Please recommend a quality lower parts Tool Kit - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Please recommend a quality lower parts Tool Kit

Posted: 2/19/2021 1:49:52 PM EDT

Go ahead and laugh as it will most likely OOS.

I have many lower receivers to build. I am slowly getting the parts I need for them.
I have spent the 2 last week watching assembly videos. Many recommend this and that.
I would like you guys input

Thanks
Dag

Posted: 2/19/2021 2:26:05 PM EDT

[#1]

Besides a set of pin and roll pin punches, appropriate hammer and a castle nut wrench, I don't think there's much else you "need". The special bolt release roll pin punches are worth the modest cost. A tool to press in the trigger guard pins is nice as well, a small arbor press works well, if you have one. I know they sell a little pin pusher tool for the purpose as well. Oh, and I suppose an appropriate punch for staking the castle nut, if you intend to do so.

Posted: 2/19/2021 2:33:32 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Go ahead and laugh as it will most likely OOS.

I have many lower receivers to build. I am slowly getting the parts I need for them.
I have spent the 2 last week watching assembly videos. Many recommend this and that.
I would like you guys input

Thanks
Dag

View Quote

Something like this is convenient:

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Wheeler-Engineering-AR-15-Roll-Pin-Install-Tool-Ki-p/we-952636.htm

Other tools you may need:

https://smile.amazon.com/Eklind-53910-Standard-Cushion-T-Key/dp/B002XMU6W0

https://smile.amazon.com/Ayzaw-Professional-Hand-Removal-Tighten/dp/B08S7CLKCJ

Nice to have, but a 1/4" universal clevis pin is almost as good:

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Real-Avid-AR-15-Pivot-Pin-Tool-p/avid-avar15ppt.htm

Posted: 2/19/2021 3:47:08 PM EDT

[#3]

I have been happy with these items and some needle nose pliers:

https://obsidianarms.com/product/complete-ar-15-armorers-punch-set-12-piece/

https://www.realavid.com/product/armorers-master-wrench/

Done me just fine. Some specialty vices would be nice but rags and oak /maple blocks with a little shaping work fine.

Posted: 2/19/2021 5:36:40 PM EDT

[#4]

I have the Real Avid Master set and a cheap vice. Does everything I need on an AR aside from the free float barrel nut... there's so much variation that you have to get those as needed. Shop around for the Real Avid kit and you can get it for under $200.

Posted: 2/19/2021 7:12:02 PM EDT

[#5]

Thank you all

A lot is inbound.
I will continue to watch videos and read.
As soon as the kit arrives
I will keep you posted as is Arfcom fashion

Posted: 2/19/2021 7:41:50 PM EDT

[#6]

this KNS tool makes installation of the AR-15 hammer/spring/pin a whole lot easier.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/kns-precision-hammer-cage-ar15-m16-ar10-trigger-group-installation-tool.html

Posted: 2/20/2021 3:36:39 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
this KNS tool makes installation of the AR-15 hammer/spring/pin a whole lot easier.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/kns-precision-hammer-cage-ar15-m16-ar10-trigger-group-installation-tool.html

View Quote

Your link is broken.
Thank you for the heads up. It is on extended backorder everywhere I looked.
On the KNS website it is not even listed

Posted: 2/20/2021 10:27:55 AM EDT

[#8]

Magpul BEV Block available from many vendors from the icons above

Posted: 2/20/2021 11:35:08 AM EDT

[#9]

Just go to Harbor Freight and you'll fine most everything you need:
Small hammer
Flat punch set (short and long is handy)
Allen wrench set
5" bench vise
Torque wrench (not required, but ideal)

Special Tools:
Armorer's wrench or individual AR related wrenches (castle nut wrench, barrel nut wrench)
1/4" clevis pin
Scrap wood (to clamp the upper receiver in vise)

Optional Tools:
Upper receiver vise block/clamp (or just use scrap wood)
Roll pin starter punch set (or just use your flat punch set)
Wheeler upper receiver lapping tool (I needed to use one once so now I use it on all my builds)

Posted: 2/20/2021 1:16:10 PM EDT

[#10]

Wheeler's got an assortment of various tools...

https://www.wheelertools.com/ar-tools/lower-receiver-tools/

Posted: 2/20/2021 4:59:00 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just go to Harbor Freight and you'll fine most everything you need:
Small hammer
Flat punch set (short and long is handy)
Allen wrench set
5" bench vise
Torque wrench (not required, but ideal)

Special Tools:
Armorer's wrench or individual AR related wrenches (castle nut wrench, barrel nut wrench)
1/4" clevis pin
Scrap wood (to clamp the upper receiver in vise)

Optional Tools:
Upper receiver vise block/clamp (or just use scrap wood)
Roll pin starter punch set (or just use your flat punch set)
Wheeler upper receiver lapping tool (I needed to use one once so now I use it on all my builds)

View Quote

Thank you for the link to the 1/4" clevice pin

Posted: 2/20/2021 5:40:42 PM EDT

[#12]

I've used a very small company called Squirrel Daddy. Most of their gunsmith tools are built in-house. Good prices and most items include shipping in the price.

Posted: 2/20/2021 7:24:29 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:

Your link is broken.
Thank you for the heads up. It is on extended backorder everywhere I looked.
On the KNS website it is not even listed

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
this KNS tool makes installation of the AR-15 hammer/spring/pin a whole lot easier.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/kns-precision-hammer-cage-ar15-m16-ar10-trigger-group-installation-tool.html

Your link is broken.
Thank you for the heads up. It is on extended backorder everywhere I looked.
On the KNS website it is not even listed

sorry bout that. at the time when I posted the reply, the Optics Planet link worked, back-ordered though.

I sent an email to KNS, their reply is that the Hammer Cage has been discontinued (no explanation).

I'm guessing somebody was clumsy and bounced the spring into their eye (and is sueing), or somebody else is claiming "copying", patent infringement. or something like that. It makes the difficult task (unless you're Bill G) of pushing the hammer down into the lower receiver, at the right angle and pre-loading the hammer spring, while the disconnect hook is gouging out a permanent depression into your thumb, and then sliding the hammer pin in, past the J-spring, a simple task.

frickin' lawyers, ruining this country. I tell ya.

Posted: 2/20/2021 7:43:15 PM EDT

[#14]

Knipex smooth jaw pliers.
Wish I had them my first few builds.

Posted: 2/20/2021 8:26:32 PM EDT

[#15]

You can do it with a hammer and a flat head screw driver if you really want to.

To make life nice, all you really need is a set of starter punches, regular punches, a 1/4" clevis pin, some tape, and a hammer, (and a set of SAE hex allens if you want to use a threaded take down pin)

They make all sorts or special jigs, punches, and slave pins that really just aren't needed.