Tools

[GURR]

What's The Best Armorers Universal Tool Out There? Is There One?

[petey1]

Here's a pretty comprehensive kit, but you won't need most of it for basic work/repairs. I picked out a few tools here and there, but you don't need to spend a grand to be able to work on your AR.

http://http://www.brownells.com/aspx...20AR-15/M16/M4

[casio02478]

Originally Posted by petey1

Here's a pretty comprehensive kit, but you won't need most of it for basic work/repairs. I picked out a few tools here and there, but you don't need to spend a grand to be able to work on your AR.

http://http://www.brownells.com/aspx...20AR-15/M16/M4

agreed, but that is the tool kit to get if you build your own ARs.

[hardwarz]

I build ARs on a lot less than what's in that kit.

Hardwarz

[Myk9noseknows]

Originally Posted by hardwarz

I build ARs on a lot less than what's in that kit.

Hardwarz

Wow, sounds like you're really special. Glad you took the time to post some helpful information to the question asked. Oh wait, you didn't really add anything productive.

EDIT: Ok, i had to double check and make sure this was in fact XDTalk and not ARF .com.

[Grip]

Originally Posted by Myk9noseknows

Wow, sounds like you're really special. Glad you took the time to post some helpful information to the question asked. Oh wait, you didn't really add anything productive.

neither did you.


so far i have build a complete lower using a metric allen kit $20, small hobby hammer $5, and 2 small punch's $10...my dad has a universal AR15 wrench thing...i think it's for barrel's and stock's....im not that far in my build yet, so i havent had to use his AR wrench

i guess it depends on how much of a "build" you are planning....

[xdmarz]

I just finished building my first AR from scratch. Nothing went wrong. The DPMS multi-tool is awesome. I used it to install the barrel nut, free float rail, muzzle device and castle nut. I got it here for $25 bucks, but I saw it at some online store lately for a little less.

I bought 6 punches from Home Depot but only really needed the two smallest ones. You can get by with other stuff laying around and one small punch, or a good nail or small drill bit in a pinch.

I didn't use an armorer's block, but I heard the DPMS Panther Claw is probably the best one. I used a couple 1x4's and folded a shop towel in half between each one and the receiver (which was mounted sideways, and *aligned in the vice*). One of the pieces of wood lied horizontally against the flat-top, and the other lied vertically between the takedown pins. Didn't have to tighten the vice very much to get well over 50 ft-lbs on the barrel nut. I checked with a torque wrench, but it's definitely unnecessary. Obviously you will need a block if you don't have a flat top.
*VERY IMPORTANT so it doesn't slip. If you have someone hold the wood/ receiver in place while you do the work, you will feel much safer doing it.

So if you want to be cheap;
2 pieces of of scrap wood ($1.50 or free)
Armorer's wrench ($25 or borrowed)
Punches (Few dollars / borrow / improvise)
Hammer (You better have one, helps to have a vice grip too)
Anti-sieze (I used marine wheel bearing grease)
Loc-tite (not NEEDED)

Otherwise, add a few more punches in there, and an armorer's block and you're good to go.

[daug85]

Is there a place with instructions? I'm thinking about trying to do my very first build and I'm a little concerned because I have never really played with an AR, I was a big AK man... also, a hammer a few punches and some visegrips, the multi tool? is there anything else? I have a vise and wood at my disposal, it just requires a drive

Thanks

[petey1]

Originally Posted by daug85

Is there a place with instructions? I'm thinking about trying to do my very first build and I'm a little concerned because I have never really played with an AR, I was a big AK man... also, a hammer a few punches and some visegrips, the multi tool? is there anything else? I have a vise and wood at my disposal, it just requires a drive

Thanks

Try hereAR15.COM :: Forums :: Assemble your own LOWER, UPPER, FREE FLOAT, TRIGGER, GAS BLOCK - Step by step instructions!

[hardwarz]

Originally Posted by daug85

Is there a place with instructions? I'm thinking about trying to do my very first build and I'm a little concerned because I have never really played with an AR, I was a big AK man... also, a hammer a few punches and some visegrips, the multi tool? is there anything else? I have a vise and wood at my disposal, it just requires a drive

Thanks

Are you putting on a barrel or a FF tube? You'll also want a torque wrench.

Sorry for the previous post, I'm at work and I got busy. You don't need $1000.00 worth of tools to build an AR. When I get home, I'll take a picture of what I use to build my ARs.

Hardwarz