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Posted: 4/9/2004 1:37:34 PM EDT
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Hello, Does anyone have a rough estimate of how much it would cost to buy a set of tools to build an AR from the ground up? Any tools that are "must haves" or others that I should stay away from at all costs? Also, any estimates of how many ARs a person would need to build to "break even" after buying all the tools? Thanks in advance! |
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I paid $39.44 for all the tools I needed to build the lower, which included: Roll pin punches Hammer 1/4" clovis pin from Home Depot (for take down pin installs) I haven't yet built an uppper, and I don't really feel challenged to do so because of the fact that the tools required (I don't have a vise) are cost prohibitive to build just one or two. Maybe when I get a workbench, I'll invest in a vise block and all the tools needed to work on my upper. Until then... |
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You really don't need to spend anything if the upper is already assembled. Standard punches work OK which you probably already have. I would, however, invest in a set of Lyman roll pin punches which you can get for $10 from Natchez. They really do work great. Don't waste your money on a front takedown pin install tool. It's just as easy to hold the detent in with the tip of an exacto knife while sliding in the takedown pin. Just don't cut yourself! Scot |
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set of craftsman punches $9.90 car wrench $5 front detent tool ( ie a 3 inch piece of .25 in rod stock with a hole drilled in it) .50 the hand tools i have in my shop ( way too much to add up, but most are standard ) assy instructions from this web site... take yor time and it goes together fine. i havent done the upper yet, but i do have my eye on those plastic blocks that hold parts in the vise... i would say the punches are the best investment 1st, then the detent tool...i tried the exacto thing once..i like my rod much better ( no snickering please) |
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To assemble the lower the only tools you need are the roll pin punches from Brownells, and a few household tools like a hammer and screwdriver. [url]http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5551&title=ROLL+PIN+PUNCHES[/url] 3/32 is #3 Roll pin punch item #230-100-003 #3 Roll Pin Punch $3.75 1/8 is #4 Roll pin punch item #230-100-004 #4 Roll Pin Punch $3.83 |
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No special tools needed for detent pins---just push everything down with a punch---slowly remove the punch as you push the push pin over it----worked the first time I tried it----no big deal. Since I'm bulding my upper too---a few more tools are needed: Set of punches $20 from BM Hammer---had that already Action Block---$40 from BM Barrel wrench---$10 from BM Torque wrench---$69 from Sears---you can get cheaper---I just felt like buying the good one. Black and Decker work mate----have had this for years----using it as a vice and work table. Allen wrenches---had them already Screw driver set---had already. Needle nose pliers---again ---had already Seems like thats about it---you can get by with less than that----I just like making the job as easy as possible. Later on I'll get the headspace guages and forend remover---but that's icing on the cake. Edited to add snap ring pliers----$10 |
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Don't forget - $50 for a bottle of Moet to celebrate your first AR build! Natchez Shooter Supply is a great company for reloading/shooting supplies and ammo. They don't have much in the way of AR parts though. I like Midway also, they do stock AR parts but usually are a little on the expensive side... but if I'm ordering other stuff I sometimes order AR parts from them for convenience. Scot |
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