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Posted: 4/28/2014 4:51:10 PM EDT
| I am looking to get some gunsmithing tools, I own a AR and a Sig pistol and a 590a1. I am kind of lost on where to start with what to get, so I started with a gem state ar wrench, but I am not sure what else to get I am looking at midway and brownells I guess for screwdrivers, punches and what ever else I might need is there a certain brand to stay away from? |
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I am looking to get some gunsmithing tools, I own a AR and a Sig pistol and a 590a1. I am kind of lost on where to start with what to get, so I started with a gem state ar wrench, but I am not sure what else to get I am looking at midway and brownells I guess for screwdrivers, punches and what ever else I might need is there a certain brand to stay away from? I'm strictly a chronic gun tinkerer so don't take this for gospel, but I have found the Grace USA tool set with screwdrivers, punches, and brass mallet to be useful. When you have it wherever you tend to work on or clean your guns, it seems to come in handy a lot. A bit on the pricey side, though.... Edited to add: Having a good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers around is a no-brainer for working on guns in general, where there is a risk of scratching a part. That has relatively little application to the AR, but if you have guns that have screws for adjustable sights, grips, or accessories like weapons lights, and there are screws that require a flat blade screwdriver, the ones in the Grace USA kit are nice to have. I was a little surprise, but the brass mallet and punches have been a lot more useful that I expected. For example, when building out a stripped lower, the pin for the bolt catch is a real pain. The right tool is a roll pin punch but lacking that, the brass punches do a decent job without scratching up the lower. Also, when you are putting the trigger pin in, using a skinny punch as a temporary pin is a real convenience. If you are detail stripping a Glock and don't have your Glock disassembly tool handy, a skinny punch will work for that too. Like I said earlier, when you have this kit sitting around the area where you tend to work on your guns, you keep finding uses for them. |
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The best tool investment is the one between your ears. This^ Buy books and read them. Almost everything you can think of has been done to a gun, and someone has worked out the best way to do it. Save yourself a lot of headaches by reading and watching youtube videos. Reference manuals are a must, exploded drawings can save your ass. A vice with jaw pads, a good set of punches, brass hammer, good set of screw drivers to start, and in spite of all the jokes to the contrary, I find a Dremel tool indispensable, with the polishing kit , sanding rolls and handy little cut off wheels. Then start buying tools as you need them for a particular job. Of course, this is just internet advice from an untrained Gun Tinkerer...... 
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Quoted:
I am looking to get some gunsmithing tools, I own a AR and a Sig pistol and a 590a1. I am kind of lost on where to start with what to get, so I started with a gem state ar wrench, but I am not sure what else to get I am looking at midway and brownells I guess for screwdrivers, punches and what ever else I might need is there a certain brand to stay away from? Grace Flat Head Screw Driver Set Grace Phillips Head Screw Driver Set Grace Hex Head Screw Driver Set I have the punches and the brass hammer too but am not as in love as those are easier to use replacement brands. The screw drivers are PERFECT for anything from Antique to New Production. |
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http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1261179157/chapman-model-8900-27-piece-deluxe-screwdriver-set
This is a good little kit to keep on hand. It has the most common flat head, phillips and hex bits you'll need for most gun screws. Good to keep in a range bag or on the work bench until you decide to invest in a larger set. |
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Go to Dvor.com and search for Wheeler Engeneering. This brand has good things at a good price. I recommend their torque driver by itself or with their scope mounting kit, brass punch set, brass/nylon hammer, 84 piece driver set.
You will need a steel punch set, roll punch set and roll punch starter set. These are at Brownell's and Grace is a good brand when available. Bench blocks are good, both bought and built. A vice as previously mentioned. Regarding screwdrivers - The Wheeler set will do all you encounter for the most part, but dedicated screwdrivers feel and control much better so at some point you might want to upgrade to a Grace set (or other dedicated gunsmith set). You really only need the Grace flat blade drivers as other tips are not so unique to firearms such that you can get them cheaper somewhere else. For example, I found that Auto Zone has good drivers under their Duralast brand. I picked up a few torx drivers for $3 and $4. These have rubber grips of good shape and hardened tips. The price was such that I bought a #10 and two #15s for my riflescope work. If I needed a dedicated phillips or hex, I'd buy there too. A mini-driver set will get used. This is the frequently used tools that I can think of. Other things can be accumulated in time; things like picks, brushes, hemostats, pliers, etc. I cover my bench with a piece of linoleum to catch oils which then wipe up easily. I also have a carpet sample of light color obtained from a flooring store to work over when I want to protect finishes (pretty much all the time except for oily/greasy internals). |
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