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10/28/2008 9:01:30 PM EDT
I'm planning to build my first AR15 from a kit. I have a Brownells and Chapman screwdriver sets as well as several roll punches and pin punches. Which size punches will I need to assemble my lower? Are there any other tools needed to build a AR?
Thanks
10/29/2008 1:11:59 AM EDT
[#1]
Welcome

Is your upper complete? The lower can go together without any special tools. Just takes some inginuity.
10/29/2008 6:44:32 AM EDT
[#2]
I have never used any tools on the lower other than a small brass tack hammer and a small punch (used for holding parts together and driving the trigger guard pin).
10/29/2008 9:27:13 AM EDT
[#3]
If your barrel ain't mounted in the upper. Add, a barrel vice and barrel nut wrench.  But, even that part of the assembly can be done with "field made" tools.

Don't forget to buy headspace gauges for testing. If you don't have access to a set.

HTH.

Aloha, Mark
10/29/2008 9:58:16 AM EDT
[#4]
+1

In process of my first build and the parts showed up 5 days before the action block (upper vice block) so I thought "what the heck, I'll try torquing the barrel"....  yeh, not gonna happen.

I was able to get the 40 ft. lbs. on it, but needed to move one of the barrel nut teeth out of the way for the gas tube.  There is no way I could move past 40 ft. lbs. without destroying the upper.  So, all of that to say what was just said.

If you are building the upper, get an action block!

(and roll pin punch starters make it easier, but not required)

Just my $.02
10/29/2008 12:51:55 PM EDT
[#5]
i just built a lower with no special tools.... i do have a question whats the best way to tighten the castle nut without a special wrench?
10/29/2008 5:02:28 PM EDT
[#6]
line it up as tight as hand possible and use a screwdriver in the cuts with a steady hand and a ruber mallet. Them use a nail set to stake it when its nice and tight.
10/29/2008 9:03:00 PM EDT
[#7]
Thanks Guys!
This will be my first AR build. I'm starting with a pre-assembled upper. I'm only planning to build the lower myself. The last time I worked on one of these was in the Marine Corps in the mid 70's. I'm looking forward to my build.
10/30/2008 2:39:25 PM EDT
[#8]
Randy, I just did the same thing you are planning on doing. I was worried about it too. My LPK and upper came yesterday and I decided to give it a go anyway . Only tools I used were the following:

Hammer
Pair of needle nose pliers
Small hex screwbit insert thing as a makeshift punch
Roll of electrical tape to protect the lower
Utility knife for the takedown pin detent install
Thin piece of wood to lay the trigger ears on so I wouldn't break em off.
Big flathead screwdriver (for the grip handle)
oh and a little bit of grease for the roll pins, etc.

That's it. Nothing special at all. Hand tightened the castle nut as much as i could and then used said hammer and screwdriver to make sure it doesn't go anywhere.

Really, just take your time, lay out your LPK and follow along with the Maryland AR shooters video and you'll be fine. It was my first build ever and only took me 1/2 hour. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
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