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Posted: 5/6/2012 6:22:07 PM EDT
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I am about to build my first AR later this week. I have a complete upper, a stripped lower and a lower parts kit.
Do I need to buy any tools to put the lower together? I have come across conflicting information about needing tools. I know I need a small hammer, and a stock wrench. Do I need to order or go buy anything else? Thanks, SDD |
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Quoted:
I am about to build my first AR later this week. I have a complete upper, a stripped lower and a lower parts kit. Do I need to buy any tools to put the lower together? I have come across conflicting information about needing tools. I know I need a small hammer, and a stock wrench. Do I need to order or go buy anything else? Thanks, SDD AR Build Videos All the tools a pro would use to assemble an AR are called out in the videos. Less risk of damage to the weapon if you use the correct tools. Others will use whatever they find in the kitchen junk drawer and everything in between. 
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I just went through this myself on my first build, which I completed today.
Of the tools I bought, the best 2 things I bought were a cheap 6 piece punch set(less than $20 on amazon) and an AR armorer's combo wrench(less than $30 on amazon). a dual sized nylon/rubber hammer was nice but wasn't required. everthing else was standard stuff around the house(needlenose pliers, a flat head screwdriver,etc). I rented a torque wrench from an auto parts store. You really do need a decent vice for getting the barrel on the upper. I borrowed a friend's crappy hobby vice, which only worked 'cause there were 2 other people holding the p.o,s down. |
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There are eight steps to building a lower and if you are only building one you can get away with things you probably have around the house, with exception of the stock wrench. Cheap stock wrenches are available through RRA and other sites for about $6.00. Here is a list of items and another list showing where each item is used.
Hammer (a common household hammer will work) Vice Grips (only if you use this method on the trigger guard/bolt catch) Painters or masking tape Pencil 1/4" x 2" clevis pin (Lowes sells them - located in parts bins near the screws and nuts aisle; about .40 cents) 1/8" and/or 5/32" punch (Lowes, Home Depot and Sears usually have a set of three punches that contain these; about $5.00) Flat head screw driver or long handle 3/16" allen wrench This is the order I usually use: Trigger Guard: Depending on the method you need: Vise grips with taped jaws (or) a hammer, 1/8" (5/32" works, too) punch and a roll of tape or similar item to support the ears. Mag Catch: A standard pencil with eraser. (It doesn't even have to be a number #2) Bolt Catch: Depending on the method you need: Painters or masking tape and Vise grips with taped jaws (or) a hammer and 5/32" punch. Pivot Pin: A 1/4" x 2" clevis pin and the 5/32" punch work well FCG: A 5/32" punch to act as a slave, light hammer Takedown Pin: Nothing Pistol Grip/Selector: A long flat head screwdriver (or) long handle 3/16" allen wrench depending on the screw type Receiver Extension: Assuming it's a collapsible stock, a castle nut wrench. If it's not, a crescent wrench and screwdriver. |
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If you don't but ANYTHING else, get a bolt catch roll pin punch and a roll of duct tape to prevent marring.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=1989/pid=26484/Product/BOLT-CATCH-PIN-PUNCH?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&mc_id=10000&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c3466_a_7c080216012_d_080216012_d_11523 Just order it! |
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