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2/2/2010 8:07:37 AM EDT
Is there a forum that discuses good tool kits to buy?  I'm looking for something that is fairly complete to use for my 16" lmt.  What are some good choices?
2/2/2010 8:12:24 AM EDT
[#1]
You could by the complete AR15 toolkit from Brownellshttp://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=23880/Product/TOOL_KITS_FOR_AR_15_M16_M4 as seen there.  Or you could just take a few ideas from what they have, and not drop $1600 on a complete toolkit.
2/2/2010 10:52:38 AM EDT
[#2]
Ha. That's as much as my rifle. I guess I only need the specialized tools.
2/2/2010 12:27:09 PM EDT
[#3]
A lot of whats included in that are basic handtools that anyone who is at least a bit of DIYer shold have around the house.  I just buy specialty tools as I need them, everything else comes from the regular old peg board that services everything else in my house.
2/3/2010 7:36:00 PM EDT
[#4]
I bought the Brownells M16/M4 field armorers kit to work on the rifles at work. It has most of your basic tools, but you'll have to buy some others to do any serious work other than replacing small parts.
2/6/2010 9:18:38 PM EDT
[#5]
I have used everything here at some time or another working on AR’s.

I would consider the first list as a starter set. I would not call the second list items necessary, but they make life a whole lot easier. This is by no means a complete list of what may be available. For ideas look at the military TM’s and there should be a number of other books available. Also look at the tool kits on Midway, Brownell’s, etc.

List #1
Headspace gage set.
Action block set.
Vise barrel jaws.
Barrel wrench.
Specialized punch for bolt catch pin.
Wrench for tightening castle nut on CAR stocks.
Moly assembly lube.
Any specialized wrenches needed for aftermarket parts like FF forends.
1/2” drive torque wrench.
Small hammer with steel head and brass head.
Needle file set.
Barrel nut alignment gage.
Straight punch set.
Snap ring pliers
Firing pin protrusion gauge
Ejector removal tool.
A manual.

List #2
Roll pin punch set.
Roll pin starter set.
Gunsmith screwdriver set with interchangeable tips.
Note: gunsmith bits have hollow ground tips that are not tapered.
Bit for buttstock screws.
Allen tip and Torx  tip bit sets. (not needed for AR, but nice for scope mounts, etc.)
Tool for installing pivot pin spring and detent.
1/4” or 3/8” drive in/lb torque wrench.
Socket head allen wrench for carrier key bolts.
Punch for staking carrier keys.
Fine stone set.
FSB taper pin punch.
Small machinist level.

I don’t think Brownells carries the moly grease anymore. There was a post in the last few weeks were someone listed an aviation grease he though was equivalent. Maybe a Colt or FN assembler or current armorer can say what is in use.
Edit: moved the ejector tool to list #1
2/7/2010 4:48:06 AM EDT
[#6]
http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463

I know I'll probably be flamed for linking to this site, oh well
2/7/2010 10:42:02 AM EDT
[#7]
Good informative link.
I though his choice for last resort barrel nut removal technique was interesting.
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