Hey all,

I'm building an AR for the first time, and I didn't know if anyone nearby could loan / let me use their tools for the harder parts.  I don't mind buying a punch kit, but saving $20 is nice.  The bigger things I'm referring to are vice holders (Geiselle reaction rod, upper clamp, lower mag block), torque wrench, things of that nature.  Oh, and I'll buy you a beer or two.  Any help is appreciated, advice on workarounds included.

If you're calling this your 'first' build, I suspect there will be builds in the future?  If so, you probably already know the advice I would give you.  You should buy the tools.  I am using the same wrench I bought from DPMS, a torque wrench I bought from the auto parts store, and a box of bent/broken punches I bought at a Military Surplus sale.  I've been doing builds for over 25 years.

Ask Covertness if you could come to Charlotte one weekend and use his shop. I've heard he helps people build stuff from time to time though it's usually some piece of furniture.

I just recently built a lower.
In terms of the torque wrench, you can borrow one from advance auto parts. Call ahead and make sure they have a craftsman or the high quality variety. It was about 50$ for collateral IIRC.
In terms of magblock, punches, etc. Here are the items ive bought:
Grace USA steel roll pin punch set:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007WADKN0
Mallet:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NPR2U8
Tapco armorer's wrench: http://www.primaryarms.com/Tapco_AR_15_M4_ARMORERS_MULTI_TOOL_TINTOOL905_p/tool0905.htm
Magblock: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OTS01J4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1432049235&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=ultimate+arms+gear&dpPl=1&dpID=311sCDuOm3L&ref=plSrch

all you need is a $10 punch set, $10 vise jaws for upper and an AR tool for the handguard/castle nuts.  borrow a torque wrench from auto zone or advance auto and you're good to go.  i just use an old pro mag for a lower vise block, but any other mag would work too.

Thanks for all the input yall.  I found a good deal on a hammer/punch set, and got the lower done no problem.  Upper block and wrench are ready to go, once the barrel gets in.

And yeah.. the bug bites HARD.  If someone wants to donate some money/parts.....