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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:19:50 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
Is it possible to build an AR from a parts kit just by watching YouTube vids? 
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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:21:01 PM EDT
[#2]
That's exactly how I built my first AR. If I had any questions I did a search, and the answer was always here on ARF.
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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:23:49 PM EDT
[#3]
Assuming you have the tools, yes. It feels like adult Legos. Which is fantastic. I love Legos.
ETA: Just noticed you are located in UT. If you want help I'm sure you can find plenty of people willing. Assuming you are nearby I would be more than happy to play adult Legos with you so you are at least with somebody that has done it before. |
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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:28:57 PM EDT
[#4]
Watching how to vids as well as using the wealth of knowledge in this community is a good way to start. Of course nothing makes a build come together smoother than having the right tools.
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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:34:59 PM EDT
[#5]
yes there are videos showing you each step and there is a lower build document on this site that's great.
be ready to chase springs |
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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:36:44 PM EDT
[#6]
This may not be a popular opinion, but...
90% of the vids on youtube, especially gun videos, are bloated with so much bullshit that by the time you're done watching you can't decide if you were debating going to the toilet or eating a salad. There is so much bad information thrown around as fact that those that don't know any better are going to be led astray. My suggestion: watching youtube stuff is fine to get the general idea of something. Use technical drawings and diagrams as your actual guide. If you get stuck, just google and look for links back to arfcom. There is a plethora of information here. Tools you need: Hammer Punch Pliers (bolt catch and trigger guard) Feeler gauge (front takedown detent) Wrench for barrel nut Wrench for castle nut on tube Action block 3/4 wrench (muzzle device) |
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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:43:01 PM EDT
[#7]
Sootch00 lower and upper assembly videos are great
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Posted: 12/5/2018 9:50:08 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Is it possible to build an AR from a parts kit just by watching YouTube vids? To BUILD a complete AR, would require more specialized tools to mount the bbl, upper, etc. |
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Posted: 12/5/2018 10:07:20 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This may not be a popular opinion, but... 90% of the vids on youtube, especially gun videos, are bloated with so much bullshit that by the time you're done watching you can't decide if you were debating going to the toilet or eating a salad. There is so much bad information thrown around as fact that those that don't know any better are going to be led astray. My suggestion: watching youtube stuff is fine to get the general idea of something. Use technical drawings and diagrams as your actual guide. If you get stuck, just google and look for links back to arfcom. There is a plethora of information here. Tools you need: Hammer Punch Pliers (bolt catch and trigger guard) Feeler gauge (front takedown detent) Wrench for barrel nut Wrench for castle nut on tube Action block 3/4 wrench (muzzle device) Additionally, a 1/4 torque wrench for mounting rail systems will be viable. Other tools I keep are channel locks (bolt catch release pin), adjustable/crescent wrench (muzzle device), star key set, allen key set, masking and electrical tape (protecting surfaces). |
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Posted: 12/5/2018 10:18:42 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This may not be a popular opinion, but... 90% of the vids on youtube, especially gun videos, are bloated with so much bullshit that by the time you're done watching you can't decide if you were debating going to the toilet or eating a salad. There is so much bad information thrown around as fact that those that don't know any better are going to be led astray. My suggestion: watching youtube stuff is fine to get the general idea of something. Use technical drawings and diagrams as your actual guide. If you get stuck, just google and look for links back to arfcom. There is a plethora of information here. Tools you need: Hammer Punch Pliers (bolt catch and trigger guard) Feeler gauge (front takedown detent) Wrench for barrel nut Wrench for castle nut on tube Action block 3/4 wrench (muzzle device) |
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Posted: 12/5/2018 10:52:42 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sootch00 lower and upper assembly videos are great |
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Posted: 12/5/2018 11:48:08 PM EDT
[#12]
Built mine from the ground up on YouTube videos, and researching on here. But don’t get me started on Sootch00
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Posted: 12/5/2018 11:50:20 PM EDT
[#13]
Hell, man, I did it with that thread on ARF that didn't even have video.
Back in my day we only had still pictures. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 1:59:31 AM EDT
[#14]
Thank you for these useful replies.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 2:01:37 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Assuming you have the tools, yes. It feels like adult Legos. Which is fantastic. I love Legos. ETA: Just noticed you are located in UT. If you want help I'm sure you can find plenty of people willing. Assuming you are nearby I would be more than happy to play adult Legos with you so you are at least with somebody that has done it before. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 6:13:56 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's exactly how I built my first AR. If I had any questions I did a search, and the answer was always here on ARF. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 9:14:16 AM EDT
[#17]
I was taught how to build ARs from a professional but a video is a similar idea and will work. An AR multi wrench, some punches, a hammer and pliers are all you 'must have' to stick together most ARs. More tools are nice but not exactly a must have, IMO.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 9:40:29 AM EDT
[#18]
I think I watched the Brownells videos when I build my first lower. It works so I guess I did ok just watching their videos.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:00:16 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sootch00 lower and upper assembly videos are great |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:02:41 AM EDT
[#20]
Yes it's possible, just gotta watch the right video. Built my MK18 from the ground up, watched youtube vids on the upper since it was my first.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:21:26 AM EDT
[#21]
Yes.
I learned to do aks with YouTube too. Next will be hks. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:23:26 AM EDT
[#22]
I can attest first-hand, yes!
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:24:59 AM EDT
[#23]
I started building ARs twenty years ago. I was taught by my uncle who was an armorer and smith. Use of proper tools is key. In my time as a Sheriff Deputy, many of my coworkers have asked me to build ARs for them. I hold no special training nor am I an expert. Slow and methodical is my way. Anyone can do it really. Yes, certain YT vids will help a lot. As stated, the right ones. Good luck on your build OP.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:27:15 AM EDT
[#24]
I built my first few lowers just from the threads here with static photos.
So videos would be a step up. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:50:18 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No, you actually need to buy tools and then build the parts kit. Watching videos won't make it assemble itself. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Is it possible to build an AR from a parts kit just by watching YouTube vids? 
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Posted: 12/6/2018 11:19:31 AM EDT
[#26]
OP, here is probably one of the best videos on the Internet for building your lower receiver.
Produced by one of our very own members. https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Step-by-step-video-on-how-to-build-your-lower-receiver/4-615304/  Failed To Load Title |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 12:29:48 PM EDT
[#27]
I’m an amateur when it comes to building an AR from scratch - I’ve mostly just worked on lowers up to this point. I found this ITS Tactical tutorial pretty helpful though. I like the way it goes step by step and includes both photos and video, along with a recommended list of tools for each step:
DIY AR-15 Build: Introduction, Parts and Tools Required I’m sure they’re not the top experts at building ARs, but it was helpful to me. There were some tool recommendations in the tutorial that I replaced with others based on advice from people here and on other forums. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 12:45:07 PM EDT
[#28]
Thanks for the links and recommendations.
I will gather tools and refer back to this thread after my PSA order arrives. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 12:48:40 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So you did not assemble your first AR just by watching YouTube vids. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
That's exactly how I built my first AR. If I had any questions I did a search, and the answer was always here on ARF. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 1:17:23 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I built my first few lowers just from the threads here with static photos. So videos would be a step up. Trust me. You want this thing |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 1:24:01 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OP, here is probably one of the best videos on the Internet for building your lower receiver. Produced by one of our very own members. https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Step-by-step-video-on-how-to-build-your-lower-receiver/4-615304/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1omm6jY7GgOP, be careful once you start building because it's hard to stop! |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 1:55:23 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OP, here is probably one of the best videos on the Internet for building your lower receiver. Produced by one of our very own members. https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Step-by-step-video-on-how-to-build-your-lower-receiver/4-615304/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1omm6jY7Gg |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 2:19:21 PM EDT
[#33]
OP, I'd never owned an AR until three months ago.
PSA complete upper with lower parts kit, a stripped lower from a local LGS, some regular tools, then watching two YT how to videos yielded a finished AR inside of an hour. Last video was stopped and started as needed during the assembly process. The next day, I was putting rounds downrange with it. The toughest parts were installing that split pin in the bolt release and that teeny little detent spring that is captured by buffer nut plate. Still have not found the first one. The spare one was successfully installed while I wore a headlamp and draped under a bed sheet (not joking) to make sure if it got airborne I could find it. (I also realized why PSA put two of those in the kit) |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 2:25:40 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I think I watched the Brownells videos when I build my first lower. It works so I guess I did ok just watching their videos. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 3:24:13 PM EDT
[#35]
Everything I know on the subject I learned from youtube or various google searches. Just have to have a keen eye to find the good info buried in the bad.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 4:15:44 PM EDT
[#36]
I am going to say this, guys these days have it made when it comes to assembling an AR. When I built my first lower, and eventually an entire AR, I only had pictures and instructions that were posted on ARFCOM. This was many years ago. Over the course of 14 years, I have no need for tutorials, unless it comes to installing a new product I am unfamiliar with, but for anyone building today and doing it for the first time, Youtube videos are a great resource. The secret is to find videos where the person actually knows what they are doing and provides correct procedures and uses the proper tools.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 8:49:32 PM EDT
[#37]
These testimonies encouraged me enough to order a PSA stripped lower on $39 daily special.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 9:38:55 PM EDT
[#38]
That’s how I put my first together.
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Posted: 12/6/2018 10:37:30 PM EDT
[#39]
Go for it. I just watched another YouTube video for reference this morning while I put together a PSA lower for a buddy of mine. Enjoy the fruits of your labors!
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Posted: 12/7/2018 2:21:40 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
yes there are videos showing you each step and there is a lower build document on this site that's great. be ready to chase springs It's definitely easy to build with Youtube videos. There was no Youtube when a lot of us taught ourselves how to do it. But OP shows much wisdom in asking beforehand.
Guides here on arfcom are likely to be more accurate and useful than random videos, though. |
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Posted: 12/7/2018 2:32:26 AM EDT
[#41]
I thought Youtube intends to ban gun how-to videos, part of their anti-AR policy. seems like they're cracking down on reloading videos also? although with there being so many, maybe they just can't find them all.
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Posted: 12/8/2018 1:12:56 AM EDT
[#42]
I used this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8sY5CQmlHI to build my AR pistol, Ive watched a previous build in person before but its nothing like doing it yourself. That video handled every part of it, and extras, and the few odd things I just youtubed solo to figure out. |
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Posted: 12/8/2018 1:39:29 AM EDT
[#43]
Yep. Good youtube vids have helped me with ARs, M&P pistols, 642 revolvers, on and on. Watch a few. You will quickly figure out the idiots from the knowledgeable tubers.
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Posted: 12/8/2018 9:52:06 AM EDT
[#44]
This video was a big help when I put my first lower together. He was a member on here, but I haven't seen him post in forever.
 Failed To Load Title |
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Posted: 12/8/2018 4:21:20 PM EDT
[#45]
OK! Gathering necessary tools and waiting for PSA tracking numbers....
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Posted: 12/8/2018 4:32:09 PM EDT
[#46]
Larry Potterfield from Midway USA does the best videos
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Posted: 12/8/2018 5:05:21 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Same here. Upper was assembled and headspaced. Lower was in parts. Trust me. You want this thing |
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Posted: 12/8/2018 5:22:19 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ordered. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Same here. Upper was assembled and headspaced. Lower was in parts. Trust me. You want this thing  Easy AR-15 Front Takedown Pin Assembly |
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Posted: 12/8/2018 5:40:53 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Cancel your order and save yourself some money. You can do the same exact thing with a $2 clevis pin from your local hardware store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7DrFEDw3owI’ve used the same $2 clevis pin for 10 years |
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Posted: 12/8/2018 6:03:57 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This I’ve used the same $2 clevis pin for 10 years Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Cancel your order and save yourself some money. You can do the same exact thing with a $2 clevis pin from your local hardware store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7DrFEDw3owI’ve used the same $2 clevis pin for 10 years |
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