Barebones tool kit for assembling AR-15

[LloydXmas250]

Put down electrical tape, a few layers to protect against scratching. Duck tape can leave some residue.

[Pvt. Cowboy]

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

That's pretty clever. Don't asphyxiate yourself.

[atto]

+ 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.

This... is what I don't want.

So what are the recommended sizes for roll pin punches? The ar15.com lower guide mentions 3/32", 1/8", 5/32" ... should I get those and roll pin starter punches (also in those sizes)?

I jumped the gun yesterday and bought regular steel punches, I'll be returning them today and buying some parts for my homemade brass tumbler

[blackberg]

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

yup, my first one I just used those 2 and some needle nose pliers and that was it
-bb

[ar15barrels]

If you were really determined, you could build a complete AR with nothing more than a pair of channellocks.
I wouldn't recommend it as it won't be pretty, but you can do it.

[djm315]

all i use is a pair of visegrips with the jaws wrapped in tape for the roll pins and a hammer and punch for the castle nut , stake the nut with a spring loaded center punch .

[paintballergb]

This... is what I don't want.

So what are the recommended sizes for roll pin punches? The ar15.com lower guide mentions 3/32", 1/8", 5/32" ... should I get those and roll pin starter punches (also in those sizes)?

I jumped the gun yesterday and bought regular steel punches, I'll be returning them today and buying some parts for my homemade brass tumbler

I bought this set and it's worked for me so far.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=191653

Websites like midway, brownells, etc. will probably be better bets to have roll pin punches. I could never find roll pin punches at lowes or home depot.

[B yond]

I used a strap wrench instead of a stock wrench. Worked fine.

[Federalist]

I used a pair of channel locks, tape, a hammer and a hex key for the pistol grip. Not a single scratch or ding on the receiver. it was easy, worked great and didn't cost anything since I already had all of them. In some ways it is easier than using punches.

[Scott Connors]

Check this out:

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463

[slappomatt]

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)?

This is all you really need. get a small hammer. I use a nice 4oz Vaughn. if you add a upper receiver clamshell vice insert and a AR wrench for a total of about $100 including everything you could build your own complete rifle from parts. The clamshell isn't a must have as you can use wood/plastic jaws in the vice but it sure makes it nice.

[BigDave]

I put the LPK on my lower earlier today. All i needed was a small hammer, a screwdriver, channel locks, needle nose pliers and some electrical tape to protect from scratches. BTW this was the first lower i have ever put together and it took an hour.

[ar15barrels]

I used a strap wrench instead of a stock wrench. Worked fine.

For a little while.
There's no substitute for proper tools though.
Your stock WILL eventually work loose.

[destro360]

For a little while.
There's no substitute for proper tools though.
Your stock WILL eventually work loose.

OFTEN TIMES "THE RIGHT TOOL" is not the tool you buy at wal mart that claims its specifically made for "x" different tools give different desired effects and relate to the builder in different ways.

now that i think of it i would like to make a tutorial on lower assembly with only a stone and a butter knife