tools - Building AR 15 lower

[TimothyW]

I have a vice, punches for pins, vice blocks, and an armourer's tool. I have all the regular tools like screwdrivers, mallots etc. Any suggestions about additional tools needed to make the build go smoothly?

[milotrain]

There is a chance that you'll need to face the upper receiver so that you can get the fingers of the barrel nut to line up with the gas tube slot in the 35 to 80ftlbs window. Otherwise nothing I can think of. A go-nogo gauge for headspacing might be nice but you are likely fine if it's a new bolt.

[TimothyW]

I bought a completed upper so I shouldn't need to mess with the barrel nut or line up the gas tube slot. Just getting ready to build the lower.

[milotrain]

Oh. Well you can build the lower with a shoe. Ok you need a screwdriver or allen wrench for the pistol grip but other than that all you need is a shoe.

I would recommend one thing that diverges from most instructions on building of the lower. In regards to the bolt catch roll pin, guide it in first with needle nose pliers and try to seat it. Then turn the receiver on it's end so that the roll pin is vertical and hold a punch that is long enough to go above the rear of the receiver in your left hand while holding the receiver with the same left hand. Then tap the roll pin in with a light mallet via the punch. This keeps the hammer away from the receiver and it solidly supports the receiver. Taping it up and smacking it sideways is just asking for trouble.

[Solid Foundation]

Don't forget a piece of wood or something to support the ears when you're hammering in the roll pin for the trigger guard. Someone posted a heartbreaking picture of a broken ear a few weeks ago...

[OutlawStar]

I like to use a pair of needle nose vice grip pliers to get the roll pins into place, but then again I didn't have a vice. I did however have to use punches and a mallet to finish them off and seat them into the holes fully. Be sure and covered your lower in masking tape and vinyl electrical tape to prevent scratches. You can also cover your tool in electrical tape to prevent scratches as well.

A razor blade like those found in box cutters is useful for getting the detent pins to stay in while your put the take down pins and selector switch in.

[milotrain]

I went real slow and I used a small chunk of hardwood as a hammer. Didn't support the ears (although that is a good idea. Just don't go all hulk smash on it.

[Dr. Dimento]

For the trigger guard, just use a padded "C" clamp and press the pin in. On the bolt catch use a playing card under the pin and punch, taped to the receiver. It will protect it.

[edlacy]

For the trigger guard, just use a padded "C" clamp and press the pin in. On the bolt catch use a playing card under the pin and punch, taped to the receiver. It will protect it.

Very good idea.

[Dr. Dimento]

For the trigger guard pin, just use a padded "C" clamp and press the pin in. works quite well. On the bolt catch use a playing card taped to the lower under the pin and punch.

[sstephenson]

Tools? It's all ball bearings these days.

[LAL6]

I bought this set of roll pin starter punches and it helped me a lot. One of them broke on me, but I just sent brownells an email and they sent me a new one right away at no charge.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=781/Product/ROLL-PIN-HOLDERS

Once I get them started I use craftsman roll pin punches that I got at sears off the shelf.

I've also found that some roll pins are just a little too tight so I give 'em a squeeze with some linemans pliers and they go in a lot easier.

[jbush]

Lots of tape to protect the receiver. Vise grip, screw driver, punches, small hammer, razor blade or utility blade, block of wood or some hard surface to work on. Once you're past the trigger guard and bolt release roll pins the rest is all down hill. Use instructions and video to keep parts straight. Good video on AR15.com

[exp0zure]

I really like using the Irwin vise-grip, something like this really helped me save slipping and possible marring of the lower. That wrapped in some tape is great for the roll pins

http://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Industrial-4935351-6-Inch-GrooveLock/dp/B0030XMFJI

[TimothyW]

Hey, Thanks guys! This will be helpful when I get started. Sounds like I have most everything I need. I appreciate some of the tricks too. Nice to learn from someone elses experience.