So did the Small Arms Repair School at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Enjoy your class.

[Black&Blue]

The course is taught by Bob Chavez. I'm not sure if he's a well known guy, but I hear good things about him from others that have taken his courses. I look forward to the course. I really don't know anything about wrenching on guns so I think this will lay a basic framework for me. Thanks for all the replies guys, they've all been very helpful.