View Full Version : Best place to get tools
Hey guys, I am new here and new to AR's (bought my first one a month ago). I am currently trying to get my tool collection started, and I was wondering about the priority of tools to get and the best place to get them. I am also currently looking for a gun stand with a parts tray, or a cleaning stand with a parts tray. If someone could point me in the right direction I would love the help. Thanks alot!
And I am sure you will find many more posts by me lol.
The tray I am looking for (sorry to steal the picture. It came from the Cleaning thread)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/FBC11.jpg
the orange search button is your friend.
I recall seeing recent threads that dealt with your precise question.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463 <- this!
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=328
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7488
Dont know who makes that tray but as far as tools go, it really depends what level of work you intend on doing. If you plan on building uppers and lowers, a vise block set would be a good place to start. That, followed by the hammerhead tool for the lower and a good barrel nut wrench tool for the upper, then, a torque wrench, punch set, and roll pin starters/punchers.
IF you dont plan on that level of assembly, I would get either the Multitasker or Gerber AR tool kit. Not sure which one is better though.
The tray is made by MTM: http://www.mtmcase-gard.com/products/shooting/gun-cleaning-rmc-5.html
thanks alot, you guys were a lot of help, and I will make sure to search a lot better next time, i must have skimmed over that one. Sorry. *stupid newbies!
the orange search button is your friend.
I recall seeing recent threads that dealt with your precise question.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463 <- this!
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=328
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7488
In all fairness to Hammer, those threads are all 5-6 years old. Has anything improved been introduced to the market since then? Maybe Robb could update his sticky if necessary, and if he is inclined?
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Order this free catalog from Brownells - LINK (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24459/Product/AR_15_CATALOG)
Then, read about the tools available and get the ones you need ... as you need them.
If nothing else, this catalog is a great reference and magically, on more than one occasion, it has "forced" me to buy something from Brownells.
But maybe it's just me...
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I have that tray and it's great for holding everything in one place. I also bought both the lower and upper vice block set from Brownells for $57, good deal. You should also buy the wrench that is used for barrel nut, castle nut and flash hiders etc... A good set of punches is a must have. Brownells I think has complete sets of tools for different weapons systems, might be worth a look if you plan on doing a lot of the work yourself.
saddlerocker
09-19-11, 23:06
Brownells and MidwayUSA have just about everything you would need and it will give you an idea about whats out there.
But you might want to shop around for some specific tools for better prices
Check out the Tipton Gun Butler also for a cleaning stand/tray
For punches, screwdriver bits, hex keys, etc.: Snap-On. Most of the Snap-On franchisee's customers are mechanics who buy on credit and want metric tools for newer cars. Snap-On makes their dealers buy the whole line, so they end up with plenty of the SAE stuff with fewer customers for it. If you have cash in hand, they will deal. Snap-On will also warranty anything that breaks or wears out.
For the AR special tools, Brownells has a pretty decent selection.
DirectDrive
09-20-11, 17:16
I have that tray and it's great for holding everything in one place. I also bought both the lower and upper vice block set from Brownells for $57, good deal. You should also buy the wrench that is used for barrel nut, castle nut and flash hiders etc... A good set of punches is a must have. Brownells I think has complete sets of tools for different weapons systems, might be worth a look if you plan on doing a lot of the work yourself.
I did as well, but the mag well block was junk. In my case it was a poorly done injection-molded part that wouldn't even fit into the mag well.
Brownell's traded it out for their Sinclair mag well block which is machined UHMW. A very nice part and excellent CS from Brownell's.
You can gather good tools from all over, but for a single source for quality AR tools, it is Brownell's hands down.
Thanks a lot guys! youve been a great help! That is why i love this place. lol
This is the best buttstock tool on the market at this time. It can also be used for flash hiders. If you are serious about tools, you need it.
http://hammerheadrifletool.com/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool/Steel.html
One last question, would you recommend slowly building up tools or spending the huge chunk of change off the bat and buying the entire kit? but good God it's expensive!
I guess I need to apologize to Hammer.
From all the answers in this thread, it seems I was to quick to dismiss his question.
So, I apologize, Hammer.
I guess I need to apologize to Hammer.
From all the answers in this thread, it seems I was to quick to dismiss his question.
So, I apologize, Hammer.
its totally fine, I understand, new guy in a forum usually they dont know how to hit the search button and for all the guys that know what they're talking about its very frustrating to answer the same question 10 times a day. lol
It all depends on whether you NEED them and if your wallet can bear the burden. There are alot of unnecessary things that are marketed out there. But, if you need them I suggest the following;
1. Barrel blocks
2. Punches (starter, roll pin and standard)
3. Vise Block
4. Brass/Nylon hammer from Brownells.
5. Hammerhead Tool
6. Barrel Wrench
7. Good screwdriver/ bit set like the Magna-tip.
8. Miscellaneous stuff like pliers, Loc-tite, grease, etc...
With the above you can make most repairs and assemblies.
One last question, would you recommend slowly building up tools or spending the huge chunk of change off the bat and buying the entire kit? but good God it's expensive!
This is the best buttstock tool on the market at this time. It can also be used for flash hiders. If you are serious about tools, you need it.
http://hammerheadrifletool.com/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool/Steel.html
Cool, I remeber Stickman reviewing this a while back but hadn't heard anything about it in a while. I guess you consider this thing to be in a different class than the other multi-wrenches that have been available before?
Also, any suggestion on a barrel nut wrench?
Some people like this one- http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=27412/Product/AR_15_M16_AR_10_reg__BARREL_NUT_WRENCH
There is also one made by Smith Enterprises. I have used it for the barrel only and it does fine in that capacity.
Cool, I remeber Stickman reviewing this a while back but hadn't heard anything about it in a while. I guess you consider this thing to be in a different class than the other multi-wrenches that have been available before?
Also, any suggestion on a barrel nut wrench?
That's what this newbie AR assembler has used with good results. I've only built 5 but I do like my nut wrench...
I'm in the market for a barrel wrench, and so far i'm only holding out in hopes of Hammerhead putting one out sometime soon. I'm not sure how much longer i should wait.
DirectDrive
09-21-11, 10:17
Here's an image that shows the most common types of AR barrel nut wrenches.
1st row - Spikes and unknown float tube nut wrench
2nd row - Spikes (2) and DPMS/Smith type
3rd row - PRI and USGI
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/7296/barrelnutwrenches.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/barrelnutwrenches.jpg/)
For more detail, open a Google Images search box and search on Barrel Nut Wrenches.
Hello,
Specialized Armament offers a high quality line of AR-15 Armorer Tools http://www.specializedarmament.com/catalog/AR_15_Shop_Tools-12-0.html
I would'nt recommend the set from SAW, over priced, punches are not roll pin punches, some of it questionable quallity. I bought a set and don't recommend this kit.
The Spikes wrench shown above is a really good tool for easy torqueing and they make a good castle nut wrench.
Adco has some of the best small tools you will need such roll pin punches, roll pin holders in my opinion.
Rest of the miscelaneous stuff, Brownells is the place I finished my kit.
Just wish I'd never bought that damn kit from SAW.
Hello,
Specialized Armament offers a high quality line of AR-15 Armorer Tools http://www.specializedarmament.com/catalog/AR_15_Shop_Tools-12-0.html
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