Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
5/27/2009 8:09:27 PM EDT
To assemble the lower receiver, what specific (size) tools do I need?

Gunsmith Hammer
Hammer Block
Mag Well Vise
Front Pin Installation Tool
Driver for Pistol Grip Screw
Wrench for buffer tube - what size?

What size roll pin and roll pin starter punches are needed? 0.093" & 0.155"
Rugular Punches?

What am I missing?

I'm trying to put together a quality set of tools, but if I only need 2 punch sizes, it may be cheaper to by the individual punches rather than a couple of sets.

Thanks
5/27/2009 10:24:08 PM EDT
[#1]
I bought a cheap set of punches, a telestock wrench, and used a hammer to tap the pins in.  That's it.  I've built about 6 lowers up with just that.  A good thing to get (it's online for free somewhere too) is the USMC manual for the M16, that will have the tools, function checks, troubleshooting info in it.

If you're putting an A2 stock on, a big screwdriver will do just fine.
5/28/2009 3:48:13 AM EDT
[#2]
all I use is a set of punches and a small brass hammer for the bolt catch and the trigger guard. ETA: forgot the stock wrench for a carbine and a screw driver for a A2 stock. Takes me about 15 minutes to put a lower together.
5/28/2009 4:35:48 AM EDT
[#3]
All you need is a pair of vise grips to press in the trigger guard roll pin (much less likely to break off the ears this way) and the Bolt catch roll pin, whatever tool is required to put on the pistol grip, whether it be an allen wrench of a screw driver, and maybe a hammer/mallet to put to in the trigger pins.
5/28/2009 5:02:04 AM EDT
[#4]
My last one I didn't even have a punch available....I used a finish nail. No tools....improvise.
5/28/2009 5:09:27 AM EDT
[#5]
What is a good castle nut wrench for a mil-spec buffer tube?

I have broken 2 of them and still have not gotten the castle nut torqued to spec...
5/28/2009 5:12:01 AM EDT
[#6]
Might add masking tape to the list. If you're a rookie like me it could help save your finish while doing your first one. I recommend you get the proper tools first or once you get all the parts you'll start putting it together with whatever you can find. (I did at least)
5/28/2009 8:28:09 PM EDT
[#7]
Thanks for the input.

Cheers
5/29/2009 4:50:38 PM EDT
[#8]
The only thing I bought new for my build was a set of punches and they were something I wanted anyway.  I agree about the masking tape as you can use it on the lower for protection when you pu t in some of the pins.  One thing for sure to remember is to make sure you have a block of wood under the ears when you put in the pin for the trigger guard.  The tutorial in this website makes it easier to do it right.
AR Sponsor