Barebones tool kit for assembling AR-15

[atto]

I'm trying to get a tool kit together and I want to buy the minimum amount of "one use" tools required.

So far, here is my list:

• Stock Wrench*
• Steel punch set (1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 5/32, 1/16)
• Hammer
• Locking pliers

*This is the only tool I'll have to order, the rest I can get locally.

Any other suggestions? Also, what is the difference between a brass punch set and a steel punch set (same with the hammers)?

[gatdammit]

Eye protection, magwell block (maybe, makes things a lot easier), and if you're NOT buying a complete upper (ie putting the barrel on your upper), then you may need a receiver vice, or barrel vise, and even depending on whether you're gonna use a regular handguard or freefloat rail, you may need ... damn I'm blanking... ring plyers? my bad...

Oh and possibly a table vise. AND just to be safe... headspace gauge.

[atto]

I'll be buying a complete upper, already assembled with a regular handguard. I'm just going to get to know my lower really well and build it myself.

[supermario]

I don't know much about tools needed for assembling AR's but I do know that brass punches are softer than steel and would be less likely to damage what ur using them on. Steel is not forgiving. I would always use brass.

[atto]

I don't know much about tools needed for assembling AR's but I do know that brass punches are softer than steel and would be less likely to damage what ur using them on. Steel is not forgiving. I would always use brass.

Excellent, just what I wanted to know! Thanks

[GunOwner]

In a pinch you can use a punch or a screw driver to tighten the lock ring on the stock instead of buying a special wrench. Hand tighten then place punch in one of the cut outs at an angle so as to avoid the threads and give it a few whacks to tighten. You did ask for the minimal kit right?

Punches, hammer, vice grip and lots of lube. I find steel work better for me on tight pins but your mileage may vary. I put duct tape on the receiver (double layers) when I am driving the bolt release pin - keeps the scratches down.

[CHS]

Riflegear Builders Kit:

http://www.riflegear.com/p-806-riflegear-lower-receiver-builders-kit.aspx

[CSACANNONEER]

A small hammer and a punch is all that is needed to assemble a lower. Other tools make life easier though.

[sevensix2x51]

A small hammer and a punch is all that is needed to assemble a lower. Other tools make life easier though.

this.

i use all steel punches on ar-15's. if you use brass, get a couple extra. the small ones tend to bend.

[Pvt. Cowboy]

Dishwasher-sized cardboard box to assemble it in.

Helps capture the inevitable flying detent pins from being lost forever.

[atto]

Dishwasher-sized cardboard box to assemble it in.

Helps capture the inevitable flying detent pins from being lost forever.

Ha, I already have a giant turkey-sized plastic bag ready!

[Big D]

I like to do some parts of the assembly on a soft towel on my garage floor. Specifically driving the pins. My workbench is bolted to the wall and so it flexes under the blows of the hammer, absorbing the force and not allowing the pins to be driven through their holes. So I lay out a towel on the floor and the force drives right through the pin instead of into the bench.

Also a razor blade or some other thin piece of metal helps when installing the pivot pins

[Capt. Speirs]

Never ever, ever use a steel hammer on a steel punch, I have seen them grenade and send shrapnel. Always wear eye protection. Brass hammer for steel punches, Brass or Steel hammer for brass punches. Brass is soft compared to steel and helps in not deforming what you are hitting or slip and hit. Always keep your punches in shape by grinding off the material that deforms over time. Use the correct punch for the correct pin. You should have Roll Pin punches and Roll Pin Starter punches, Cupped punches, Starter or Drift punches. Right tool for the right job, saves heartache later. I have seen too many times a customer will bring in their project ruined because they went cheap on tools. Trust me, I have been working with hand tools for over 30 years and have seen a lot of "Hack" jobs done by others not using the right tool or not knowing how to use the right tool. I know you are just putting a lower together, but you will want to do more later when you see how easy it is and how fun it is.

I'm trying to get a tool kit together and I want to buy the minimum amount of "one use" tools required.

So far, here is my list:

• Stock Wrench*
• Steel punch set (1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 5/32, 1/16)
• Hammer
• Locking pliers

*This is the only tool I'll have to order, the rest I can get locally.

Any other suggestions? Also, what is the difference between a brass punch set and a steel punch set (same with the hammers)?

[biglou]

+1 for the roll pin punches. Watch the assembly video on Brownell's or one of the many on line. That will give you a good idea of what you need.

[paintballergb]

+1 for the roll pin punches. Watch the assembly video on Brownell's or one of the many on line. That will give you a good idea of what you need.

+ another for the roll pin punch. I used a regular punch and mangled my roll pin. It still does it's job but it doesn't look pretty.