Posted: 7/18/2013 7:08:04 AM EDT
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So I'm finally gonna start getting into modifying my rifles (sights, stocks, etc) and was wondering what tools I'll need that I may be overlooking. I know I could ask in the armory, but I trust CTHTF opinion more.
So far I've got a Hammerhead Rifle Tool and a handguard removal tool... I'm in the process of buying a lower receiver vice block, a Reaction Rod, punches and a front sight bench block. Is there anything that I'm missing that I may end up needing? |
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Quoted:
Get an upper receiver vice block (the clam shell type) or barrel clamps. The ones that the upper pins onto are not sufficient for barreling - they are only good for doing other work on the upper so don't use those or you could snap the takedown pin holes. I was gonna get one of these with the lower block but was reading that the Reaction Rod was the widely preferred tool 
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Quoted:
I was gonna get one of these with the lower block but was reading that the Reaction Rod was the widely preferred tool Quoted:
Quoted:
Get an upper receiver vice block (the clam shell type) or barrel clamps. The ones that the upper pins onto are not sufficient for barreling - they are only good for doing other work on the upper so don't use those or you could snap the takedown pin holes. I was gonna get one of these with the lower block but was reading that the Reaction Rod was the widely preferred tool A reaction rod is a good tool. I just find that an upper block comes in handy as well. If you are doing barrels, then you will need a barrel nut tool. Get a heavy duty one with 5 pins, not the cheap 3-pin model. I think I paid $25 from Midway for mine. And you will need a torque wrench that goes at least from 30 ft-lbs on the low end to 75 ft-lbs on the high end. That's where you will spend some serious change. On the other hand, if you are only doing a few of those and don't care whether you keep the tools, I can always loan them out. ETA: Here is my barrel nut tool. It is rock solid and I cannot recommend it enough: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/123930/pri-barrel-nut-wrench-ar-15 |
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A rawhide or brass hammer  Yeah no shit lol Good concave punches Brass punches Good to have but not needed for AR-15 Gunsmithing files (not filed on all surfaces so you don't fuck up if you slip) Compressor for dry air Headlight Alligator clip armature for electronics like they sell at radio shack with the magnifying glass Magnetic tray Ask phil1712 too |
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Quoted:
A reaction rod is a good tool. I just find that an upper block comes in handy as well. If you are doing barrels, then you will need a barrel nut tool. Get a heavy duty one with 5 pins, not the cheap 3-pin model. I think I paid $25 from Midway for mine. And you will need a torque wrench that goes at least from 30 ft-lbs on the low end to 75 ft-lbs on the high end. That's where you will spend some serious change. On the other hand, if you are only doing a few of those and don't care whether you keep the tools, I can always loan them out. ETA: Here is my barrel nut tool. It is rock solid and I cannot recommend it enough: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/123930/pri-barrel-nut-wrench-ar-15 Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Get an upper receiver vice block (the clam shell type) or barrel clamps. The ones that the upper pins onto are not sufficient for barreling - they are only good for doing other work on the upper so don't use those or you could snap the takedown pin holes. I was gonna get one of these with the lower block but was reading that the Reaction Rod was the widely preferred tool A reaction rod is a good tool. I just find that an upper block comes in handy as well. If you are doing barrels, then you will need a barrel nut tool. Get a heavy duty one with 5 pins, not the cheap 3-pin model. I think I paid $25 from Midway for mine. And you will need a torque wrench that goes at least from 30 ft-lbs on the low end to 75 ft-lbs on the high end. That's where you will spend some serious change. On the other hand, if you are only doing a few of those and don't care whether you keep the tools, I can always loan them out. ETA: Here is my barrel nut tool. It is rock solid and I cannot recommend it enough: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/123930/pri-barrel-nut-wrench-ar-15 Thanks for the info, I forgot the barrel nut tool, $500 later I'll have to place another order for that and the torque wrench 
ETA: Forgot to mention, I went with the Reaction Rod as well as upper/lower blocks Quoted:
Dremel Chinese dremel bits
Bondo A Dremel indeed. I've wished I had a use for one so I could justify buying one for over 10 years now. Your response is like a dream come true
ETA: Anyone have a recommendation for the torque wrench? |
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Lots of punches and roll pin punches. lots of them, especially the small diameter ones. Bench blocks, even get old hockey pucks and drill holes in them, great, cheap alternative.
Screwdrivers, Brownell's magnatip or w/e has a great variety of screwdrivers for all sorts of shit. Also get a 1-60 drill bit set if you don't have it already, it may be expensive, but it's good to have lots of drill bits for all different sizes, especially if you plan to drill and tap holes. |