Beginner Tools necessary to build an AR

[Ronald_55]

I am looking at putting together and AR. I know I am like the last person in the world to decide to do that. I really did not mean to, I just ended up with enough parts that I said " What the Heck might as well get the last couple and be done with it."

I have read a lot on line and I see a wide range of "must have" tools that vary from article to article. Since I am not going to be assembling 50, but may want to do more in the future, what do you guys suggest as a basic set of tools?

Thanks

[mikegideon]

This is tough. Somewhere past my 10th build, I had just about every tool. Needless to say, I wish I had bought them all up front. Bear in mind that you will need the same tools to do some repairs. For example, if you break a bolt catch, you will need the roll pin tools to swap it out.

Watch the videos and figure out what you need, and what you can live without.

 

[xsubsailor]

 My first two have been kits from PSA (completed uppers) and I already had the tools that I needed to finish the lowers. The only thing that's stopped me from building an upper is the special tools needed. Like you, I don't know if I would build enough to justify the costs.

 

BTW, don't forget the plastic bag 

[Ronald_55]

17 minutes ago, xsubsailor said:

 My first two have been kits from PSA (completed uppers) and I already had the tools that I needed to finish the lowers. The only thing that's stopped me from building an upper is the special tools needed. Like you, I don't know if I would build enough to justify the costs.

 

BTW, don't forget the plastic bag 

Plastic bag? That one zoomed WAY over my head. Care to educate me in either AR tools or comedy?

[mikegideon]

16 minutes ago, Ronald_55 said:

Plastic bag? That one zoomed WAY over my head. Care to educate me in either AR tools or comedy?

Some folks tend to launch detents and springs. I use a utility knife blade to hold them. Haven't launched one yet.

[Ronald_55]

Just now, mikegideon said:

Some folks tend to launch detents and springs. I use a utility knife blade to hold them. Haven't launched one yet.

Oh, so I am guessing some people place the unit in a bag when putting those in so if they fly, they don't go anywhere. I had seen several people mention to be careful, but nothing about a bag.

 

I can understand, I still have a Dell laptop screw missing because it fell on my office's multicolored carpet. lol

[xsubsailor]

 On my first build, I launched the takedown detent about three times (inside a plastic bag  )

[peejman]

5 minutes ago, xsubsailor said:

 On my first build, I launched the takedown detent about three times (inside a plastic bag  )

Me too. I've never built an upper, but I've built the same lower about 4 times with no special tools.  Watch the videos and go slow, it's not that hard.  

[Wingshooter]

Several tools that you'll want, but only a couple that you might need. 

 

You'll need an upper receiver vice block if you want to make building an upper easy. There are lots of different ones and methods, but I like this one. http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/730930/dpms-upper-receiver-action-block-ar-15-delrin?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Gunsmithing+-+Tools%2C+Jigs+%26+Fixtures-_-DPMS-_-730930&gclid=CPbLsoL99tACFQgOaQod9vAJYw

You need some kind of punch set, but a cheap one from home depot or harbor freight will do.

A small nylon hammer is useful. I just use an old Pmag for a lower receiver vice block if at all. A torque wrench is useful. You'll need a wrench to fit the barrel nut. Allen wrench if you have a free float handguard, but they usually come with it. Wrench for the nut on the buffer tube is usefull. 

I've never used the plastic bag, but I have crawled on the garage floor with a flashlight before  Safety glasses.

 

Edited December 15, 2016 by Wingshooter

[MacGyver]

I built my first several with some mechanical aptitude, caution and some hand tools and good walk throughs. 

I think I built at least the first three with no dedicated gunsmithing tools.  

These days I have some specific (way more expensive than they need to be - but supply and demand - whatever) tools for the rails that I have an affinity for.  But you can do plenty if you go slow. 

A good AR barrel wrench/multi tool, a vice block (assuming you have a vice to put it in), some roll pin punches and a roll of blue painter's tape would probably be the go to tools to get you started that if you look around ought to be less than $75. 

[Ronald_55]

18 minutes ago, MacGyver said:

I built my first several with some mechanical aptitude, caution and some hand tools and good walk throughs. 

I think I built at least the first three with no dedicated gunsmithing tools.  

These days I have some specific (way more expensive than they need to be - but supply and demand - whatever) tools for the rails that I have an affinity for.  But you can do plenty if you go slow. 

A good AR barrel wrench/multi tool, a vice block (assuming you have a vice to put it in), some roll pin punches and a roll of blue painter's tape would probably be the go to tools to get you started that if you look around ought to be less than $75. 

Thanks. I usually figure things out and make it all work, but I kind of don't want to pull that trigger on a live round the first time and something terminal happen.  I will look around for a good deal.

I do know I need a barrel wrench. I have a 7.5 inch barrel that has to come off the partial upper I got before it even comes close to my lower parts. And I don't even have a dog to worry about getting shot.lol

[Ronald_55]

Thanks for all the advice guys. 

[ehull20000]

I've built two.  From those experiences I have decided the Magpul BEV block is a good tool and I prefer it to an upper vice block.  

My handguards all came with their own torque adapter.  The torque wrenches in my shop came in handy.  I used adjustable pliars for my castle nuts, it's not pretty, but it works.  

[gjohnsoniv]

Roll pin punches
A 1/4" clevis pin
Armorers wrench
Geiselle Reaction Rod is nice to have but not necessary. Otherwise some way to hold the upper in place.
Torque wrench
Hammer
Screwdriver/allen keys
Toothpicks

[Ronald_55]

59 minutes ago, gjohnsoniv said:

Roll pin punches
A 1/4" clevis pin
Armorers wrench
Geiselle Reaction Rod is nice to have but not necessary. Otherwise some way to hold the upper in place.
Torque wrench
Hammer
Screwdriver/allen keys
Toothpicks

I think I was following until toothpicks...

[peejman]

13 minutes ago, Ronald_55 said:

I think I was following until toothpicks...

Slave pins. 

[Ronald_55]

1 minute ago, peejman said:

Slave pins. 

Ahh, I see now

[gjohnsoniv]

I'll upload a picture here in a second to show what I mean.

So Peejman was pretty much on with his slave pin comment.  They're used for doing the mag catch roll pin installation.  It helps hold the roll pin in place while you drive it in and the toothpick just falls out once you're done.

Edited December 19, 2016 by gjohnsoniv